All-Ireland joy for super Swans side

U14 SFAI Subway National Trophy Final: RFA SWANS 2 - 0 Carrigaline United Soccer Club

Evergreen FC, Kilkenny, hosted two fantastic teams in some glorious sunshine on Saturday for what proved to be the battle of all battles. The quality of the grounds were matched also by the hospitality of all those in Evergreen FC and the atmosphere was one of welcome and sportsmanship from the outset. We sincerely thank our hosts for a brilliant day.

Swans' ultras descended en masse and a sea of black and white provided a backdrop of support that these girls deserved, as they have brought our small club on one incredible journey. Our U12 squad was among the ultras who looked on with delight, as their fellow club women inspired them to believe. These occasions always offer a little pomp and ceremony and proud parents and supporters beamed as they heard our National Anthem playing out for these two cracking teams, who both overcame many great sides to make it to the final.

As the whistle was blown, we could see nerves all round, with the Cork side settling the quickest and had the upper hand for the majority of the first half, without creating many clear cut chances. Captain Caoimhe lead her squad from midfield with her usual steely presence, but it was probably our goalkeeper Elsa who settled her team, with her calm dominance between the posts. She was not alone however, as Kaila, Moya, Suzi and Alice also proved too much for Carrigaline's forwards.

The battle for possession was a hard slog and Laurie, Orla, Ava, and Keela worked tirelessly to apply pressure to Carrigaline, and a number of chances were created from their efforts. Aisling and Isabelle's work rate was also intense but the hard fought goal evaded our girls and half-time saw both sides level at nil-all.

Changes from the bench saw a number of younger players bring fresh legs and Emily, Aoibhín, Rachel, Ella and Elizabeth each added something special to the team's performance.

The Swans roared into the game upon the restart, winning the majority of the 50:50 challenges and upping the tempo. Just two minutes into the second half they got their reward, when a beautiful right footed strike from Elizabeth from the edge of the box flew into the far top corner. The celebrations that followed both on the pitch and the massive support on the line will live long in the memory.

Carrigaline pushed hard for an equaliser, but the Swans were in their stride now, soaking up any pressure, keeping their shape and playing with more composure on the ball. The deserved second goal arrived with 15 minutes left on the clock. Following a ball out of defence by Alice, Ava battled hard to secure possession before dribbling past two defenders and then unselfishly squaring the ball to the on running Laurie who took the ball in her stride on the edge of the box before shooting back across goal into the bottom corner.

Carrigaline, to their credit, kept going to the end and had a great opportunity to pull one back with two minutes left on the clock. However, Elsa flew off her line, to narrow the angle, forcing the Carrigaline striker's shot off target and sealing her well deserved Player of the Match award.

The final whistle blew shortly afterwards and the wild celebrations, led by Captain Caoimhe, started.

It was a historic day for the Club and all 18 players. Amaia, who is recovering from injury was there with her teammates to raise the Cup. John and Martin, the girls' coaches will also make the history books, as their dedication to this team over the last few years has been outstanding.

Congratulations to Carrigaline United on a very good game, with commiserations on the outcome. We wish them every success in their remaining games of the season including the latter stages of the Cup competition in Cork. Thanks to SFAI and Subway for providing this incredible stage for girls to play football and to all the match day officials for a great game. Much thanks also to our friends in Abbeyleix Juvenile Soccer Club for looking after us so well en route to Kilkenny. The Swans can celebrate as champions.