Joy for Kilnamanagh U11 girls

THERE were wild celebrations at the AUL Complex at the weekend when Kilnamanagh secured the DDSL U11 girls League Cup title.

The Tallaght side turned on the style as they brushed aside the challenge of Shelbourne 7-2 to secure the team’s first ever trophy.

Kilnamanagh were 3-1 up at the break with Taylor O’Neill netting the first and third goal while Abbie Halpin netted the second goal.

Indeed O’Neill’s second goal just on the stroke of half time was crucial as it swung the contest in Kilnamanagh’s favour.

However, the hero of the hour was Abbie Halpin who went on to net five goals in total to torment the Shelbourne defence throughout.

“It was a brilliant result for the team and the club,” Kilnamanagh manager Tony Halpin told The Echo.

Kilnamanagh brushed aside Shelbourne 7-2 in the u11 girls league cup title

“We have three teams at this level such is the growth of girl’s football at the club and all players travelled on the coach with the team to the match.

“It was a brilliant day for all the girls’ and we had great support from all the families.

“It’s also a big boost for the club and the area”. One person on the bus with the girls was young Grace Donegan who is a member of the club.

Grace, suffered a sudden brain bleed in January and remained in Temple Street Children’s Hospital up to recently.

She was practicing with her gymnastics club on January 30 last when she suddenly collapsed and was transported to hospital.

However, Grace along with team captain Jada O’Connor and players went up to lift the cup to the delight of the travelling support.

Sophie Kenna, following in the footsteps of her dad Conor who played in the League of Ireland, was superb at centre half as was Taylor and Rose Kavanagh who was solid when introduced in the second half.