Pres Athenry to represent country at schools' soccer tournament
Galway Girls heading to England for prestigious Rod Houston Cup tournament
Presentation College Athenry will represent the Republic of Ireland and FAI Schools next week in the three-day SAFIB Rod Houston Cup in Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire in England, which kicks off on Monday September 14.
It will be a record third appearance at the finals for the school, and they will be going for a second title, having won the tournament in 2023. That was their second appearance, having finished third the previous year.
Athenry represent the country having won last season’s FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup title last May in an exciting five goal thriller, defeating St Mary’s High School from Midleton 3-2 at Jackman Park in Limerick.
Joe Finnerty’s crew will relish next week’s challenge as they compete against Welsh schools Ysgol Glan Clwyd and last year's runners-up, Stanwell School, as well as Our Lady Catholic High School from Preston in England, who will be making their debut at the tournament.
The Republic of Ireland have a good record in this tournament since its inception 10 years ago, winning four out of the eight titles with Presentation Secondary School from Kilkenny winning in 2017 and Donegal's Carndonagh Community School claiming the title two years later; while Salerno Secondary School from Salthill in Galway City were the winners two years ago with a phenomenal display netting 27 goals in three games, and conceding just two.
They defeated Caerleon in the opening match with a comprehensive 11-0 scoreline which was followed up by a 14-1 victory over Northern Ireland newcomers Kilkeel High School of Down. The last outing was much more competitive with the Galway students 2-1 victors against Shenfield High School, Essex.
That saw the title stay in Ireland after Pres Athenry claimed top spot in 2023 with a 2-0 win over Welsh side Caerleon Comprehensive School on the opening day. They followed this up with a slender 1-0 victory over South Hunsley High School from England and clinched gold with an all-Irish affair as they stuck two unanswered goals past third place finishers Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny.
Pres Athenry will open their tournament on Monday with a game against Stanwell School (5.15pm); and then face Ysgol Glan Clwyd on Tuesday (11.15am); before wrapping-up against Our Lady Catholic High School on Wednesday (10.30am).
The table toppers will be awarded the Rod Houston Cup following the final series of games as well as the Nigel Brown Trophy will be presented to the most improved/inspirational player.
Pres Athenry squad: Amelia Doherty, Cerys Johnston, Sophie Coen, Molly Moran, Abbie Cussen, Mia Lawless, Lucy McDonald, Clodagh Collins, Keelin Murtagh, Roisin Hannon, Roisin Sammon, Aoibhinn Burke, Laoise Larkin, Lillie May Forde, Ailbhe Brady, Kayla Poniard.
Management team: Joe Finnerty, Dom Coll, Áine Hynes.