Holy Child Killiney 2
Newbridge College 0
An Alex Purcell-inspired Holy Child Killiney won their first Leinster schoolgirls Senior Cup final as they saw off fellow first-time finalists Newbridge College 2-0 at a sold out Belfield.
The midfielder fired home a perfect drag-flick in the second quarter and was at the heart of a strong performance throughout which was capped by Izzy Napier’s late clincher.
Throughout, the Dubliners had the edge but Newbridge caused plenty of worry in the closing stages with Ella Kelly and Isobel Collins forcing a big double save from Cathy Green in the last three minutes when the tie was poised at 1-0.
Early on, Holy Child raced out of the traps and spent long periods deep in Newbridge territory with Napier denied by Sophie Morrissey from the pick of them.
The Kildare school, meanwhile, was holding up well with Roisin Sexton a class act in defence while they got joy on the counter.
After Purcell’s opener, Newbridge were unable to net from a couple of penalty corners with Holy Child’s swarm defence working a treat.
Holy Child Killiney captain Alex Purcell celebrates the Leinster Senior Schoolgirl’s Cup Final victory with her team. Holy Child Killiney captain Alex Purcell celebrates scoring the opening goal of the Leinster Senior Schoolgirl’s Cup Final against Newbridge College at UCD today.
And so it remained with the minimum between the sides with Purcell looking the most likely to add to her tally. She did unleash a pair of fierce reverse-stick shots which whizzed inches over the bar while Ailbhe Brennan did brilliantly to clear another chance off the line when Newbridge coach Gary Ruddock withdrew his goalkeeper in favour of an extra outfielder.
That gamble almost worked out but for Green’s heroics and Holy Child were able to gleefully pick off their second goal in the final stages.
Holy Child Killiney kick off the celebrations after they secured the school’s first ever Leinster Schoolgirls Senior Cup Hockey title at a sold out Belfield.
Photo: JC Sports Photography
- Cadbury Supporter & A Half Campaign launches new FAI Cadbury ‘Kick Fit’ programme
- ‘I Beg Your Pardon: Rose Garden’ summer collection now available at Dunnes Stores
- Driving test delays are longest in South Dublin
- Dublin Port security provider is Outstanding Company again
- Dublin named tenth friendliest city to visit in Europe
