Peamount United 4
Salthill Devon 2

Mike Rafferty

FOR an hour Salthill Devon’s ambitions of a first ever Umbro FAI Senior Women’s Cup title were alive but a stunning quick fire second half brace by Aine O’Gorman settled Sunday’s final at Tolka Park as the Dublin side ran out merited winners to clinch a first ever title for themselves.

The deadly Peamount striker, who was the outstanding candidate for Player of the Match, notched a hat trick as the Dublin side put the loss of two previous finals behind them and it was an outcome about which the Galway side can have no complaints.

They were dealt a cruel blow before the kickoff when Dora Gorman was ruled out of the decider following an ankle injury she received in Galway’s All Ireland Minor success the day before, and was replaced in central midfield by Tessa Mullins.

However while Devon took the lead on two occasions in the opening half, their advantage was always short lived as Peamount replied within minutes and with Ruth Comerford and Aine O’Gorman upfront the Dubliners always looked the more threatening side throughout.
For some reason the Salthill side that destroyed Aisling Anacotty, St Catherine’s and Kilmacrennan Celtic in the previous rounds never showed up, and while not lacking commitment or effort their overall contribution just lacked the cutting edge that they normally provide.

In contrast to Peamount who passed the ball all over the park, the Galwegians just could not find any rhythm as movements broke down very quickly and as a result their front two of Lucy Hannon and Kara Mullins were deprived of any sort of a decent service.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.