Women Make Club History

CASTLEBAR Celtic booked their place in the FAI Umbro Senior Women’s Cup final for the first time by overcoming a spirited Wexford Youths 2-0 at FerrycarrigPark, Wexford, on Sunday. Two second half goals by Shaunagh Jackson and Deirdre Doherty ensured the Hoops of a merited victory for new boss Adrian Carberry and his charges. In blustery conditions, both teams quickly settled into a game played at frantic pace. Wexford dominated possession in the first half as Celtic struggled to gain a foothold in midfield. However, it was the Westerners who looked more dangerous, particularly on the break, with the front trio of Rachel Kearns, Sara Mc-Geough and Shaunagh Jackson threatening to break the deadlock. The Celtic rearguard marshalled the Wexford attack brilliantly for the 90 minutes, particularly full backs Yvonne Hedigan, playing in an unfamiliar role, and Nicole Fowley. When the home side did get past the visitors defence, they found goalkeeper Caoimhe O’Reilly in superb form. The teams went in level at half time with everything to play for. Celtic came out in the second half determined to earn a second cup final appearance in six months. The Mayo midfield began to show their class as Rachel King started to break up Wexford attacks and feed the ball to Deirdre Doherty and Captain Emma Hansberry. Celtic’s pace in attack was now causing the Wexford backline real problems and the pressure told when Shaunagh Jackson followed up Rachel Kearns’ parried strike to give the Hoops a slender lead with 20 minutes to play. Wexford now had to push for an equaliser, which left gaps in their defence. Celtic didn’t rest on their laurels and sealed their place in the November 10 decider from a set piece. Emma Hansberry delivered a brilliant free kick into the Wexford area and Deirdre Doherty appeared to get the telling touch to bring her tally to three goals in two cup games. The Mayo side held out for the final five minutes, with centre half pairing Kim Flood and Aisling Egan quelling any Wexford attacks. Celtic will now play Raheny United, who overcame DLR Waves 5-1 in their penultimate round clash. Castlebar Celtic : Caoimhe O’ Reilly, Yvonne Hedigan, Kim Flood, Aisling Egan, Nicole Fowley, Rachel King, Shaunagh Jackson, Deirdre Doherty, Sara McGeough, Emma Hansberry, Rachel Kearns. Subs used: Patricia Coyle (for Kearns), Niamh Kerins (for McGeough), Hayley Dierks (for Jackson), Maz Sweeney (not used).