Longford compete well in Gaynor Cup U-14 Girls Soccer Tournament

Now firmly established alongside the Kennedy Cup,  the Gaynor Cup took place in Limerick last week, Monday 2nd June to Friday 6th. This year 27 Leagues were taking part with newcomers Derry being the third League from Northern Ireland to join.

Longford have been taking part for a number of years, however since the SFAI have taken over the running of Girls football and given the Gaynor the same status as the Kennedy Cup it has really upped the ante. 

This year's Longford  group have been together since 2023, taking part in Inter League tournaments at U12 and U13 along the way. Naturally some players have dropped out but most of the Girls on board the bus to Limerick have been there from the start.

‘It was very busy on arrival with loads of Leagues checking into their accommodation, checking in with SFAI officials and trying to get themselves sorted. Longford didn't have these problems as Head of Delegation Kris Richardson and his son Kyle travelled down on Sunday and had everything in order when our bus arrived.

‘Limerick University continues to impress with new buildings every year and modern sports facilities plus a warm and friendly atmosphere.

‘The squad once settled enjoyed lunch and a stroll around the campus before heading back to our houses to prepare for our opening match.

‘We are based in Kilmurray village which is an advantage as the players can watch the other games or stroll to the shops and swimming pool. Longford have been drawn in Group 2 with Galway, Limerick Desmond and Limerick District.

‘Our opening game is against Desmond at 4pm on. As usual most teams will play 2 games on Tuesday we start at 10am against Limerick District and at 4pm we play Galway. We will then have a quarter final on Wednesday. Our opponents in this game will depend on the final placings in the group.

Manager Mickey Nevin has cast his net far and wide as this year’s the squad is made up of players from eleven Clubs. There was a great sense of anticipation and excitement as the squad assembled at Abbeycartron. Whatever about the on field activities, friendships that last a lifetime will be made.

‘The banter on the bus was mighty as it made its way to the Treaty city. The Girls certainly looked the part in their new gear. On arrival the Girls were in awe of the surrounds.

‘By 4pm the weather had taken a turn for the worst and there was a very strong wind blowing. Limerick Desmonds had first use of the breeze and attacked from the start. Keeper Saoirse Brown made some top class saves keeping Longford in the game. Megan Harrington and Riona Nuolf worked hard while Sarah Connolly and Sophie Coyle cleared their lines on more than one occasion. Longford tried to get into the game with Paulina Degas holding up the ball Sophie McKeon had a half chance. 

‘But Longford's best chance came from a couple of well directed Sarah Connolly free kicks that had the Desmonds defence in trouble. Leah Waters and Willow Parker chased everything. At half-time it was scoreless. 

‘On the changeover with the wind Longford looked more assured Lucy Mallon and Paulina Degas pushed forward Leah Waters was getting more time on the ball. After ten minutes Longford were awarded a free kick well outside the box and up stepped Sarah Connolly to score a fantastic goal.

 ‘Longford now had the upper hand and Waters was excellent, Jessica Kearns and Saoirse Feeney gave her great support. While Longford had a few anxious moments they held on to record an excellent win and get their tournament off to a winning start.

‘An early start on Tuesday with a 10am kick off against Limerick District. The squad were in great form after their win over Desmonds and it showed in the opening stages as they carried the game to the opposition. 

‘Aimee O’Neill, Jessica Shields and Leah Waters were sharp and worked the District defence. Paulina Degas and Sophie McKeon won a lot of ball in midfield, while at the back keeper Brown was quick off her line and Sarah Connolly marshalled the defence.

However District took the lead following a corner and Longford had to withstand a lot of pressure but were still in the game as the clock ticked down but District doubled their lead with five minutes to go. Longford peppered the District goal in the remaining minutes but could not find the breakthrough. 

‘As usual a big crowd had gathered for the afternoon games with Galway v Longford on pitch 5. Taylor O’Grady got her first start and didn't disappoint with some clever runs Faye Hogan and Aine Brady came in and performed with credit. Sophie Coyle got in a couple of important tackles as Galway looked to get a foothold. 

‘The UCL pair Megan Harrington and Jessica Shields impressed at both ends of the pitch, Aimee Treacy also caught the eye. It was deadlock all the way but with 5 minutes to go Galway made the breakthrough to go one up. 

‘Our goose looked cooked but in the 58th minute Leah Waters scored the equaliser to send the Longford contingent wild with delight. So after 3 group games we have 4 points and finish third and await the draw later this evening to see who we play next.

‘In the quarter-final draw we came out against North Tipperary. Again the weather had a big bearing on the outcome with rain and wind a feature of the day. Longford played well and created openings with Taylor O’Grady leading by example. 

‘Others to catch the eye were Keeper Ella Crinnigan, Lucy Mallon, Leah Brady and Riona Nuolf. Despite having their moments Longford could now break down a solid North Tipperary defence and so bow out on a 1-0 scoreline We will now play 2 games tomorrow for placings.

‘On Thursday afternoon we faced Carlow with some tired legs after a busy few days, our squad depth really shone through as Longford dominated for long spells of an entertaining game. Saoirse Feeney, Jessica Kearns, and Faye Hogan were to the fore as Longford won 3 -1. Leah Waters scored twice with Taylor O’Grady also on target. 

‘Our final game was fixed for noon on Friday and we faced Kilkenny. After a tough week it was a big ask for both teams to perform again. But they served up a cracking contest with a Leah Waters goal putting Longford in front but a late goal for Kilkenny levelled it up. 

‘We played 6, won 2, drew 2 and lost 2. Well done to all concerned The bus for the journey home is waiting for us and the curtain falls on Gaynor Cup 2025. Thanks for the memories Girls.’

The League would like to thank manager Michael Nevin, his coaches and back room staff and all who contributed to make the week a wonderful experience for the Girls. The Girls are a credit to their families, clubs and county, and they had a wonderful time from playing football, swimming, going to the cinema, mixing with Girls from other Leagues.

Longford Squad: Saoirse Brown, Sophie Coyle (Killoe Celtic), Faye Hogan, Saoirse Feeney (Ballyboro), Lucy Mallon, Leah Brady (Gaels United), Taylor O’Grady, Aimee O Neill (Inny), Aimee Treacy, Jessica Kearns (Kenagh United), Riona Nuolf, Megan Harrington, Jessica Shields and Aine Brady (UCL Harps), Leah Waters, Sophie McKeon (Newtown), Sarah Connolly (Melview), Willow Parker (Mostrim), Paulina Degas (Ballymahon), Ella Crinnigan (Abbey Rovers).