On a night that will live long in the memory, Colemanstown U12 Girls delivered when it mattered most, securing the league title with a dramatic and hard-fought victory over Kinvara United in a top-of-the-table clash on home turf yesterday evening.
With just three points separating the sides and two games remaining, the stakes were clear. Victory for Colemanstown would seal the title; defeat would swing momentum firmly towards Kinvara. What followed was a contest that matched the occasion — relentless, high-paced, and filled with tension from the first whistle to the last.
Colemanstown started on the front foot, pinning Kinvara back early and asserting control in the opposition half. The back line of Caoimhe Greene, Ciara Maybin, and Chloe Burke’s composure and determination at the back was vital, as she consistently broke up play with Emily Tuohy behind them, stood firm against Kinvara’s quick counterattacks, ensuring the early pressure was maintained.
The breakthrough came after ten minutes, and it was a goal worthy of the occasion. A sharp exchange between Lucy Burke Hardiman and Katelyn Mannion created space for Eve Corcoran, whose composed long-range finish found the net to ignite celebrations on the touchline.
Colemanstown continued to push. Elise Rohan was superbly skilful up against a strong physical Kinvara defence and Ella Kavanagh stretched the play with intelligent runs, while the introduction of Faye Ryan added further energy and link-up quality between midfield and attack. Rotations involving Méabh Lally, Sadie Devaney, and Grace Reddington ensured the tempo never dropped.
Yet Kinvara showed their quality. They responded with sustained pressure of their own, forcing a series of fine saves from Emily Tuohy who remained fierce calm & composed under pressure to keep Colemanstown’s advantage intact heading into the break.
The second half became a test of nerve. Kinvara started strongly, creating an early chance that signalled their intent. From there, the game evolved into an end-to-end battle, both teams fully aware of what the result would mean. Attacks were traded, momentum swung, and the intensity never dipped.
Chances came at both ends. Elise Rohan and Faye Ryan both saw excellent efforts denied by the Kinvara goalkeeper, while Colemanstown’s defensive unit continued to stand resolute under mounting pressure, where Realtín Saunders delivered an outstanding performance. She read the game superbly, cutting out dangerous attacks and making a series of crucial interventions that helped steady the side.
As the clock ticked down, time seemed to slow. Every tackle, every clearance, every pass carried weight. The few minutes of injury time felt stretched beyond measure, but when the final whistle finally arrived, it confirmed what the performance had deserved.
Colemanstown were champions.
For a group that had previously endured heartbreak in consecutive finals at Eamonn Deacy Park, this moment carried added significance. It was the culmination of months of commitment — training through all conditions, growing together as a team, and maintaining belief.
There is still one game remaining, and a presentation to come on May 3rd, but the significance of this night will endure. This was not just a win — it was a statement of character, resilience, and unity. Match Report: Neil Ryan
Squad: Chloe Burke, Lucy Burke Hardiman, Eve Corcoran, Sadie Devaney, Kayla Grealish, Caoimhe Greene, Erin Holmes, Ella Kavanagh, Méabh Lally, Katelyn Mannion, Ciara Maybin, Holly Melody, Grace Reddington, Elise Rohan, Faye Ryan, Réaltín Saunders, Emily Tuohy.