Bohemians FC Waterford clinches FAI Women's Under 17 Cup with 3-2 victory

Bohemians FC Waterford narrowly secured the FAI Women's Under 17 Cup with a 3-2 triumph over Killarney Celtic.

Emily O'Reilly set the tone early for Bohemians, recording the first goal of the match. Sarah Abullo soon followed suit, adding a second for the team.

Killarney’s response came in the form of a stellar goal by Meave Courtney, narrowing the gap.

The pendulum seemed to swing Bohemians' way once again when Keira Burke found the net, giving them a two-goal buffer.

However, the tension escalated as Katie Doe scored in the final minutes. Despite the pressure, Bohemians managed to retain their lead to the final whistle.

Both teams exhibited early pressure, with Bohemians pressing hard and forcing multiple corner attempts.

Among the early chances, Holly Butler's shot was deflected wide and Sarah Abullo narrowly missed Kiera Burke's lengthy pass into Killarney's defensive area, which was intercepted by Emily O'Reilly.

While Elle Mai Nugent set up Ava O'Malley and Aideen O'Brien with potential scoring chances for Killarney, Bohemians' Grace Geraghty showcased her defensive skills, intercepting the ball promptly.

Fiabh Costin of Bohemians had a close shot with a free-kick that nearly broke the deadlock.

The game's first significant break came when Emily O'Reilly took a chance on a distant shot, sending the ball over O'Connor, and giving Bohemians' the lead.

O'Reilly seemed poised for another score in the second half, but her attempt was rebuffed.

Sarah Abullo then managed to double Bohemians' advantage with a swift maneuver past O'Connor.

Meave Courtney then scored a magnificent goal for Killarney from outside the penalty zone. Killarney's Grainne Kennedy had another close attempt from a corner but missed by a whisker.

As the match approached its climax, Katie Foster of Killarney missed an almost game-levelling shot, which was followed by Keira Burke's decisive goal for Bohemians.

Katie Doe produced a masterful free kick, adding another for Killarney, bringing the gap to just one goal for the remaining minutes.

With both teams battling to the very end, the final whistle saw the cup journeying to Waterford.

Bohemians FC Waterford: Grace Geraghty, Ava Pello Whelan, Emma Ryan, Elle Kavanagh, Libby Power, Holly Butler (Ellis McHugh 46), Emily O'Reilly (Ellen Meaney 62), Fiabh Costin (Nicole McCarthy 55), Keira Burke, Tam Roche, Sarah Abullo.

Subs not used: Aisling Colbert (GK), Eimear O'Brien, Sarah Searson.

Killarney Celtic: Lucy O'Connor, Emma O'Brien, Amber MacIndoe (Kate Forde 64), Grainne Kennedy, Clodagh Moriarty, Lucy O'Sullivan, Katie Foster, Katie Doe, Ava O'Malley (Lauren Neff 90), Aideen O'Brien, Ellie Mai Nugent (Maeve Courtney 59).

Subs not used: Abbie Finnan, Niamh Cantillon, Aoibhin Kelly.  

Player of the Match: Sarah Abullo (Bohemians FC Waterford)

Referee: Mark O'Connell