Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 5:00pm

Athlone IT ladies win All-Ireland Intervarsity Shield

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ATHLONE IT ladies' soccer team took a huge step forward last weekend as they claimed the All-Ireland Intervarsity Shield at Turner's Cross in Cork.

This is the first trophy the Institute has ever won at this level, with Athlone defeating Sligo IT 2-1 in the final.

In the group games, AIT was firstly beaten on a 3-2 scoreline, with Catriona Dolan (2) and Charlotte Delaney getting the goals.

The eventual cup champions UL were also too strong in the second group game, but AIT was not shamed by a 3-0 result, as the UL team is littered with internationals.

The Shield semi-final was a very close affair and only penalties could separate AIT and the Cork Colleges of Further Education. Alisha Hunston saved two penalties to put the team into their first ever Intervarsity final. The final was a tough game against traditional superpowers IT Sligo. The Athlone women started slowly but grew in confidence as the game wore on.

They had to come from behind to claim this historic victory in the final. An unstoppable free-kick in the first half saw Sligo lead at half-time, despite AIT having the better chances. The second half was all about AIT and their desire to come from behind.

From the resumption, they played a better brand of possession football which resulted in the equaliser ten minutes into the second half.

Charlotte Delaney latched onto a Marian Murray pass before clinically finishing the ball into the bottom corner. Sligo had the chance to go ahead on 60 minutes but Alisha Hunston bravely prevented a certain goal. The final ten minutes of the game witnessed AIT in full attacking mode, forcing numerous corners and chances.

Finally, with two minutes remaining on the clock, Louise Igoe weighted a perfect pass through the Sligo defence. Sinead Taylor outpaced the defence and flicked the ball over the Sligo 'keeper for a brilliant finish.

Athlone IT Sport & Recreation Manager, Gordon Brett, said the victory was a huge step forward for ladies' soccer at Athlone IT. He said: "Maz Sweeney (AIT/FAI Soccer Facilitator) and Gerry Lennon worked hard with the team all season and richly deserve the success. Captain Aisling Egan and Alisha Hunston were both selected on the Intervarsity All-Star team as well, so it was a very productive weekend for the team. I'd like to congratulate the players on a very good achievement and we look forward to continuing to develop ladies' soccer at the institute."

Athlone IT: Elisha Hunston, Emma Curley, Nora Ward, Aisling Egan, Ashley Monus, Louise Igoe, Charlotte Delaney, Marian Murray, Catriona Dolan, Lisa Guinan, Sinead Taylor, Debbie Costello, Chloe Foy, Kelcey King, Marie Mannion, Mary Burns, Emer Casby, Orla Cawley.