Second-half rally just falls short for gallant Athlone CC in final

Athlone Community College 1, Presentation College, Athenry 2

A brave performance by Athlone Community College came up just short in the FAIS Junior Cup final today in the Athlone Town Stadium.

The U17 team, managed by Edel Menton, found themselves with a mountain to climb at half time this morning, when 2-0 down to a strong Presentation College, Athenry, side

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Athlone were reliant on keeper Ella Naughton midway through the first half, when she produced a fine save to thwart the Galway side.

However, on 28 minutes, Millie Noone put the winners in front and deep in first half stoppage time a crucial second came through an Abbie Duffy free kick.

Athlone CC are made of stern stuff though and rallied in an exciting second half.

Ciara Walsh gave them renewed hope midway through the second half with a fine low drive to the net.

And cheered on by a huge Athlone contingent in the crowd, the Athlone side exerted serious pressure with Caoilfhinn Brett almost finding an equaliser.

It was not to be though for Athlone CC, who, however, can look back at a tremendous year on the soccer pitches with both the Junior and Senior sides winning in Leinster and falling at the final hurdle in the All-Ireland deciders.

Athlone Community College (starting team): Naughton, Holohan, A Walsh, O'Brien, Minnock, C. Walsh, Keenan, Nugent, Donegan, Brett and Gavin.