Four Leitrim players star in Sligo Leitrim Gaynor Cup success

Manorhamilton Rangers' Nessa Fox pictured with Carrick Town's Katie O'Brien, Caragh Guckian and Mona Lowe after the four Leitrim players starred for Sligo Leitrim in their historic Gaynor Cup win last weekend at the University of Limerick. 

Four Leitrim players were members of the Sligo Leitrim squad who won the Gaynor Cup in Limerick last weekend. 

After wins over Clare 1-0, Kerry 2-0, and Inishowen 2-1, Sligo Leitrim advanced straight to the semi-finals where they beat the Midlands League on penalties with Katie O'Brien, Mona Lowe and Nessa Fox all  converting their penalties.

This victory set them up for a Final against a formidable South Belfast team, which had overpowered Dublin District League with a 4-0 win in their semi-final. Aware of South Belfast's impressive 15 goals in five games, Sligo Leitrim implemented a defensive strategy, sitting deep with only their captain and Irish National Academy member Ava Hallinan cutting a lonely figure up front.

The first half was a defensive battle as the Belfast team launched continuous attacks against a solid Sligo Leitrim defence marshalled by Mona Lowe at Centre Back and Caragh Guckian (the winning goal scorer and player of the match at Left Back), alongside Aoibhin Doherty and Ellen Sweeney, forming a tight back line that were instrumental in limiting goalkeeper Ivana McMahon's involvement. 

In midfield, Katie O'Brien, Nessa Fox, and Katie Hession worked relentlessly to disrupt Belfast's play. On the wings, Hope O'Brien and Mae Fenton stretched the Belfast defence, with Blainaid Kilroy and Emily Dunne replacing the wingers O'Brien and Fenton, providing much needed fresh legs as both teams tired.

With the match tied 0-0 at full time, it proceeded to extra time. The advantage of Sligo Leitrim's Quarter Final bye became apparent as they began to dominate the fatigued South Belfast side. Ava Hallinan hit the crossbar with a powerful strike, and Katie O'Brien's header narrowly missed skimming over the crossbar. 

However, with five minutes remaining, Caragh Guckian seized a loose ball in the Belfast box and scored from a superb Hallinan corner. The game ended 1-0 to Sligo Leitrim, sparking joyous celebrations as the Gaynor Cup headed to the north west.