Avondale ladies create history by winning their first CWSSL senior title

History was made recently when Avondale Ladies soccer team came from two goals down in the final game of the season against Springfield to claim the CWSSL Junior Ladies Division 2 league title.

Avondale came into the game three points ahead of second placed Springfield Ramblers, knowing that just a point would hand them the Division 2 league title, but they made hard work of their win as they found themselves 2-0 down after the first 45 minutes.

They managed to pull one back early in the second half when Cara Lydon fired the ball over the Springfield keeper. 

Near the 80th minute mark they found the equaliser when Mia Mulconry converted from the penalty spot. 

Lydon added her second late in the game which resulted in Avondale lifting the title for the very first time. 

It was a massive achievement for the players and management in capturing the title in their first season fielding a ladies team.

Manager Mark Riordan was full of praise for his team who he believes achieved more than he could have imagined.

“It’s a historic moment for our club as the girls lifted a league title for the very first time,” said Riordan.

“It was an amazing achievement in our first year as a senior team and while we knew the girls were a good team, we never expected this. 

"It means a lot to the coaches involved and from way back starting the girls in Avondale, the committee really got behind us which was always very much appreciated.” 

When asked what his expectations were at the beginning of the season with his very young side, Riordan was quick to point that success wasn’t a goal but more so giving the girls a platform to play further after underage football was the most important factor.

“We never gave ourselves any goals but we just wanted to be competitive and keep girls interested as we were aware they are very young so silverware certainly wasn’t on our radar. 

"Four girls had moved on from U19 last year and wanted to keep playing so we were really delighted with that and once they wanted to play we were delighted to start the senior team which is a huge milestone in the club.

“The season was amazing. A lot of the games were very close with just one goal being the difference. 

"As we got to the latter stage of the season Everton and Leeside gave us fabulous matches where we drew. 

"Although we were unbeaten for the season Springfield ran us all the way who we played on the last day of the season. 

"We were 2-0 down at half time but came back to win it 3-2 in a fantastic match with tremendous football being played by both teams thankfully we came out on the right side.

“The football that was played throughout the season was amazing for me to watch. 

"To see the girls that had progressed through the club from the school girls section as young as 10, and to see them mature in a way that they were now encouraging each other was a real highlight for me. 

"Obviously, winning the league and seeing the delight on their faces for putting in such hard work and dedication was a massive bonus and what a way to end of first season in the women's league.

"A huge thanks to all the coaches throughout the year John, Derek, Fran and the support we got from Avondale committee throughout the year and for what they do for the club is always appreciated.

“The majority of the team are after coming through the under age so it was great to see them transition all the way to senior with Avondale. 

"The average age is about 18 and they are a very fit team which I think stood to us in a lot of the games.

“We are now looking forward to facing another challenge and that is to compete in the first division next season. 

"Again, we would not be under any illusion and we know the task task ahead. 

"Again we will just hope the girls can be competitive, that they enjoy it and hopefully this years title win will give them the confidence to push on another level.

Avondale Squad: Lucy O'Sullivan, Princess Osaro, Chloe Riordan, Ellen Chambers, Daisy Allen, Ellie McDaid, Sarah Mahony, Ellie Smyth (Captain), Andrea Toye, Elizabeth Murphy, Jane Fehily, Emma Buckley, Ciara Buckley, Lola Curham, Mia Mulconry, Lucy Moore, Roisin O'Mahony Elle O' Donovan, Roisin Quirke, Fiona Quirke, Helen McCarthy, Cara Lydon, Giorgia Squillaciotti, Rhian Loyd-Evans, Eva Butler, Camilla Bastida, Elisa Escalza.