Avondale finally get the win they wanted - beating Fermoy in the CWSSL U14 Bowl Final

The Avondale U14 CWSSL side finally got their hands on silverware at the third time of asking as Tomas O’Riordan’s side captured the U14 Bowl title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Fermoy at St Colman’s Park in Cobh on Sunday.

After the heartbreak of losing two previous bowl finals by the same narrow margin, this triumph was met with huge celebrations from players, coaches, and supporters alike, making it a night that will live long in the memory for everyone connected with the club.

The final itself was a tense and competitive affair between two evenly matched sides. 

Avondale struck the decisive blow midway through the first half when Elena O’Riordan found the net directly from a corner between. 

It proved to be the only goal of the game, but it was enough to finally see Avondale get over the line against a very strong Fermoy outfit, who pushed them all the way to the final whistle.

Avondale showed great composure and resilience throughout, defending stoutly and working tirelessly as a unit to protect their slender lead. Player of the Match honours went to Avondale’s number 10, Maia Lolonga, whose creativity, work rate and calmness on the ball stood out on the big occasion. 

It was a particularly special moment for Lolonga, who also received the same award in defeat when Avondale lost the U12 Bowl final to Douglas Hall back in 2023.

For this group of players, the victory was the culmination of a long journey and a powerful lesson in perseverance. 

This was their third consecutive bowl final, having reached the decider at U12 in 2023 and U13 in 2024. 

On both occasions they suffered agonising 1–0 defeats, losing to Douglas Hall and Macroom respectively. 

To finally lift the trophy at U14 level, and to do so against such strong opposition, made the success all the sweeter.

Speaking after the game, head coach Tomas O’Riordan paid tribute to the character of his squad.

“This is the third bowl final in a row for this group, having reached the final in 2023 at U12 and in 2024 at U13. 

"We lost both games 1–0, against Douglas Hall and Macroom respectively, so to win against a really good Fermoy side was extra special and testifies to the character of the girls who kept wanting to come back and get over the line,” he said.

The occasion itself added greatly to the sense of achievement. 

Playing a final in St Colman’s Park, mostly under lights, created a memorable atmosphere for all involved. 

"It’s a great credit to the CWSSL to have the final of the bowl competition in St Colman’s Park – it makes the day out extra special for the girls, coaches and parents to have the final over the Christmas season in such great facilities, with the game mostly played under lights adding to the fantastic atmosphere,” O’Riordan added.

Avondale’s path to the final was anything but easy. They began their campaign with a tight 2–1 win over Lakewood Rangers in Casement Park before travelling to Inishvilla, where they secured a 2–0 quarter-final victory. 

Back in Casement Park for the semi-final, they overcame Everton to book their place in the showpiece final against Fermoy.

The squad is made up entirely of 2012-born players competing in U14 Division 3, and they are also enjoying a strong league campaign, sitting on 18 points from seven games, with their only defeat coming away to Watergrasshill. 

Fermoy, who share the same division, are scheduled to meet Avondale three times in the league this season, though their first meeting was postponed due to recent poor weather.

O’Riordan has been coaching girls’ teams with Avondale for around eight years and has worked with this particular group alongside Aidan Murphy and Brendan Quinn since they first came together in the Avondale Girls Academy about six years ago.

“We have been coaching them since they came together firstly in blitzes and then on to 9 v 9 league games at U12 and then on to full sized games at U13. 

"This is the first trophy we have won having made two previous bowl finals.” 

He finished by praising his players’ attitude and togetherness.

“The girls are a terrific bunch with a super attitude to both improving their skills and working hard. They get on great with each other and they can look forward to an exciting few years playing football.” 

For Avondale U14s, this long-awaited silverware may well be just the beginning.