Six Cork schoolgirls soccer clubs still in the mix for national silverware

Cork soccer has plenty to celebrate following the release of the draws for the FAI National Cup and National Trophy Girls last 16, with six clubs from the Rebel County still flying the flag on the national stage. 

St Mary’s, Carrigaline, Lakewood Athletic, Wilton United, Ringmahon and Midleton will all compete across the U12 to U16 age groups, underlining the continued strength and depth of the girls’ game in the county.

Adding further cause for celebration, Midleton have achieved the rare feat of remaining in contention in two age groups, competing in both the U12 and U16 National Cup competitions.

Reaching the last 16 at national level is an achievement in itself, but with the quarter-finals now firmly in sight, confidence is high among all Cork camps despite the reality that there are no easy ties at this stage of the competition. Each fixture promises to be a stern examination, yet Cork teams travel with belief, momentum and ambition.

Midleton’s U12 side have been handed a home tie against Kilnamanagh in the National Cup, a fixture that is sure to attract plenty of attention. Playing at home at this stage of the competition is always a boost, and Midleton will be hoping to make full use of familiar surroundings. 

Kilnamanagh, home club of Katie McCabe, traditionally strong at underage level, will pose a significant challenge, but Midleton’s ability to combine technical quality with high energy has already seen them progress deep into the competition. The club’s commitment to player development continues to bear fruit, and expectations are high that this young squad can rise to the occasion.

RESILIENCE

Ringmahon, meanwhile, face Evergreen in what promises to be a fiercely competitive encounter. Evergreen’s reputation as a disciplined and well-organised outfit is well known, but Ringmahon have shown resilience and character throughout their campaign. Their journey to the last 16 has been built on teamwork and tactical awareness, and they will take confidence from knowing they have matched up well against strong opposition already. 

A place in the quarter-finals is very much within reach if they can produce another composed performance in particular from players such as Belle Higgins, Kaylee Swords, Lexi O’Donovan and Regan Heffernan.

At U14 level, St Mary’s face a difficult away assignment as they travel to Temple Villa in the National Cup. Away ties are rarely straightforward, particularly against clubs with a proud history in the girls’ game, but St Mary’s will relish the challenge. The Northside club have quality players in particular Cork representative Faye McCarthy who will relish the big occasion.

QUALITY

Lakewood Athletic are also on the road, with their U14 side set to face either New Castle West Town or Ennis Town. While the final opponent is yet to be confirmed, Lakewood know that whichever team emerges will provide a tough test. Preparation will be key, but belief within the camp remains strong with quality players such as Emily Donovan, Aoibhinn Fitzgerald, Alice Kelly, Caoimhe McCarthy and Lizzie Kelliher to name a few.

Midleton’s second representative side, competing at U16 level, face an away trip to Leixlip. This fixture brings another demanding challenge, but it also highlights the depth of talent within the Midleton club. Competing in two National Cup competitions at the last-16 stage is a testament to the coaching structures and pathways in place. 

The U16 squad will look to draw on their experience and physicality to navigate a tricky away environment. 

Sofia Rice, Sophie Murphy Shanahan, Sara Cahill and Bronogh Thomas will all play key roles in this tie.

Completing Cork’s impressive representation, Carrigaline travel west to face Knocknacarra. This encounter is expected to be closely contested, with both teams known for their work rate and commitment. Carrigaline’s progression to this stage has been built on consistency and team spirit, and they will approach the tie with confidence that they can overcome another significant hurdle.

In the trophy competition Wilton will face Killeshin, Carrigaline face either Killenaule, Kilkenny or Navan Town while Lakewood travel to Birr, and again all difficult ties but confidence is strong among all Cork sides.

While the margins at this stage are inevitably fine, the presence of six Cork clubs in the last 16 across multiple age groups speaks volumes about the health of girls’ football in the county.

With quarter-final places on the line, all Cork teams will head into their respective ties believing that they can take the next step. The challenges are real, but so too is the confidence that Cork football can continue to make its mark on the national stage.