Carrigtwohill Community College women's soccer team create history with All-Ireland schools title

Carrigtwohill Community College have etched their names into schoolgirls’ soccer history after being crowned All-Ireland U17 champions following a remarkable campaign that began with their triumph in Munster.

The victory marks a hugely significant moment for the school’s sporting tradition. It is their second All-Ireland title, adding to the minor championship won in 2023, and it highlights the strength of soccer within the Carrigtwohill community. 

With a talented group of players emerging from local clubs and primary schools, there is a growing sense that this success may only be the beginning of a golden era for the school.

Central to the team’s success was a core of players already competing at a high level in the League of Ireland with Cobh Ramblers. 

Captain Clodagh Dorgan led by example throughout the campaign, providing leadership, composure and quality in key moments. 

Alongside her were teammates Lily O’Connell and Maedhbh Carroll, both of whom also line out for Cobh Ramblers and brought valuable experience to the squad.

Their presence strengthened a side that already possessed quality across the pitch. 

Every member of the team contributes regularly at club level in the Cork Women’s and Schoolgirls Soccer League, and that depth was evident in Carrigtwohill’s performances.

Teacher and coach Daithi Purcell has played a crucial role in developing the squad and guiding them through the competition. 

Having also been involved when the school secured their previous All-Ireland title in 2023, Purcell believes the success is a reflection of the thriving soccer culture within the local community.

“This group has worked incredibly hard,” he said after the victory.

“I do not really know where to start. I have had a few good sporting days myself over the years but very few match up to winning that All-Ireland last week. 

I just hope the girls know that I am incredibly proud of them - each and every one of them played a special part of history here at CCC.

"In terms of coaching a team, I reckon I have the easiest job in the world. I have never been a part of a group so coachable. 

THRIVING

"Over the years I have coached these girls a lot and I have built an environment where the girls can thrive. I do very little in terms of tactics or talking, little tweaks here and there yes but on the whole the girls lead discussions - they know what to do I have the trust in them to do it and they very rarely let me down.

“I go into every tackle with them and kick every ball, so I am wrecked after the year! 

"But I am very excited for next year, this team will run into the senior ranks where I hope to try win at this level for the first and our junior team will look to retain their title. 

"Hopefully there is a hat-trick of All-Irelands in there for me.” 

It wasn’t an easy route for Purcell s side but hard fought performances saw them overcome Davis College, Lauren Hill, Limerick, St Mary’s, Nenagh, Presentation Thurles, St Als, Carrigtwohill, and Our Lady’s Drogheda entire to the final before they faced Salerno Salthill in which they won 3-1.

While it was an overall superb team effort throughout, one of the most exciting aspects of the campaign was the impact made by several first-year students. 

Among them, Molly Dennis emerged as one of the standout performers of the entire competition. 

Despite being one of the youngest players in the squad, Dennis consistently rose to the occasion when her team needed her most.

Her Munster final performance was particularly memorable, as she scored two crucial goals to help Carrigtwohill secure the Munster title. However, she saved her best display for the biggest stage of all.

In the All-Ireland final, Dennis delivered a remarkable performance, scoring a stunning hat-trick that powered Carrigtwohill Community College to victory.

Dennis is already making a name for herself beyond the school stage. She is a member of the current Cork Gaynor Cup squad, and her performances for Carrigtwohill are expected to give her even greater confidence as she continues her development with both her school and county teams.

While Dennis’ heroics grabbed headlines, the team’s success was built on collective effort. 

KEY

Lily O’Connell was outstanding throughout the campaign and continues to impress at club level as a key player for Cobh Ramblers’ U17 side. Her energy, skill and football intelligence were vital components of Carrigtwohill’s attacking play.

The All-Ireland triumph was also a special moment for several players who had previously experienced success with the school. 

O’Connell, along with Amelia Sheehan, Kinga Prajsnar, Maedhbh Carroll, Megan Walker, Rachel Barrett, Clodagh Dorgan and Aisling Kelleher, celebrated winning their second All-Ireland title with Carrigtwohill Community College.

If this current group is anything to go by, Carrigtwohill’s latest All-Ireland triumph may not be the last. 

With skill, ambition and a strong sense of teamwork at the heart of the squad, the future of soccer at the school looks brighter than ever.