CWSSL: Nine clubs feature in U19 Cork team including five Carrigaline United players

The new Cork Women’s and Schoolgirls Soccer U19 League representative side announced their arrival in impressive fashion last Friday night with a commanding 8–2 victory over Waterford in Passage.

With players drawn from nine different CWSSL clubs around the county, the squad is a true reflection of the strength and depth of football being developed within the league. 

Carrigaline United provides the largest contingent with five players, while Douglas Hall contributes three. Two players come from Ringmahon, Lakewood, Carrigtwohill, Macroom and Riverstown respectively, with Avondale United and Midleton each represented by one player. 

Notably, both Midleton and Carrigtwohill currently do not field U19 sides, making their representation even more significant.

The group itself brings together players from a wide variety of footballing backgrounds. Some are representing Cork at this level for the first time, while others have previously spent time within League of Ireland academy environments with Cork City or Cobh. 

Several have also progressed through the CWSSL interleague pathway since their early schoolgirls days. Despite the differing experiences, what stands out most about the squad is their shared hunger to learn and improve.

Assistant manager Jamie Buckley was full of praise after their first game.

“The group is made up of young women who absolutely love football,” said Buckley. "They want to learn, they want to improve and they want to compete at the highest level possible. 

"That level of hunger is fantastic from a coaching perspective.” 

That enthusiasm has already translated into a strong team spirit. Since coming together, the players have quickly formed a tight-knit group, something that has not gone unnoticed by those watching from the sidelines.

“People have commented that the team looks like a group that has been playing together all season. 

That’s a huge compliment considering how little time we’ve actually had together so far.” 

The team is managed by the experienced and well liked Josh Cooney of Carrigaline United, Cooney brings a strong background to the role, having spent the past number of years working with Cork City Women’s teams across multiple age groups as well as being involved in the MTU women’s structure.

Joining him on the coaching team is Iain Mulcahy, a familiar figure within CWSSL interleague football who previously worked closely with Douglas Hall girls’ teams at this age group. 

His experience and calm presence have already proven valuable to the squad.

KEY

Goalkeeping coach Isabelle Lordan is another key member of the backroom team. 

Currently playing with Carrigaline United and MTU, Lordan’s energy and enthusiasm have been hugely beneficial for goalkeepers Chloe Walsh and Emily Bernard, who have both responded well to her coaching. The management is completed by Buckley as assistant manager. 

He brings experience from several years working with Carrigaline United’s women’s teams, as well as previous spells with Wexford Youths Women and Cobh Ramblers on the boys’ side. 

Having spent much of that time working at U17 and U19 level within the CWSSL, the familiarity with many players across the league proved valuable during the squad selection process.

When the time came to face Waterford, the Cork side started brightly but had to navigate a competitive opening period. 

Waterford pressed high during the first 10–15 minutes, attempting to force mistakes, but Cork’s defensive unit dealt with the pressure superbly.

Louise O’Sullivan at right back, Lorna O’Duibhir and Sarah O’Connell in central defence, and Sonja Mora at left back, alongside goalkeeper Chloe Walsh, showed composure and bravery on the ball. 

Their ability to play through the press allowed Cork to stretch the pitch and create the one-on-one attacking situations they were targeting.

The breakthrough soon followed. 

Orla McCarthy opened the scoring with a superb strike before Keelyn Hegarty doubled the lead with a composed finish. When Alex Carroll added a third before the half-hour mark, Cork were firmly in control.

By half-time the scoreboard read 5–1, and the focus during the break was simply on reinforcing the team’s approach — play bravely, trust their ability and continue expressing themselves with the ball.

The players responded in style, adding further goals in the second half to seal an impressive 8–2 victory.

The result leaves Cork top of their group and already qualified for a semi-final following Waterford’s earlier 2–0 defeat to Wexford. 

With only three teams in the group, Cork’s next fixture will be an away trip to Wexford in early April in Bunclody.

After such a promising start, there is real optimism that this initiative will continue to grow and strengthen the women’s game in Cork for years to come.