Wilton U12 CWSSL team win a hard-fought Premier League title in style

Wilton U12 girls have been crowned U12 Premier Division champions of the Cork Women’s and Schoolgirls Soccer League (CWSSL) following a remarkable campaign that showcased consistency, determination, and exceptional team spirit throughout the season.

In what proved to be one of the most competitive leagues in recent years, Wilton finished top of the table with an outstanding 41 points from a possible 47, edging out fierce rivals Ringmahon in a title race that went right down to the wire. 

The league was ultimately secured by just a single point, underlining how finely balanced the battle was from start to finish.

A win away to Lakewood last Thursday guaranteed the title. Rising to the occasion under immense pressure, the girls delivered a dramatic 3-2 victory, with goals from Isla Mangan, Clodagh Shanahan, and Izzy O’Sullivan ensuring the trophy would be heading to Wilton.

Other girls who did well this season were Aoibhe Jacob, Sarah Galvin, Emmy Waldron, Tammy Moore and Aoife O'Driscoll.

The result sparked jubilant celebrations among players, coaches, and families, capping off months of relentless hard work and commitment.

Team manager Maria Galvin, who has been involved with many of the girls since they first kicked a football at just five and six years of age, was understandably emotional after securing the title.

“It meant everything to the girls and coaching team,” Galvin said.

“The girls trained three nights a week all season and have worked extremely hard to get where they are. 

"The league was very close all year and we knew we had to win in Lakewood to secure it before our final game away to Midleton on May 23rd.” Galvin reflected proudly on the group’s consistency throughout the campaign. 

Across 17 league matches to date, Wilton have recorded an impressive 13 wins, two draws, and just two defeats.

“We’ve had a great season. I’ve the best bunch of girls. I’ve been coaching some of them since they were five and six years old, including my own daughter who started when she was five. 

"We now have a squad of 20 amazing girls and every one of them has contributed to this success.” 

A key feature of Wilton’s success this season has been the quality throughout the squad, with several players already earning recognition at representative level.

 Three members of the team — Isla Mangan, Clodagh Shanahan, and Izzy O’Sullivan — are currently part of the Cork U12 squad, who will compete in next weekend's All-Ireland trophy final.

Galvin was also quick to praise the wider coaching team, particularly the arrival of head coach Noel Hennessy, whose introduction this season proved transformative.

“We had Noel Hennessy come in as head coach this season and he brought passion and fire to the squad. 

"His coaching brought the girls to a higher standard and really pushed them on.” 

Alongside Hennessy and Galvin, the backroom team also includes assistant coach Niamh Mangan and goalkeeping coach Paul Kelleher, all of whom have played crucial roles in the team’s development both on and off the pitch.

“My own role as team manager involves arranging fixtures, pitches, training, and all outings, so it really is a huge team effort behind the scenes as well.

While winning the league is the standout achievement, it has not been the only highlight in what has been a memorable year for Wilton. The side also enjoyed an excellent run in the National Trophy, reaching the semi-finals — another major accomplishment against some of the strongest teams in the country.

Their performances across both league and cup competitions have demonstrated not only technical quality but also resilience and maturity beyond their years.

With the move to 11-a-side football looming next season, attention is already turning to the future. 

The coaching staff are determined to ensure the girls are fully prepared for the step up to bigger pitches, more tactical demands, and the next stage of their football development.

“Our next goal is preparing the girls for 11-a-side football next season,” said Galvin. 

“We plan to continue training hard, helping them adjust to bigger pitches and aiming to compete at the top of the league again.” 

As Wilton looks ahead, the club is also actively seeking new players interested in joining this talented group as they transition into the next phase of their development.

For now, however, the focus remains firmly on celebrating a truly outstanding achievement.

To win a Premier Division title in such dramatic fashion, while maintaining consistency over an entire season and competing strongly at national level, is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unity of everyone involved.

Wilton U12 girls have set a new benchmark this season — and judging by their progress, this talented squad looks set for many more memorable chapters in the years ahead.