Terenure lift FAI Inter Shield
By Daire Walsh
SARAH Ryan and Carrie Pedley delivered the goals at Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore on Saturday as Terenure Rangers defeated Corrib Celtic 2-0 to lift the FAI Women’s Intermediate Shield.
This is a significant triumph for the south Dubliners, who are one of the most progressive clubs around when it comes to women’s soccer.
At present, Terenure are the only club in Ireland with three senior ladies teams in operation and players from across all of their adult sides were part of a massive squad effort for this game.
Both Terenure and Corrib boast some vastly-experienced players within their ranks.
For their part, this ‘Nure side are captained by Ruth Comerford, who won a WNL title with Peamount United back in the 2011/12 season.
Working in tandem with Emma O’Connor, Edel Drury and Jess Hunt, Kerri Duffy produced a strong performance in the Terenure defence.
She also made an impact at the opposition end of the pitch as she released Ryan for a superb solo finish just 10 minutes in.
This was a dream start for the Metropolitans and while their lead remained at 1-0 when the half-time whistle was sounded, they found themselves in control nonetheless.
Wingers Leeann Payne and Jenny Claffey were a constant threat to the opposition rearguard and Terenure were unlucky not to be further ahead on the resumption.
Nonetheless, ‘Nure, who are managed by Caroline Kelly and Eddie Pedley, were in a confident mood at the start of the second half and ultimately established further daylight between themselves and their opponents.
Corrib breathed an initial sigh of relief when Comerford hammered a shot against the crossbar, only for Pedley to pounce on the rebound and slot home her side’s second goal of the contest.
To their credit, Corrib did their utmost to force themselves back into contention and the Tribeswomen created a number of excellent opportunities.
However, Terenure netminder Jenny Moore denied them at every turn and ensured the Shield would be taking up residency in the capital.
Although Payne was a popular choice as FAI Player of the Match, there was a strong all-round contribution to this feat.
Sarah Finn, Hannah Flatley, Aisling Cusack, Niamh Kinsella and Paula Hamilton all made appearances off the bench to help seal the deal in Tullamore.