Muckross and Loreto, Beaufort disappoint last year's finalists

AN abundance of cheers and tears and crowd decibel levels that would clear any blocked sinuses ... it could only be the Leinster Schoolgirls Senior Cup.

Park Avenue hosted the semi-finals of the competition yesterday and witnessed the defeat of both of last year's finalists, High School and Loreto, Bray, by Loreto Beaufort and Muckross.

Bray's hopes of retaining the trophy they won by beating High School a year ago were ended by a Laura Crowley goal in the second half of their semi-final against Muckross. It was cruel luck for Bray who had dominated for most of the match, largely inspired by captain Orla Howe in midfield.

For Muckross, Ciara O'Brien, an Irish under-18 international, and Mary Doorley were outstanding, with right-back Doorley twice intercepting goal-bound shots from Bray forwards.

Earlier in the day, extra time was needed, to separate Beaufort and High School who had played out an incident and goal-free period of normal time. Darelle Dolan finally broke the stalemate when her deflected shot looped over the head of High School goalkeeper Danielle Hill.

Seven minutes later, Hill was in trouble with umpire Barry Carroll who spotted her boot making contact with Beaufort forward Maeve Gaynor while the players waited for a free to be taken. Hill's punishment, perhaps harsh in the circumstances, was a yellow card and this ended her involvement in the match with just five minutes left on the clock.