A nervy opening spell ensued with both sides defending well. Emma Murray was first to go close as Northern Ireland pressed. The deadlock was finally broken 15 minutes into the half when Lauren Wade poached a goal out of nothing. Cork responded with a quick goal when a direct ball played havoc at the back for Northern Ireland.
Northern Irelandkept their composure and Simone Magill smashed home a close range shot following an excellent delivery from a Kendra McMullan corner.
After the interval, Northern Ireland started strong and joint leading goal scorer Rachel Laverty scored a marvelous individual effort to make the score 3-1. Cork rallied and grabbed a late goal but the Northern Ireland girls defended well for the final few minutes and recorded the historic victory.
Coach Stephen McKenna commented: “The tournament was a great opportunity for the squad to come together as a team both on and off the field and produce results. All the girls did themselves proud, scoring 13 goals and only conceding two. The girls must take this experience and build on it going forward.”
Mid Ulster Ladies young star Simone Magill won the Umbro Player of the tournament, scoring three goals in four games.
The Galway Cup is considered one of the leading underage soccer competitions around the globe. In 2006 the tournament amalgamated with the Umbro International tournament group, which also organises tournaments such as the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, Spain and the Dana Cup in Denmark.
