Brilliant Waterford land Gaynor Cup Bowl Final
Waterford celebrate their Gaynor Cup Bowl win with penalties success over Limerick County.
Waterford captured the Gaynor Bowl title in dramatic fashion after a gruelling week of action, overcoming Limerick County on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Goalkeeper Penny White proved the match-winner, saving three penalties after being introduced in the final minute of extra time.
It marked the third shootout victory of the campaign for Waterford, who played six games in five days, and once again White’s introduction proved inspired as she delivered under pressure.
On the balance of play, Waterford were deserving winners, having created the better chances throughout, though they found Limerick County difficult to break down.
Dungarvan’s Alicia Radley, a standout performer all week, was central to Waterford’s attacking threat early on. Within four minutes, she cut in from the right and sent a shot flashing across the face of goal. Two minutes later, Radley delivered a corner which was met by clubmate Anna Cullinane, but she couldn’t keep her effort on target.
Radley continued to test the Limerick defence, driving forward again on seven minutes, only for goalkeeper Sophie Ryan to save at her near post.
Despite Waterford’s early dominance, it was Limerick County who took the lead against the run of play. Eabha Brophy played Rose Deirdre Pipa through on goal, and when Emily O’Regan challenged, referee Eilish Reed awarded a penalty. Gwen McDonald saw her initial effort saved by Emily Fraher, but reacted quickest to convert the rebound.
Waterford responded impressively, equalising just eight minutes later with a cleverly worked set piece. Radley took a short corner to Molly Dooling, and after a quick one-two, Dooling delivered a superb pass for captain Vittoria Pascolini to finish from close range.
The same trio combined again on 41 minutes, but this time Radley’s effort drifted just over the crossbar.
As normal time drew to a close, both sides pushed for a winner. Esme McDonald created space in the box but couldn’t keep her shot down, ensuring the contest moved into extra time.
Waterford looked the more dangerous in the additional period. Dooling caused panic in the Limerick defence before later producing a perfectly weighted through ball for Pascolini, who chipped over Ryan but saw her effort hit the side netting.
Limerick enjoyed their best spell in the second period of extra time. Sally O’Brien came close with a powerful drive that narrowly missed the target, before they thought they had regained the lead on 73 minutes. McDonald’s free kick was tipped onto the crossbar by Fraher, and Pipa bundled home the rebound, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
With nothing to separate the sides, penalties were needed once more.
After the first five spot-kicks each, the teams were still level at 2-2. Emily O’Regan and Emily Murphy converted for Waterford, while White made two crucial saves for her side.
In sudden death, Radley and Pipa both scored to leave the contest tied at 3-3. Hollie Roche Murphy then calmly converted to edge Waterford ahead, leaving White to face Anna Luke Ryan. The Waterford goalkeeper produced another save to seal a famous victory and spark jubilant celebrations.
Emily Fraher, Anna Cullinane, Ruby Prenderville, Abbie Norris, Aoibhann Kiely, Niamh Kirwan, Vittoria Pascolini, Molly Dooling, Alicia Radley, Emily O’Regan, Hollie Roche Murphy, Katie Nolan, Emily Murphy, Penny White, Anna Feher, Anna Rochford, Erin O’Brien, Zemira Sobirin, Winnah Shanahan.
