McCann double inspires terrific Tramore to FAI Women's U17 Cup glory
Tramore players and staff celebrate with the cup after the FAI Women's U17 Cup final against Carrigaline United. Photo: Sportsfile/Ben McShane
Tramore AFC completed a superb run to national success as they claimed the FAI Women’s Under-17 Cup with a 4-2 victory over Carrigaline United at Munster FA Turner’s Cross, driven by a decisive first-half brace from Francis McCann.
McCann struck twice inside the opening 21 minutes before Saoirse Daly and Brooke Power added second-half goals to ensure Thomas Brett’s side held firm despite a spirited Carrigaline comeback led by Faye Hanratty and Sadhbh Minihane.
Tramore made a fast start and were rewarded in the sixth minute when McCann stabbed home from close range following a dangerous delivery from the right. Carrigaline responded positively, creating early chances through Hanratty and Lily Foley, but Tramore’s cutting edge told again midway through the half.
Daly was central to the move, knocking the ball into McCann’s path for a composed second finish that doubled the advantage. Carrigaline continued to threaten, forcing saves from Niamh McGrath and scrambling opportunities, but Tramore carried their 2-0 lead into the break.
The game appeared settled just after the hour mark when Tramore capitalised on sustained pressure, Daly unleashing a superb strike to make it 3-0.
Carrigaline, however, showed real resilience. Hanratty pulled one back almost immediately with a well-taken finish, and Minihane reduced the gap to 3-2 from a corner with 10 minutes remaining to set up a tense finale.
With momentum shifting, Carrigaline pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Tramore’s defence, marshalled by Aoife O’Gorman and Alice O’Connor, stood resolute under late pressure.
The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Tramore broke forward and won a penalty, confidently converted by Brooke Power to secure a deserved 4-2 win and crown a memorable campaign in style.
