Tramore AFC made club history at Turner’s Cross on Saturday afternoon as their Under-17 girls side became the club’s first-ever national finalists to lift silverware, defeating Carrigaline United 4-2 in a memorable FAI U17 Cup Final.

Roared on by a large travelling support that turned sections of the famous Cork venue into a sea of black and white, the Waterford side produced a composed and clinical display to deservedly bring the trophy back to Tramore.

The perfect start arrived after just six minutes. A well-weighted pass down the right channel released Saoirse Daly, who showed tremendous determination to win the race to the ball before delivering a superb cross into the penalty area, where Frances McCann was on hand to apply the finish from close range.

Tramore continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage in the 21st minute with another excellent team move. Goalkeeper Niamh McGrath launched a long ball forward that found Daly, whose clever flick sent McCann racing clear on goal. The striker kept her composure brilliantly, calmly guiding her finish beyond the advancing Carrigaline goalkeeper to complete her first-half brace and put Tramore firmly in command.

Carrigaline emerged after the break, determined to get back into the contest and enjoyed their best spell of the afternoon, but Tramore continued to create chances of their own.

Their third goal arrived on 61 minutes when Clodagh Power’s powerful strike rattled the crossbar. Substitute Ella Vaughan reacted quickest to the rebound and showed great composure to fire home from close range and extend Tramore’s lead to 3-0.

To their credit, Carrigaline refused to surrender and reduced the deficit just two minutes later through a well-worked move from open play. They set up a nervy finale when they struck again in the 79th minute, heading home from a corner to make it 3-2.

However, Tramore always carried a threat and were indebted to goalkeeper Niamh McGrath, who delivered a superb display between the posts. The shot-stopper produced five outstanding saves throughout the contest to preserve her side’s lead and deny Carrigaline a route back into the game.

Any lingering nerves were settled deep into stoppage time when substitute Niamh Woods was brought down inside the penalty area. Referee pointed immediately to the spot, and captain Brooke Power stepped forward to coolly dispatch the resulting penalty in the fifth minute of added time to seal a famous 4-2 victory.

Frances McCann’s outstanding display, highlighted by her two first-half goals, earned her the Player of the Match award as Tramore’s attacking quality proved decisive.

The victory represents a landmark moment in the history of Tramore AFC and one that players, coaches, and supporters will remember for many years to come.

There is little time for celebration, however, as this talented group returns to Turner’s Cross next Saturday to contest the Munster Youth Final, where they will bid to add provincial honours to their newly won national crown.

Tramore AFC: Niamh McGrath, Sadie Walsh, Aoife O’Gorman, Alice O’Connor, Brooke Power (captain), Ruby Starmer, Millie Brett, Clodagh Power, Mia Flanagan, Frances McCann, Saoirse Daly, Maebh Barry, Ella Vaughan, Niamh Woods, Caoimhe Bohan, Emma Herterich, Katie Wyse.

Coaches: Thomas Brett, John Power, and Nicole Bennett.

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