Tullow CS crowned Leinster Champions after dramatic victory
Tullow CS - 2026 FAIS Junior Division 2 Leinster League winners.
The Tullow CS Junior Girls Soccer Team created yet another piece of history after securing back-to-back Leinster league titles with a dramatic win over St Colmcille’s Knocklyon in the Leinster Schools Division 2 Junior League Final.
This remarkable group of players continue to write their names into the history books of the school. Two years ago, this squad captured the Leinster U15 Shield, bringing the school its first ever girls’ soccer silverware. Last season, at U17 level, they won the Leinster Division 3 League title, the school’s first Leinster league success in 19 years.
Promotion to Division 2 this season presented an even greater challenge, but despite facing more experienced opposition throughout the campaign, Tullow once again rose to the occasion. Impressively, nine members of last year’s winning panel were still underage this season, making their achievement of back-to-back league titles even more special.
Played in extremely difficult conditions with a very strong wind influencing the contest, Tullow won the toss and wisely chose to play with the advantage in the opening half. The decision paid dividends almost immediately.
After just four minutes, Tullow took the lead following a dangerous corner kick which caused panic in the St Colmcille’s defence. Amid a crowded goalmouth scramble, Anna Cullen reacted quickest to poke the ball home and give Tullow the perfect start.
The second goal arrived seven minutes later and was one of real quality. Captain Keelie Doyle produced a brilliant through ball which split the defence and released Ella Corcoran. The forward showed tremendous pace and composure to beat her marker before smashing a superb finish into the bottom corner to double Tullow’s advantage.
Tullow continued to press and just before half-time grabbed a vital third goal in dramatic fashion. What appeared to be a lost cause suddenly turned into a moment of determination from captain Keelie Doyle, who chased down the goalkeeper’s kick-out and bravely blocked it down. The ball rebounded off Doyle and onto the crossbar before she reacted quickest to tap home and send Tullow into the interval with a commanding 3-0 lead.
But with the wind now behind them, St Colmcille’s mounted a fierce second-half comeback. The Dublin side made several tactical changes and scored within four minutes of the restart to reduce the deficit. A second goal followed shortly afterwards as Tullow struggled to fully clear their lines under sustained pressure.
Midway through the half, the game was level at 3-3 when St Colmcille’s produced a well-worked move to complete an incredible comeback and set up a tense finale.
The final stages saw both sides battle desperately for a winner, with every challenge and attack carrying huge importance. As the referee signaled two minutes of added time, it looked as though St Colmcille’s might snatch victory, only for Abby Keppel — already a hero from the semi-final shootout — to produce a magnificent save to keep Tullow alive.
What followed will live long in the memory of everyone connected with Tullow CS.
From the resulting clearance, Una McFarland won possession near halfway and delivered a sensational defence-splitting pass between the two centre backs. Maria Healy raced clear from almost 40 yards out with two defenders desperately chasing back. As she drove towards goal, time seemed to stand still around the ground. With the goalkeeper rushing from her line, Healy showed incredible composure and calmly guided the ball into the bottom corner with the final kick of the game to spark wild celebrations among the Tullow players, management, and supporters.
It was a fitting ending to an extraordinary final and another unforgettable chapter for a truly special group of players who continue to make their school proud.
