Spot-on Eureka break Alexandra hearts

Gavin Earley

EUREKA SECONDARY SCHOOL 2

ALEXANDRA COLLEGE 2

EUREKA will now target the All-Ireland hurdle after retaining their Leinster title with a penalty shoot-out victory over Alexandra College.

Despite an incredible two-goal comeback from Alexandra to force extra-time, holders Eureka triumphed after a shootout in Leixlip last Friday. Eureka were beaten in the last national final.

On Friday, Caroline Healy's last-minute penalty completed Alexandra's incredible comeback after Rachel Healy had reduced Eureka's two-goal advantage with only 16 minutes remaining.

But Eureka goalkeeper Jennifer Newman saved from Emily Beatty and Erica Hinkson in the shoot-out. Shianna Swarez hit the winning penalty.

Eureka looked to be cruising towards retaining their title when substitute Rebecca Goodwin headed home at the back post from a corner 10 minutes into the second half. Two minutes later the Kells side doubled through sub Roisin McFadden's shot from the edge of the box before the Alex comeback which pushed the game towards its dramatic finish.

EUREKA SS: Jennifer Newman; Kelly Tormey, Aoife Brady, Sharon Mullen, Niamh O'Keefe, Cara Brady, Joanna Byrne, Jackie Kavanagh, Shianna Swarez, Leah Newman, Edwina Olwill, Rebecca Goodwin, Ciara Carry, Aine Bennett, Roisín McFadden.

ALEXANDRA COLLEGE: Cathlina Ní Mhaighin; Rachel Healy, Grace Conway, Sophie Gleeson, Erica Hinkson, Cathy McEvoy, Catalina Parga, Juliet Beatty, Aidean Cowley, Emily Beatty, Aishling Nugent, Caroline Healy, Louise McCallum, Anna Roopnarinesingh, Emily Shannon, Ceara Dorman, Kealon O'Mahoney, Pia Diepman.