UCD Waves will meet Raheny United in the FAI Continental Tyres Women’s Senior Cup final on Sunday, 2 November after the semi-finals were decided this weekend.
Aine O’Gorman scored twice and set up her side's second goal as UCD Waves overcame last year's beaten finalists Castelbar Celtic in a hard-fought last four clash at Jackson Park today.
In their previous incarnation UCD won the FAI Women's Senior Cup three years in a row from 2002-2004. This will be the first appearance on the highest stage for the recently formed club which was created after a merger with DLR Waves during the summer.
After Castlebar keeper Rachel King outfoxed O’Gorman on six minutes with a one on one save, O’Gorman redeemed herself on 14 minutes, taking advantage of slack defending to hit the net.
O’Gorman then turned provider on 16 minutes, skipping down the right and crossing for Julie Ann Russell to rise and fire home a bullet header.
Celtic though sparked to life and should have got on the score board after half an hour but Catherine Hyndman was unable to find the empty net.
The visitors had a big chance to get back in the game when they were awarded a 34th minute penalty after Alison Brien fouled Emma Hansberry in the penalty area but Waves keeper Monica McGuirk dived low to save Sarah Rowe’s penalty on 34 minutes.
Waves booked their place in next month’s final at Aviva stadium on 72 minutes - O’Gorman converting Orlagh Nolan’s through ball.
Meanwhile, Raheny United remain on course for a third FAI Continental Tyres Women’s Senior Cup in a row after Saturday night’s semi-final victory over Wexford Youths.
Casey McQullian’s side fell behind to Kylie Murphy’s eighth minute strike but the defending champions struck back with Katie McCabe equalising from the penalty spot.
Siobhan Killeen's crisp finish 15 minutes before half-time looked to set up Raheny United for consecutive appearances at Aviva stadium. However, up stepped Wexford’s Caroline Breen to send the tie to extra time when she scored an equaliser with less than two minutes of normal time remaining.
Raheny United captain Rebecca Creagh ensured it would be an all-Dublin final when she put her side ahead five minutes into extra time. This victory will be the perfect fillip for the Pandas ahead of Thursday's UEFA Women's Champions League clash with Bristol Academy at Richmond Park.
Elsewhere, Galway WFC booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s National League Cup after seeing off Cork City Women’s team 2-0 at Bishopstown today.
Meadbh De Burca gave the Tribeswomen the lead five minutes in the second half, connecting with Marie Curtin’s free kick and putting through the legs of City keeper Trish Fennelly.
De Burca then turned provider was she set up Lynsey McKey to blast past Fennelly and book Galway's place in the semi-finals.
FAI Continental Tyres Women's Senior Cup
UCD Waves 3-0 Castlebar Celtic
Raheny United 3-2 Wexford Youth (AET)
Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup Quarter-Final
Cork City Women’s 0-2 Galway WFC
