Wexford 1-1 Bohemians (Wexford win 5-3 on penalties)
Wexford came from behind to send an enthralling All-Island Cup final with Bohemians to penalties at Ferrycarrig Park, going on to score five from five from the spot to put their name on the trophy for first time.
Alannah McEvoy had given the Gypsies the lead only for Ellen Molloy to level in the second half, with Maria O'Sullivan proving the heroine by denying teenager Savannah Kane in the shootout.
With 2,201 watching on, and some labelling it tongue-in-cheek as the Pat Trehy derby given his departure from Dalymount Park, there was added spice to a wonderful occasion as the teams battled each other and the elements to put on a show.
After a rip-roaring start and just six minutes played it was Bohs who tried to land the first blow. With some excellent build up down the right, eventually making their way into the box, striker McEvoy reversed the ball cleverly to Sarah Power who failed to hit the target from close range.
The hosts looked to hit back straight away as Anna Doane found herself free at the back post but failed to connect with her effort in a huge let off for Alban Hysa’s side.
Moments later McEvoy was at it again, this time breaking the offside trap and finding herself clear, bearing down on goal from the right. The 24-year tried to emulate Shelbourne’s final two goals against Sligo a day previous as she opted for a dinked finish over Maria O’Sullivan but the ball sailed agonisingly over the bar.
The hosts, with an impressive four clean sheets in the competition en route to the final, were struggling with the Bohs right side of Power and Sarah McKevitt as both combined well for the game's next half chanc, the latter whipping in a devilish back post cross towards Hannah O’Brien who was inches from bundling home.
There was some confusion moments later when most of the ground thought Bohs had gotten their noses in front when Power's overhit cross landed on the back of the net rather than inside, despite how it may have initially appeared.
But there was no confusion just after the half hour mark when the visitors, buoyed by their bus loads of supporters, got the lead their bright start deserved. Pressing high, they got their just desserts when McEvoy was released and made no mistake this time around as she coolly slotted past the onrushing keeper.
The hosts finished the half strongly though and almost levelled when Bohs skipper Rachael Kelly spilled Ciara Rossitor’s cross in the swirling wind, with the ball falling to Ellen Molloy, but Kelly reacted sharply to get back to her feet and block Molloy from getting her seventh of the competition.
Just minutes after the restart McEvoy did well to get on the end of McKevitt's cross in a packed area but as she tried to turn and hit, the ball was eventually smothered.
The hosts opted for a double change and a slight tactical switch to inject some urgency into the game with Rossitor moving more central and that had the desired effect as they began to pin Bohs back.
Following a sloppy goal kick from Kelly, the ball eventually found its way to Rossitor who quickly fed the Irish international Molloy and she slotted the ball home to level and set up a grandstand finish.
Both sides exchanged good chances as the game entered its dying embers, all the while knowing one slip could prove costly. Right-back Della Doherty's deflected effort had Kelly scrambling but it might have been going just wide as the lottery of penalties was needed to separate two really good sides.
Molloy settled the Wexford nerves, slotting home the first penalty, before Roisin McGovern sent O’Sullivan the wrong way to level.
Aoife Kelly and McEvoy were perfect before the pivotal turning point.
Freya De Mange was pinpoint with her finish before the unfortunate Kane was brilliantly denied by O’Sullivan.
Charlotte Cromack made no mistake before Fiona Donnelly put all the pressure on Becky Cassin, who showed all her experience smashing home the winner and ensuring the trophy stayed in Wexford.
Wexford: Maria O’Sullivan; Freya De Mange, Anna Doane, Della Doherty; Orlaith Conlan (Charlotte Cromack, 57’), Kylie Murphy (Meabh Russell, 57’), Lauryn Dwyer, Rebekah Cassin; Aoife Kelly, Ciara Rossiter, Ellen Molloy
Subs not used: Claudia Keenan, Leah McGrath, Lauren Kelly, Michaela Lawrence, Millie Daly, Molloy Kirwan, Niamh Tyrell
Bohemians: Rachael Kelly;, Katie Lovely (Emma Gaughran, 69’), Roisin McGovern, Lisa Murphy, Sarah Power (Lillian Rusher, 90+3’); Aoibhe Brennan, Fiona Donnelly; Sarah McKevitt, Hannah Healy (Savannah Kane, 85’), Hannah O’Brien (Leiagh Glennon, 69’); Alannah McEvoy
Subs not used: Jenna Willoughby, Katie Malone, Robin Baird, Alex Devoy, Michelle Muddiman
Referee: Robert Dowling
