Amy Boyle Carr (2) Louise Masterson (18), Meghen Hengerer (42), Tyler Toland (43), Alannah McEvoy (60+2)
GLENTIES COMPREHENSIVE player Amy Boyle Carr scored one and Deele College Raphoe girl Tyler Toland scored a second goal in an impressive 5-0 win over Wales tonight in the international tournament in Wales.
Boyle Carr was also named Player of the Match.
The Republic of Ireland were runners up two season’s running and needed to get off to a good start if they were to test the host nation in Newport in this tense and competitive outing.
Amy converted after just two minutes of play to give the Republic of Ireland a glorious footing in their title ambitions this season.
The Republic were playing with a strong wind in the first period which worked to their advantage.
Rathcoole starlet Louise Masterson rifled the ball into the bottom corner following a brilliantly placed set-piece to double the Irish lead after 18 minutes. Even with the two goal cushion, the Irish were still challenging for possession with an impressive Welsh outfit as the half time interval approached.
A hat-trick of goals in the second period gave the Irish a little breathing space. Goals came courtesy of Dominican College pupil Meghen Hengerer and Raphoe native, Tyler Toland in quick succession mid-way through the half.
Substitute Alannah McEvoy got on the score sheet late on also with a sweet finish to make it a five goal thriller in Dragon Park.
The Republic of Ireland will play Northern Ireland at 2pm tomorrow afternoon in the same venue while Wales (’02) will take on the reigning Champions Scotland at 5pm in Newport Stadium.
WALES (’01) : L Attwood, D Connolly, B Cordice, H Davies, J Downs-Evans, M Dudley-Jones, A Griffiths, L Harris, G Horrell, E Hughes, E Jones, A Morphet, S Rees, E Riden, M Rogers, C Short, R Stanley, A Vine
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Rachel KELLY, Lucia LOBATO, Aoife LYNAGH, Sinead DONOVAN, Meghen HENGERER, Rachel O’REGAN, Leah McHUGH, Tyler TOLAND, Isibéal CAROLAN, Louise MASTERSON, Amy BOYLE CARR
SUBS: Eabha O’MAHONY on for Carolan (44) Doireann FAHEY on for Masterson (46), Zara FOLEY on for Boyle Carr (51), Alannah McEVOY on for Donovan (53), Jessica ZIU on for McHugh (57).
SUBS NOT USED: Aisling SPILLANE, Maria O’SULLIVAN (GK)