St Catherine's L.F.C.
St Catherine's Ladies Football Club is an Irish association football club originally based in St Catherine's Parish in the Liberties, Dublin. The club also plays home games in Walkinstown. St Catherine's have been FAI Women's Cup finalists on three occasions, winning the competition in 2011.
| Full name | St Catherine's Ladies Football Club |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980[1] |
| League | Dublin Women's Soccer League North Dublin Schoolboys/Girls League[2] |
History
St Catherine's was founded in 1980. Among the founder members was Brother Bernard Twomey, a member of the Order of Saint Augustine attached to St Catherine's Church.[3] Brother Bernard later served the club as team manager. In 2001 St Catherine's played in their first FAI Women's Cup but lost to Shamrock Rovers. In the 2009 FAI Women's Cup, St Catherine's recorded victories over Galway, Lifford Ladies and the Cork Women's & Schoolgirls Soccer League before meeting St Francis in the final at Richmond Park. Katie Taylor was a member of the St Catherine's team this season but her boxing commitments sometimes restricted her appearances and she would miss the 2009 final.[4][5][6][7] With a team that included Caroline Thorpe, St Catherine's lost 1–0 to a St Francis team that included Megan Campbell, Grainne Kierans and Mary Waldron. [8][9]
The 2011 FAI Women's Cup saw St Catherine's knockout both the Cork Women's & Schoolgirls Soccer League and Raheny United before defeating Kilmacrennan Celtic 7–0 in the semi-final. In the final played at Turners Cross they faced Wilton United. St Catherine's claimed the cup with a dramatic 3–1 victory. Mary Waldron, now playing for St Catherine's, scored the opening goal in the 43rd minute before Noelle Murray doubled the score in the 77th minute with an astonishing volley. However, Wilton hit back in the closing moments of the game through Denise O'Sullivan but their late comeback was short lived as Murray ended the contest with another impressive strike in the 89th minute.[10][11][12][13]
At the 2011–12 Women's National League Awards ceremony, Brother Bernard Twomey received the Services to Football Award. In addition to guiding St Catherine's to three FAI Women's Cup finals, Brother Bernard was recognised for dedicating his life to giving children the opportunity to play football at any level and for the important role he has played in the development of women's association football in the Republic of Ireland.[1][14]
Notable former players
- Republic of Ireland women's internationals
- Boxer
- Katie Taylor – Irish, European, World and Olympic boxing champion
- Ireland women's rugby union international
Honours
- Dublin Women's Soccer League
- Runners-up: 2008: 1
- FAI Women's Cup
- Winners: 2011: 1
- Runners-up: 2001, 2009: 2
References
- ^ a b "WNL Award Winners Announced". wnl.fai.ie. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "North Dublin Schoolboys/Girls League". ndsl.ie. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "Dublin Augustinians". augustinians.ie. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Ireland (Women) 2009". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "All Saints battle for FAI Umbro Women's FAI Senior Cup prize". fai.ie. 25 July 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Katie Taylor: born to win". irishecho.com. 10 August 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "Catherine's look to end St. Francis domestic dominance". fai.ie. 20 July 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "St. Francis retain FAI Umbro Women's FAI Senior Cup title". fai.ie. 25 July 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "St Catherine's 0–1 St Francis". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 25 July 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "Ireland (Women) 2011". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Wilton and St. Catherine's set for Umbro WFAI Cup final battle". fai.ie. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "St. Catherine's claim FAI Umbro Women's Senior Cup". fai.ie. 7 August 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "Wilton United, Cork v St Catherine's LFC, Dublin – FAI Umbro Women's Senior Challenge Cup Final 2011 Photos". sportsfile.com. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "Sara Lawlor named as National League Player of the Year". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2016.