Ní Riagáin runs riot in Gaelscoil Phortlaoise's victory over The Heath

Eilis Ní Riagáin was the star of the show as Gaelscoil Phortlaoise claimed Roinn 2 Championships glory. The powerful attacker put in a tremendous performance to lead her side to victory against The Heath as she scored 5-5 in Laois Hire O'Moore Park on Wednesday morning, May 14. 

There were some fine performances from those on the losing side too – none more so than The Heath goalkeeper Mae Delaney, who pulled off a series of fine saves throughout the game.

Gaelscoil Phortlaoise 7-6

The Heath 1-2

The sides swapped points to begin as Eilis Ní Riagáin initially gave Gaelscoil Phortlaoise the lead, only for Fia Conroy to reply for The Heath. Gaelscoil almost had a goal then as Ní Riagáin got through, but Mae Delaney thwarted her with a stunning save. Ní Riagáin did regain the lead for the Portlaoise outfit and almost had a goal again moments later, only for Delaney to deny the shot with a save into the top corner.

But there was nothing Delaney could do at the midpoint of the half as Ní Riagáin got through for a third time and produced an unstoppable finish. She added two points, and then Emer Ramsbottom reacted fastest to a shot from Ní Riagáin that was saved by Delaney for Gaelscoil’s second goal. In the end, Gaelscoil Phortlaoise led 2-4 to 0-1 at half time.

The Heath needed a good start to the second half to have any chance, and they got it when Fia Conroy rattled the net. But their joy was short-lived as Eilis Ní Riagáin went straight down the other end and rifled in her second goal.

Emer Ramsbottom then added her second goal as Gaelscoil moved nine clear with ten minutes to play. The Heath refused to give up, though, and the excellent Fia Conroy hit back with a point, but Ní Riagáin instantly wiped that out.

She then completed her hat-trick with another composed finish before Edel Ramsbottom struck over a point from distance. And Ní Riagáin wasn’t finished yet as she completed another strong run by driving a shot into the top corner for her fourth goal.

Fittingly, the final act saw Ní Riagáin score her fifth goal of the encounter to leave no doubt that Gaelscoil Phortlaoise were champions. TEAMS AND SCORERS BELOW PICTURE.

SCORERS – Gaelscoil Phortlaoise: Eilis Ní Riagáin 5-5, Emer Ramsbottom 2-0, Edel Ramsbottom 0-1. The Heath: Fia Conroy 1-2

Gaelscoil Phortlaoise: Aisling de Siúin, Léana Ní Mhaoldún, Éabha Langtún, Sofia Illomaki, Edel Ramsbottom, Aimee Ní Chlaoináin, Emer Ramsbottom, Ava Ní Mhurchú, Eilís Ní Riagáin. Subs: Sali Nawale, Chikaima Chukwuemeka.

The Heath NS: Mae Delaney, Layla O’Connor, Aisha Riippa, Emma Hyland, Ava McNamee, Fia Conroy, Laura Kavanagh, Grace Caplice, Sarah Brown. Subs: Kate Delaney, Aoibhinn Treacy, Anna Cushen, Ashley Heffernan, Katie Fennelly, Emma Lalor, Lucy Ryan, Annie Lynch, Tara O’Regan, Gracie Moore, Haley Horohan.