Relentless second-half display fires Monasterevin to Kildare cup final victory

Monasterevin emerged victorious in the So Fresh Entertainment Kildare Women's Cup Final, defeating Derry Rovers 4-1 in a hard-fought contest. While Derry Rovers showed moments of promise, Monasterevin's relentless attack in the second half proved too much and ultimately securing them the trophy.

The opening exchanges saw an immediate threat from Monasterevin, with Colleen Rickard breaking through in the 4th minute, though the chance was quickly closed down by the keeper. Derry Rovers' keeper, Ava Farrell, was called into action early, making superb saves from Abby Kemmy and Colleen Rickard to keep the score level. Derry Rovers attempted to utilise the wings, looking to find Chelsie O’Driscoll, but the final ball lacked quality. However, Monasterevin broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Following a corner from Ciara Morrissey that bounced around the box and was played back in by Rebecca Broughan, the ball fell to Nicole Moran who blasted home to make it 1-0. The middle period of the half was a tense midfield battle, with both defences holding firm.

Derry's Chelsie O’Driscoll forced a good save from Monasterevin keeper Alex Oglebsy Kinsella, while Orlaith Sullivan worked tirelessly to drive Derry forward. Impressive linking play between Ally Gallagher and Aoife Tyrell provided a spark for Derry.

The midfield saw a great duel between Derry's Orlaith O’Sullivan and Monasterevin's Jennifer O’Keeffe. Just before the break, Derry Rovers found their equaliser. A free kick from 25 yards out was expertly struck by Chelsie O’Driscoll, finding the back of the net to level the score. Half-Time Score: Derry Rovers 1-1 Monasterevin

The second half began with both teams looking to break the deadlock. Monasterevin's Roisin Keogh immediately tested the Derry defence, but Farrell collected her cross. Derry's best chance early on came from a weaving run and shot by Ally Gallagher that went just wide. Derry continued to press, with O’Driscoll putting in a great cross that Kayla Ennis narrowly failed to control. Roisin Keogh was a constant threat for Monasterevin, running at the Derry defence and keeping them stretched.

A nervous moment for Monasterevin saw a shot from O'Driscoll slip under keeper Kinsella, but Bernie Hyland was there to clear the danger. The decisive breakthrough came in the 68th minute. Abby Kemmy made a strong run down the right and crossed the ball to find the surging Roisin Keogh, who put Monasterevin 2-1 up. The goal injected confidence into Monasterevin, and they quickly pressed their advantage. Kayla Ennis had a great opportunity to respond for Derry, but a superb tackle from Monasterevin's Bernie Hyland dispelled the danger.

The pressure mounted on the Derry goal, with Nicole Moran rattling the crossbar from 20 yards out in the 73rd minute.

Monasterevin's third goal arrived in the 80th minute: after a half-cleared ball, Colleen Rickard struck an excellent shot from 25 yards out to make it 3-1. The scoring was completed in the 83rd minute when Brianne Kaye made it 4-1 following good work and a ball on by Roisin Keogh. In the final minutes, a cross from Colleen to Nicole Moran resulted in a final shot on goal, saved by the ever-busy Ava Farrell. Monasterevin ultimately proved their quality and depth, running out deserved 4-1 winners to lift the So Fresh Entertainment Women's Cup.

Best for the winners were Bernie Hyland, Nicole Moran, Roisin Keogh, Abby Kemmy and player of the match Colleen Rickard While for Derry rovers Alicia Kavanagh, Orlaith Sullivan, Chelsie O’Driscoll, and Ally Gallagher all shone.

READ NEXT: Kildare's 2026 Leinster Championship fixtures announced with glamour ties galore