Salthill Devon Senior Ladies advanced to the semi-final of the WFAI Senior Cup with an emphatic 4 nil victory over Dublin side St. Catherines on Sunday at Drom. This result was somewhat unexpected as the two sides played each other in a friendly last month with the Dublin team coming out on top on a scoreline 3—2.

Salthill started the game with great tempo and no shortage of commitment, particularly in central mid-field where experienced stalwarts Meabh De Burca and team captain Ruth Fahy were bossing the game. With the mid-field exchanges being won it was only a matter of time before flying wingers Jenny Critchley and Julie-Ann Russell who were creating havoc down the flanks , before Salthill would open the scoring. And what a goal it was. Russsell made a great run down the left before crossing into the box for striker Kara Mullins to volley past the helpless keeper. Salthill kept up the pressure and 5 minutes later they made it 2 nil with a classy finish from the very impressive Lucy Hannon. With half time approaching St.Catherines were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. The Salthill defensive wall stood firm and cleared the ball to the unmarked Hannon who was still in her own half. She started her run and with the two wide players Russell and Critchley tearing up the wings and the Dublin defence at sixes and sevens Hannon weaved her way past three defenders and finding herself on the edge of the penalty area she coolly placed her shot in the corner of the net. It was an outstanding goal from an outstanding player.

This goal effectively killed of the game but to St. Catherines credit they never gave up. Salthill were very solid at the back with centre halves Emer Flatley and Becky Walsh in dominant form. Full backs Aine Hannon had a brilliant game before she had to retire injured and at right back Salthill had a contender for player of the match in Deirdre Connell. Tina Hughes had a quiet day but when tested late in the game pulled off a magnificent save that brought a huge round of applause from the large crowd watching. With 5 minutes remaining Critchley finished the scoring with a fine individual effort. Pleasing for the Salthill management was the reappearance of Antoinette Clarke for the second half after a lengthy period out injured. She was back to herself and never put a foot wrong. The introduction of the two young stars Dora Gorman and Tessa Mullins also in the second half shows the strength and depth of the squad.

Salthill can now look forward to the semi-final on the 27th June with great confidence and with a bit of luck a Senior All-Ireland final beckons.

Team: Tina Hughes, Aine Hannon, Deirdre Connell, Emer Flatley, Becky Walsh, Jenny Critchley, Meabh De Burca, Ruth Fahy (Capt.), Julie-Ann Russell, Kara Mullins, Lucy Hannon. Subs: Dora Gorman, Tessa Mullins, Annette Clarke, Rebecca McPhilbin, Sarah O’Connell, Caroline Carter, Laura Carroll and Luaren Ashmore