Salthill Devon will take on Peamount United in the WFAI Senior Final in Dublin on the weekend 25th July after a very impressive 3 1 semi-final victory over Kilmacrannan from Donegal. Europe awaits the victors and Alan Kenny and Kieran O’Mahonys charges won’t need much more motivation than that when they go to Dublin for what would be the Clubs 6th All-Ireland title in as many years.

The match played in McSharry Park was a great advertisement for the Ladies game with an abundance of talent on both sides. Two of Irelands U17 heroes from the EUFA Final the previous week lined up on opposite sides with Ciara Grant facing up to her Captain from Switzerland, Dora Gorman. This was an intriguing battle but with combative Salthill skipper, Ruth Fahy alongside Gorman in the middle Salthill were always going to dominate this area. Donegals Julianne Herritty caused some anxious moments for the Salthill central defenders Emer Flatley and Becky Walsh but they dealt with every danger with coolness and aplomb. Full backs Aine Hannon and Dee Connell were very commanding and their link play with wide players Julie Anne Russell and Jenny Critchley was a feature of the game throughout.

Salthill opened the scoring on 22 minutes after a serious of corners the ball broke to Critchley who held her head and coolly slipped the ball across the goal mouth for the simplest of finishes for striker on form, Lucy Hannon. Salthill remained in control but keeper Tina Hughes made a crucial save of real quality just before half time from agreat strike from Roisin Friel.

Salthill started the second half with great resolve and their outstanding centre forward Kara Mullins was the catalyst for the second which effectively finished the game. Her strength and ambition won her a ball that she had no right to. She released Hannon who combined with Gorman and Critchley in a series of one touch passes that culminated with a sublime finish yet again from Hannon. It was a brilliant goal.

The strength of the Salthill bench was tested when Tessa Mullins replaced her sister and Rebecca McPhilbin came on for the injured Russell. If anything these two players raised the tempo and they were rewarded when after a great break by Critchley who was brought down in the box the ball broke to Tessa Mullins who finished with some style into the bottom corner. McPhilbin was now running the show in the middle and the introduction of young Lauren Ashmore further showed the depth of the squad.

This was an all round very solid and impressive performance from Salthill and they can now look forward to the Final at the end of the Month. Peamount are a very experienced side with 3 full internationals in their side, Louise Quinn, Aine O’Gorman and none other than World Champion boxer Katie Taylor. Salthill have their own stars and will travel with confidence.

Team. Tina Hughes, Aine Hannon, Dee Connell, Emer Flatley, Becky Walsh, Jenny Critchley, Ruth Fahy (Capt), Dora Gorman, Julie Ann Russell, Kara Mullins, Lucy Hannon.

Subs Tessa Mullins, Rebecca McPhilbin, Lauren Ashmore, Annette Clarke, Caroline Carter, Sarah O’Connell and Laoise O’Driscoll.