Westport U16s have reached the Connacht Plate final after an exciting 22–21 win over Sligo in Sunday’s semi-final.

It was a dry day with a stiff breeze, and Westport chose to play against the wind in the first half. Sligo started strongly and put Westport under pressure for the opening ten minutes, but Westport defended really well and didn’t let them score.

Westport soon found their rhythm, with great teamwork between the forwards and backs. This led to the first try, as Clodagh O’Malley finished well on the left wing. Not long after, Olivia Tunney-Ware broke through the middle to score Westport’s second try. At half-time, Westport led 12–0.

Sligo came out fighting in the second half and got a score soon after the restart. Westport answered back with another try from Orla McGrath to keep their lead.

Sligo didn’t give up and scored again, making it a very close game. With 10 minutes to go and Westport leading by five points, they were awarded a penalty near the 22. Millie Mullaney stepped up and calmly kicked it over the bar to put Westport eight points ahead.

The final minutes were very tense. Sligo scored again and pushed hard for a winner, but Westport held on and showed great determination right to the end.

The final score was 22–21 to Westport — what a game!

Best of luck to the girls in the final. We’re all behind them!

Team on the day : Ellie Mai Keane, Mackenzie Mc Intyre, Muirinn Mulchrone, Orla McGrath, Olivia Tunney Ware, Sinéad Toland, Michaela McGreal, Millie Mullaney, Ciara Keating, Clara Kennedy, Abby Lee Horkan, Lena Massey, Claire Ryan, Clodagh OMalley, Ann Toland, Maeve Sheridan, Eva McManamon, Chloe Cusack, Moya Meeneghan, Clodagh Conway, Alice Farrell Michaela Prenty