Soccer
Soccer is a thriving sport here in St Mary’s. We have entered teams at Minor (1st & 2nd Yr) and Junior (3rd & TY).
Training takes place on the school field on Thursdays and home matches are played in nearby Brickfields.
Soccer Success – September 2025
- MARY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, NENAGH will represent FAI Schools this week in the SAFIB Rod Houston Cupin Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Shropshire (Sept 15 to 17).
The Tipperary girls will enjoy a debut appearance at the annual event having won last season’s FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup title at the end of May in a thrilling encounter in Cahir Park AFC. They defeated Leinster kingpins Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny with a hat-trick of goals that afternoon.
In that particular showpiece, St. Mary’s got the better of Loreto netminder Nolan on the quarter hour mark when Alanna O’CARROLL flicked the ball over the shoulder of the keeper in stylish fashion to give the Munster stars a one goal cushion. Captain Hailee Moran Tanner playing a delightful ball into O’Carroll in the build up.
Alanna O’CARROLL was to double her tally on 38 minutes and ensure a second for Eamonn Morrissey’s side. Again it was Hailee Moran Tanner turning supplier for O’Carroll to slot home from close range.
With seven minutes remaining, Maddie DEANE made it three nil with a smart finish to ensure the Cup was going South.
The Nenagh crew will relish this week’s challenge as they compete against Welsh stars Caerleon Comprehensive School of Newport who return to this level of competition having featured over the last few seasons. Surrey scholars Surbiton High School also will fancy their chances come Monday afternoon. While Welsh side Stanwell School, Penarth will make up the quartet, with their first taste of competition at this level.
The Republic of Ireland have a good record in this tournament since it’s inception nine years ago, winning 4 out of the 7 titles on offer.
Salthill’s Salerno Secondary School captured the title last year with a phenomenal display netting 27 goals in 3 games, only conceding 2. They defeated Caerleon in the opening match with a comprehensive 11-0 scoreline which was followed up by a 14-1 victory over Northern Ireland newcomers Kilkeel High School of Down. The last outing was much more competitive with the Galway students 2-1 victors against Shenfield High School, Essex.
Presentation College, Athenry claimed top spot in 2023 with a 2-0 win over Welsh side Caerleon Comprehensive School on the opening day. They followed this up with a slender 1-0 victory over South Hunsley High School from England and clinched gold with an all Irish affair as they stuck two unanswered goals past third place finishers Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny.
2019 saw Carndonagh Community School lift the crown. They secured the gold medal with a 3-1 victory over Welsh outfit Ysgol Glan Clwdy, Saint Asaph. Conor Doherty’s side were in a commanding position heading into the final game following comprehensive victories over their English counterparts, defeating Crompton House School 4-2 in the opening game. This was followed up with an impressive 4-0 win over Shenfield High School, Essex in the penultimate outing.
In 2018, Westport’s Sacred Heart School made the journey to Lilleshall. The Irish girls had convincing wins over the other title contenders St. Ivo School and Ysgol Cymraeg Bro Morgannwg of Barry so it was winner takes all on the third day of action. Bohunt School, Wokingham dispatched the Westport side 2-1 in a tantalising conclusion to ensure a runners-up spot for the Republic of Ireland representatives.
2017 Champions, Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny had a phenomenal tournament with the Cats notching up 32 goals in three games, only conceding twice to lift the title in remarkable fashion with Senior International Ellen Molly playing an instrumental role in their success.
In 2016, Ursuline College in Sligo were runners up to eventual winners St. Ivo School in the very first tournament decider.
TOURNAMENT FIXTURES
The first series of games will take place this afternoon (Monday, September 15) which will see Caerleon Comprehensive School take on Surbiton High School at 4pm while Penarth debutant’s Stanwell School take on Republic of Ireland outfit St. Mary’s with a 5.15pm kick off scheduled.
Day two will see an early start for Stanwell as they face their English counterparts Surbiton at 10am while St. Mary’s take on Caerleon CS at 11.15am.
Wednesday’s fixtures have the Republic of Ireland representatives facing Surbiton while the Newport girls of Caerleon entertain Stanwell in all Welsh affair as both games kick off simultaneously at 10.30am.
The table toppers will be awarded the Rod Houston Cup following the final series of games as well as the Nigel Brown Trophy will be presented to the Player of the Tournament.
- MARY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, NENAGH, TIPPERARY |Meabh Gleeson, Anna Costello, Jane Power, Caoimhe Kennedy, Abi O’Brien, Hailee Moran Tanner, Jenna McSherry, Milena Halbina, Alanna O’Carroll, Maddie Dean, Tara Hanrahan, Jenny Talbot, Amy Keogh, Daisy Ryan, Abi Carr, Mia Dziewiatka
MANAGEMENT STAFF | Jillian White
SAFIB Rod Houston Cup (U14 Girls’ Home Nations Tournament)
Venue | Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Shropshire
FIXTURES
Monday, September 15
Caerleon CS, Wales vs Surbiton HS, Surrey KO 4pm
St. Mary’s SS, Nenagh vs Stanwell School, Penarth 5.15pm
Tuesday, September 16
Stanwell School vs Surbiton HS, Surrey, KO 10am
St. Mary’s SS, Nenagh vs Caerleon CS, Wales KO 11.15am
Wednesday, September 176
Surbiton HS vs St. Mary’s SS, Nenagh, KO 10.30am
Stanwell School vs Caerleon CS KO 10.30am
St. Mary’s Secondary School Nenagh are set to represent Ireland on the international
stage.
There’s a vibrant sense of pride and excitement filling the halls of St Mary’s Secondary
School as the Under-14 girls’ soccer squad complete their preparations ahead of the
prestigious Rod Houston Cup.
The Rod Houston Cup gathers the best U14 girls’ teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland,
Wales, and England, offering a level of international exposure that is invaluable for
developing young players.
Following their triumph in the All-Ireland First Year Large Schools’ final last May St. Mary’s
earned the right to represent their country in the annual four nations tournament staged in
Shropshire, England.
First Year Soccer All Ireland Winners 2025
Soccer Success
St. Mary’s Secondary School Nenagh are set to represent Ireland on the international
stage.
There’s a vibrant sense of pride and excitement filling the halls of St Mary’s Secondary
School as the Under-14 girls’ soccer squad complete their preparations ahead of the
prestigious Rod Houston Cup.
The Rod Houston Cup gathers the best U14 girls’ teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland,
Wales, and England, offering a level of international exposure that is invaluable for
developing young players.
Following their triumph in the All-Ireland First Year Large Schools’ final last May St. Mary’s
earned the right to represent their country in the annual four nations tournament staged in
Shropshire, England.St. Mary’s Secondary School, Nenagh 3-0 Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny
Scorers – Alanna O’Carroll (15, 38), Maddie Deane (43)
MARY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, NENAGH claimed the FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup following a dominant performance against Leinster legends Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny in Cahir Park AFC onThursday, May 22nd
The Nenagh side had a gilt edged opportunity to take the lead nine minutes in, when Maddie Deane pulled her strike wide off the far post following Jenna McSherry’s initial shot on target which was saved brilliantly by Loreto netminder Mariana Nolan.
St. Mary’s eventually got the better of Nolan on the quarter hour mark when Alanna O’CARROLL flicked the ball over the shoulder of the Loreto keeper in stylish fashion to give the Munster stars a one goal cushion. Captain Hailee Moran Tanner playing a delightful ball into O’Carroll in the build-up.
St. Mary’s went into the break one up.
With ten minutes of the second half played, Jenna McSherry popped off a checky shot to the top corner of Nolan’s near post following a mazy run by the Nenagh player but Mariana was quick to react to palm the ball over her upright.
However, three minutes later, Alanna O’CARROLL was to double her tally and ensure a second for Eamonn Morrissey’s side. Again, it was Hailee Moran Tanner turning supplier for O’Carroll to slot home from close range.
With seven minutes remaining, Maddie DEANE made it three nil with a smart finish to ensure the Cup was going to the North of the County.
A disappointing outing for Loreto who played some wonderful football in the lead up to the finale. It just didn’t clinch for them this afternoon.
As exciting National Cup Champions, St. Mary’s will have the opportunity to represent FAI Schools in a Home Nations Tournament, the SAFIB Rod Houston Cup, in Lilleshall at a three day event which takes place from September 15 to 17.
Last season’s Cup winners, the Republic of Ireland representatives, Salerno Secondary School, Salthill won the prestigious tournament at the start of the academic season, scoring 26 goals, only conceding twice in three games as they defeated Cup winners from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to lift the trophy.
MARY’S SS, NENAGH |Meabh Gleeson, Anna Costello, Jane Power, Caoimhe Kennedy, Abi O’Brien, Hailee Moran Tanner ©, Jenna McSherry, Milena Halbina, Alanna O’Carroll, Maddie Deane, Tara Hanrahan
SUBS (ROLL ON/OFF) | Abi Carr, Amy Keogh, Daisy Ryan, Jenny Talbot, Mia Dziewiatka
MANAGEMENT |Jill White, Eamonn Morrissey, Shane Doherty
St Mary’s Sec School reached the County final stage of the Tipperary FAI Futsal . With only the regional winners present the standard was high and St Marys did well to record an opening win over St Ailbhes with goals from Ciara Ryan and Caitriona Finn. Confidence was on a high heading into the second group game against Ursuline Thurles but aginst a strong side St Marys did well to hold out for a 1-1 draw. In the final group game against St Annes of Tipperary town St Marys hit the lead with a fine finish by Ruth Kennedy but the concession of two second half goals spelled the end of St Marys interest. Well done to the entire panel and preparation now begins for The Munster Cup against Presentation Thurles.
Well done to our Minor soccer team that had a comprehensive 6-1 win over St Augustines Waterford in the Munster Cup quarter final
Soccer Success 8/1/18
St. Mary’s 6
Nenagh College 3
St Mary’s had a good win over near neighbours Nenagh College in the Junior Shannonside league on Thursday 10th Jan in Brickfields.
We fell behind to an early Nenagh College goal but from then on we started to assert ourselves with Leah McLoughney and Aoibhinn Slattery doing well in defence supported by Lynn Farrell making her debut!
Before long we hit the equaliser. After a sustained spell of pressure the ball fell kindly to winger Amy O Mahoney and her low shot found the far corner. In midfield Niamh O Brien and Knigh’s Emma Gavin were gaining plenty of possession and it was Gavin’s shot that put St. Mary’s into the lead.
After half time a tame shot from Gavin evaded the Nenagh College goalie to increase the lead before impressive substitute Jodie McGrath scored her first in St Mary’s colours. Julianna Gaska took over from Aine Tuohy in goals and showed great composure in what was her first time in goals. Niamh O Brien completed a barnstorming run with a good finish to add a fifth before another substitute, Nichola Lehane prodded home after a goal mouth scramble to bring the tally to six. To their credit Nenagh College never gave up and two second half goals put a fairer reflection on proceedings.
In all 20 girls got to play and each ever one deserve credit for their commitment to the cause on a wet and cold January day.
St Marys – Natalie Creamer ,Anna Mulcahy, Lynn Farrell, Julia Madden ,Cindy Diplacido ,Lera Anton Julianna Gaska ,Sarah Murphy ,Niamh O Brien ,Aoibhinn Slattery,Aine Tuohy ,Leah McLoughney Emma Gavin ,Ashling O Meara,Shauna Manning ,Jodie McGrath ,Amy McCarthy ,Niamh Pateman ,Mollie Kennedy ,Katie O Keefe ,Amy O Mahoney Andrea Brennan,Hannah Fleming ,Ellie Loughnane ,Avril Dooley ,Lauren Spain ,Snigdha Sibi , Nichola Lehane
Junior Soccer through to Munster Semi Final 4/12/17
Well done to our Junior Soccer Squad who defeated Abbeyside Community College, Waterford in a thriller to reach our first Munster Junior Cup Semi Final.
After a long journey the opening periods were a cagey affair with both teams working each other out. Shortly before half time St Mary’s ratcheted up the pressure with Aoibhinn Ryan and Medhbh Ryan asserting their presence in midfield and finally the breakthrough came when Megan Grace broke free down the right before producing a lovely ball across the box where Emma Keating duly made no mistake.
Defending champions Abbeyside were spurred into life and suddenly our back four of Emer Touhy, Fiona Kirwan, Caoimhe Clancy and Ellen Cunnen were forced to withstand some sustained pressure. Aine Touhy produced some great moments before being finally undone as the hosts equalised. St Mary’s responded and pressed hard right to the end with Fiona Pateman and Sarah Madden putting in some serious work before the ref’s whistle signalled the end to normal time and an additional twenty minutes.
St Mary’s replaced tired legs with Niamh Cuneen and Grace Kennedy adding an extra attacking threat and it was good pressure from Kennedy that forced the mistake in an otherwise assured Abbeyside defence that allowed Emma Keating to race through before coolly slotting the ball past the advancing keeper.
Both sides had chances as physically both s paid for their earlier endeavours and in the dying minutes the resilient Waterford school forced a free kick on the edge of our box. The result was an outstanding free kick which flew to the net leaving Aine Touhy with no chance and the dreaded prospects of penalty kicks were suddenly a reality.
The Cuneen twins Ellen and Niamh, Fiona Patemen and Aoibhinn Slattery showed cool converting their spot kicks and when Medhb Ryan brilliantly saved her second and our opponent’s final penalty it handed us a precious away win. Well done to the entire squad!
Aine Touhy ,Emer Touhy ,Caoimhe Clancy ,Sarah Madden ,Niamh Cuneen ,Ellen Cuneen ,Caoimhe Kennedy ,Medhbh Ryan ,Emma Keating ,Fiona Pateman ,Fiona Kirwan, Aoibhinn Delaney ,Grace Kennedy ,Megan Grace , Melanie Dumitriu ,Orla Clarke ,Mikayla Doran ,Rachel Shanaghan ,Eileen Gleeson ,Siobhan Collins ,Rebecca Murphy,Caitlin Ducie Hogan, Emma O Hara, Mary O Brien, Katie Grace ,Annie Ryan
Junior Cup Victory
Soccer
After a gap of over 15 years St . Marys reformed our schools soccer teams in 2016, entering teams into the Shannon side Junior and Senior leagues. The Juniors had a year to remember with victories over Borrisokane CC,. St Ailbhe’s Tipperary Town and St Mary’s Charleville to emerge victorious in their division.