Niamh Fahy, centre, Galway League, celebrates after scoring her side's first goal with team-mates Julieanne Russell, left, and Michelle Glynn. FAI Umbro Women's Cup Final, Galway League v Raheny United, Dalymount Park, Dublin. Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE

Galway League 1- 0 Raheny United
Fahey (pen) 75

History was made at Dalymount Park in Dublin last Sunday when the Galway League claimed a very first FAI Women's Umbro Senior Cup.

The Galway Ladies saw off the challenge of Dublin outfit Raheny United thanks to a penalty from Republic of Ireland international Niamh Fahey fifteen minutes from time.

Fahey crowned a fantastic individual display with the crucial spot-kick after referee Hilda McDermott pointed to the spot.

McDermott adjudged that Galway striker Kara Mullins was tripped by Megan Nugent as she raided into the area, and Fahey kept her nerve to coolly convert.

Raheny goalkeeper Niamh Reid-Burke guessed correctly but Fahey's effort found the bottom right hand corner.

Galway's became the second league representative team to win the competition following on from Mayo's victory in last year's event. And Galway now have the honour of representing Ireland in next season's prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Raheny were left to rue a number of missed opportunities and their misery was compounded in the final minute when striker Noelle Murray was sent off following a clash with Galway's Maeve De Burca. Goals from Olivia O'Toole and Noelle Murray had helped Raheny reach their first-ever final but their efforts were curbed by solid defensive displays from Galway stars Fahey and Annette Clarke.

Raheny were on top in the early stages and O'Toole saw her shot saved in the very first minute before Julie-Anne Russell fired wide seconds later. Rachel Graham had opportunities either side of half-time to give Raheny the but she was denied by Galway goalkeeper Melissa Casserly after 28 minutes before heading over in the 63rd minute.

Galway grew in confidence as the second half wore on and were their chance arrived when Fahey converted the decisive 75th minute penalty. Raheny pressed for an equaliser but Galway were rarely troubled and could have added a second in stoppage time.

Julie-Anne Russell sprinted down the right flank towards goal but blazed her shot over the bar.

Galway League: Melissa Casserly (Galway Bohs), Theresa Fahy (Galway Bohs), Emer Flatley (Salthill Devon), Annette Clarke (Galway Bohs), Niamh Fahy (Salthill Devon), Gráinne Barrett (Galway Bohs), Michelle Glynn (Mervue Utd), Maeve De Burca (Salthill Devon), Susie Cunningham (Ashe Rovers), Kara Mullins (Galway Bohs), Julienne Russell (Salthill Devon).
Substitutes: Heather Duffy (Galway Bohs) for Barrett (68 mins), Aoife Burke (Galway Bohs) for Cunningham (84 mins) and Paula Kelly (Mervue United) for Russell (92 mins).

Raheny United: Niamh Reid-Burke, Wendy Stienen, Christina Byrne, Megan Nugent, Sharon Boyle, Lyndsey Hennelly, Rachael Graham, Kerri Ryan, Olivia O'Toole, Noelle Murray, Rebecca Creagh.
Substitute: Amy Curley for Ryan (63 mins).

Referee: Hilda McDermott.

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