Donworth propels Crescent into last four

The Munster Schoolgirls Senior Cup quarter-finals got underway in earnest today, with Crescent College Comprehensive becoming the first side to advance to the last four as Orla Donworth’s goal gave them a 1-0 win over Ursulines Convent Thurles. They will now face the winners of Bandon Grammar’s clash with Midleton, which is down for decision on February 11. The west Cork girls, who include Ireland U18 Olivia Roycroft and U16 triallist Gemma Kingston in their ranks, have prospered under the guidance of Eddie Gash, carrying off the senior schools league title this year. Senior B side Midleton arrive at this juncture thanks to a 3-0 preliminary round win over Ashton last week, with Michelle Callan getting a double while Shirley Baker was also on target. Bandon will be hot favourites to progress from this one, but such has been the closely-fought nature of the league campaign this season that the other ties are impossible to call.

On the other side of the draw, Darren Collins’ Mount Mercy side begin their quest to take a fourth title in six seasons against Presentation Bandon, who have Irish Hockey Association president John Dennis at the helm. The Model Farm Road school’s challenge will be spearheaded by Yvonne O’Byrne and Jennifer Murphy, who have both gained plenty of senior experience playing with Cork Harlequins this term, but relative newcomes Pres Bandon will be keen to spring a surprise on last year’s finalists. The final tie down for decision goes ahead on Thursday, with two Cork Harlequins stalwarts going head-to-head in the dugouts as Dave Egner’s Scoil Mhuire outfit meet Eimear Cregan’s Laurel Hill. The Limerick school are defending champions and can call on plenty of representative talent, including Rebecca Barry – who put the final nail in Mount Mercy’s coffin in last March’s 3-0 final win – and Aoife Roisin Burke, who have both made big impressions with Catholic Institute this term. Amy Kate Trevor, who has represented her province at both U16 and U18 level this year and is an Ireland U16 triallist, will be the hub of Scoil Mhuire’s effort, while C of I’s Lauragh O’Neill provides a drag-flicking threat from short corners. Emily Reidy is another to watch for the Cork city school, who will have relative home comforts at the Mardyke for Thursday’s clash (2.30pm). Munster Schoolgirls Senior Cup Preliminary round Ashton 0 Midleton 3 (M Callan, S Baker) Quarter-finals Crescent CC 1 (O Dunworth) Ursuline Convent Thurles 0 Remaining games: Bandon GS vs Midleton (11/2/09); Mount Mercy vs Pres Bandon (28/1/09); Scoil Mhuire vs Laurel Hill Coláiste (29/1/09, Mardyke, 2.30pm)