This was the first occasion that the Defence Forces Women’s Team played a representative fixture outside of Ireland and it is an indicator of the positive progress made in recent years that they were only denied victory by a late equaliser.
The RAF started the stronger of the sides and had some early chances forcing one magnificent save from Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhe Dollard that was soon followed by resolute defensive work by the Irish rearguard and team captain Jackie Kelly in particular.
Having failing to capitalise on some early dominance the RAF lost momentum and the Irish took a grip of the game with striker Lorraine O’Connor very unlucky not to open the scoring with two great efforts. The Irish continued to dominate up to halftime without breaking the deadlock.
The second-half started brightly for the Irish who pressed the opposition hard and finally got their reward in the 50th minute from a corner. Catherine Meaney delivered a superb cross to the back post which was slotted home from a tight angle by Siobhan O’Sullivan, whose goal capped a fine individual performance.
The Irish began to defend this lead and play on the counter attack with Amy Phelan, Grainne Kennelly and Kim Turner controlling the midfield battle. The industrious Lorraine O’Connor was replaced up front by Paula Spillane whose clever movement and link up play caused problems for the RAF.
However, four minutes from the end the Irish defence was breached as the RAF scored an equaliser but the visitors almost regained the lead in the final seconds when Kim Turner broke from midfield and set up Grainne Kenneally who was inches wide with a great effort.
The Irish management team of Darren Cody, Richie Barber and Ray McCann were very pleased after the game and felt that the team brought massive intensity and performed to an outstanding level.
Barber stated: “The squad have been fantastic and deserved to win the game with a skilful and committed performance." He also complimented Manager Darren Coady for his efforts in the build-up and in getting the best out of the squad.
The Irish will look to build on this result into 2016 and beyond having remained unbeaten now for past three years.
Irish Defence Forces: C. Dollard; J. Kelly (c), R. Coogan, G. Fanning, S. O’Sullivan, A. Phelan, N. Kelly, C. Carroll, L.O’Connor, K. Turner, C. Meaney. Subs Used: G. Kenneally (45 mins), P. Spillane (60 mins), E. Hannon (80 mins), A. Byrne (85 mins). Unused Subs: K. Byrne, K.Irwin, S. Keogh, C.Foy, S. Moran. Staff: D. Cody, A. Corboy, R. Barber, R McCann, K. O’Sullivan, A. Griffin.