September 23, 2000
Republic Of Ireland beats Scotland 1-0 in Celt Cup Semi-final

Friday September 22, 2000 Republic of Ireland 1 Scotland 0

Republic Of Ireland returned to winning ways in their Semi-final of the Celt Cup in Belfast today. Recently appointed Republic of Ireland Ladies International Senior team manager Noel King went for a blend of youth and experience in recalling Angie McNally, Olivia O'Toole and Louise Kelly as well as giving a first senior cap to keeper Catriona Connolly.

The Republic secured a closely fought 1-0 win over a Scotland side who had as recently as March of this year administered a 3-0 defeat in their previous competitive encounter.This was the Republic of Ireland's first win over the Scots since 1996. Scotland started the game well and were evenly matched with a Republic side that showed great composure and fearlessness. The Republic opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Olivia O'Toole's defence splitting pass, found Caroline Thorpe in space and she made no mistake from close range.

It was 1-0 at half-time. Both sides had chances in the second half, but there was no further scoring.

In the other semi-final Northern Ireland, the hosts, took on the Isle
of Man and won comfortably. So Northern Ireland V The Republic of
Ireland will decide the final of the Celt Cup.

Republic of Ireland

Connolly, Catriona (PSO LFC Sligo)
Gibbons, Ronnie (Fulham, England)
Heapes, Susan (Arsenal, England)
Kane, Michelle (Shamrock Rovers)
Treacy, Yvonne (Arsenal, England)
Kelly, Louise (Rathfarnham United)
Thorpe, Caroline (Arsenal, England)
Grant, Clara (Arsenal, England)
Mc Nally, Angie (Rathfarnham United)
Kierans, Grainne (Arsenal, England)
O'Toole, Olivia (Shamrock Rovers)

Substitutes used
Walsh, Michelle (St.Catherine's) for O'Toole ;
Gee, Sylvia (Benfica L.F.C. Waterford) for Kelly