30.04.05 Northern Ireland 0 - 2 Republic of Ireland (photos/report by Martin Harris)

The early stages of the first half were fairly uneventful, but Kirsty Eddis in the Northern Ireland goal had to react quickly when Yvonne Cahill met a right wing cross.

The Northern Ireland team had seemed to lack confidence in their first two matches, but their midfield began to combine well, and Amy McAllister just failed to make contact when put through by Trudi Harbinson. Tanny Mount was also creating a few problems for a Republic of Ireland defence that had been untroubled in its first two matches.

Julie-Ann Russell was the main threat for the Republic team. On the 21st minute she hit a fine right foot shot which was saved well by Kirsty Eddis. Just two minutes later Russell collected a pass from Sinead Cullen and shot low to the 'keeper's left hand post.

The Republic were getting on top and Eddis made another fine save in the 26th minute when Ann-Marie Healey struck a low shot. The long-awaited goal finally came in the 28th minute from Sinead Cullen. Her well-struck right foot cross shot had too much pace for the 'keeper and gave the Republic a deserved lead.

Northern Ireland mounted several promising attacks in the closing minutes of the first half, and the opposition Goalkeeper had to come off her line twice in quick succession to foil Alex Ogle, but the Republic might have extended their leadin the last minute of the half from a corner which was blocked with great difficulty and cleared by Nisha Durien.

The Northern Ireland team came out in determined mood, and their second half display belied their earlier results. Their play was pacy and skilful although they failed to make clear-cut chances.
Most of the second half developed into a midfield struggle, with both teams showing good touches, but a lack of bite in the final third.

All of that changed however in the 69th minute. The Republic were awarded a free kick in the middle of the pitch and some 40 yards out, and Niamh Mulcahy's fine shot crept in just under the crossbar.
The final score left the Republic as winners of the Tournament, but the younger and smaller Northern Ireland team improved as they went through the Tournament and will have gained confidence from the experience.