In Pictures: All-Ireland winning Laois soccer team honoured with Civic Reception by County Council

There were joyous scenes in the Laois County Council Chamber recently as a remarkable team were honoured.

The All-Ireland winning Portlaoise AFC U-14 Girls team were the guests of honour.

They were joined by their managers and family members as their historic achievements were recognised.

Back in May, they were crowned All-Ireland U-14 Girls champions after defeating Greystones United.

It was a historic victory for the side managed by Dave McCall, Conall Breslin and Raj Bawa.

Not only were they the first girls team to go this far in a national competition – they are the first Portlaoise team of any description to achieve this feat.

They were also the first team from the Midlands Schoolboys/Girls League to reach a national final in 20 years.

Portlaoise played with the wind in the first half of the final and made the breakthrough just before half time.

An excellent ball from Niamh Dundon split the Greystones defence and Ciara Breslin nipped in ahead of the keeper to score.

Portlaoise managed the game from there and headed for the break with a 1-0 lead.

Greystones came out in the second half and with the wind at their backs, they tried to apply pressure to Portlaoise.

However, they withstood it all and also introduced Keelin Moore who made a massive impact up front – holding up the ball really well on countless occasions.

The crucial strike came ten minutes from the end when a wonderful flick set up Maisie Kerry and she volleyed a shot low to the corner of the net.

Photographer Michael Scully was present on the evening and captured some great pictures.

Check them out below:

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