Northern Ireland hit five as Girls' competitions get underway
Lauren Kirkpatrick's hat-trick inspired Northern Ireland to a commanding 5-0 victory over Chicago City as the Girls' Premier and Girls' Junior competitions got under way at the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
Northern Ireland made the perfect start at Dixon Park, taking the lead inside five minutes when Sara Devaney kept her composure after being played through on goal before slotting home at the near post.
It got even better for the hosts moments later as Kirkpatrick doubled the advantage with an excellent strike from distance.
Danielle McDowell-Tuffey's side dominated much of the opening half and should have extended their lead before the interval after being awarded a penalty, but Sasha Cowan fired her spot-kick wide.
Northern Ireland made no mistake after the restart, with Kirkpatrick adding a third four minutes into the second half after finishing off a well-worked move from close range.
Three minutes later she completed her hat-trick to put the result beyond doubt.
The hosts continued to create chances, with Abigail Fitzsimmons heading narrowly over before Grace Guest completed the scoring 10 minutes from time with Northern Ireland's fifth goal.
Elsewhere in the Girls' Premier competition, Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United both began their campaigns with victories.
Liverpool recorded a 3-0 win over Desert Empire Surf at Monkstown, while Manchester United defeated IL Heming 4-1 at Chimney Corner.
Shamrock Rovers also made an impressive start, with Lara Dallaghan scoring a hat-trick in a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Aston Villa at Rathcoole.
In the Girls' Junior competition, Surf Select were the biggest winners of the day, defeating Cliftonville 4-0 at Chimney Corner.
Crusaders were beaten 3-0 by Peamount United, while Manchester United opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Linfield at Dixon Park.
Glentoran and Kilmarnock shared the points after playing out a goalless draw at The Diamond.
Girls' Premier Results (Monday 27 July)
Northern Ireland 5-0 Chicago City
Liverpool 3-0 Desert Empire Surf
Manchester United 4-1 IL Heming
Shamrock Rovers 6-1 Aston Villa
Girls' Junior Results (Monday 27 July)
Surf Select 4-0 Cliftonville
Crusaders 0-3 Peamount United
Glentoran 0-0 Kilmarnock
Linfield 0-2 Manchester United
