CHAMPIONS.
This week we salute the Erins Own U-14 Girls Gaelic Football team
on a fantastic win in the Roinn B County Final at Nowlan Park. On a day when a
strong cross wind did not lend itself to free flowing football it was the Comer
girls who adapted better as they romped to a deserved 3-6 to 0-1 win over a
gallant Piltown selection. Erins Own played against the elements in the opening
half and after an early Danielle Morrissey point the winners were given a real
tonic when the energetic Sarah Smyth cracked home a terrific goal. Lively full
back Rebecca Brennan repelled attack after attack and she was well supported by
wing back Leah Maher who never put a foot wrong throughout the game. Further
points from the best player on view Danielle Morrissey (2), and Sarah Smyth put
the winners in the clear. In a rare Piltown attack goalie Katie Tynan saved
confidently before clearing her lines. With Roisin Allen and Meabh Delaney on
top at midfield it came as no surprise when Meabh Walsh found herself in time
and space to slot in a second goal. Ahead 2-4 to 0-0 at the break Comer were in
a commanding position. In the new half exchanges were keenly fought with scores
hard to come by. Again points from Danielle Morrissey and Meabh Walsh stretched
the lead and Sarah Smyth put the icing on the cake with her second goal after
good approach play from sub Aoife Dowling. Just before the end Piltown got in
for a deserved
consolation. Final
Score Erins Own 3-6 ; Piltown 0-1. This was a fine workmanlike performance and
although barely two years in existence this team has come on leaps and bounds
into a well drilled outfit thanks to the management team of Andrew Korff, John
Cahalan, Brenda Downey and Denise Brennan.
Netminder Katie Rynan was as cool
as the breeze and made some timely saves. On the full back line Michelle Farrell
cleared time and time again, while Rebecca Brennan was a tower of strength
commanding and assurance, in the other corner Laura Mullaly was neat and tidy
in all aspects of her play. In the half backs Leah Maher worked her socks off to
great effect, centre back Evelyn Phelan broke up numerous attacks while Emma
Cahill dealt capably with a number of opponents and distributed the ball
intelligently. The midfield pairing of Roisin Allen and Meabh Delaney ruled the
roost setting up numerous scores with a strong running and carrying performance.
On the half forward line Sinead Brennan was involved in numerous free flowing
attacks, centre forward Danielle Morrissey was undoubtedly the engine of the
team covering intelligently up and down the field, while Sarah Smyth was top
scorer with 2-1 to her name in a lively performance. On the full forward line
Niamh Walsh showed some neat touches, Kate Maher was unselfish setting up many
scores while Meabh Walsh helped herself to 1-1 to crown an impressive display.
Sub Aoife Dowling was introduced to positive effect while Ellie Boland, Molly
Boland and Shauna Kerr showed the strength of the panel proving their worth when
introduced.
Team ; Katie Tynan, Michelle Farrell, Rebecca Brennan, Laura
Mullaly, Leah Maher, Evelyn Phelan, Emma Cahill, Roisin Allen, Meabh Delaney
(Captain), Sinead Brennan, Danielle Morrissey (0-4), Sarah Smyth (2-1), Niamh
Walsh, Kate Maher, Meabh Walsh (1-1). Subs ; Aoife Dowling, Ellie Boland, Molly
Boland, Shauna Kerr.
