Despite horrible weather conditions on the day, a well-attended Ladies Football U16 B Division final between Liscannor and Clooney-Quin were treated to a display of well-spirited and fully-committed football at Kilnamona GAA club. Both teams deserve much praise in their delivery of a fine hour’s entertainment.
Clooney-Quin were first on the board, the result of a drive towards goals from the throw-in when the dynamic Ellie Rochford was fouled on the twenty. Emma Deegan duly converted the opportunity and would continue throughout the game to be Clooney-Quin’s top scorer. This score was negated by Meg Brennan’s point for the sea-siders and this ebb and flow pattern would continue till the break. Another pointed free by Deegan was answered by Chria Guerin’s fine point from play, briefly putting both sides level until another Rochford inspired attack on fifteen minutes yielded Deegans third pointed free of the quarter. (Three points to Liscannor’s two points). Liscannor then launched an attacking phase that lasted for ten minutes bringing a goal saving manoeuvre from keeper Ciara O’Reilly. Shooting under such difficult conditions proved fruitless until Orlaith Considine converted a free. Immediately Emma Deegan pointed from play for Clooney . Both centre fields were well matched with the captain’s leading the charge for their respective sides. Co-captain Elaine Shannon carried the lion’s share of the ball into the attack for Liscannor ably assisted by Meg Brennan, Chria Guerin, Aoife Nagle and Orfhlaith Considine. Ciara Grogan was instrumental in mid-field by turning over a lot of ball to launch the Clooney-Quin offensive most notably in the shape of Ellie Rochford, Ciara Halpin Aisling McGrath Moya Dunne, Clara de Sousa and the sharpshooting Emma Deegan.
With seconds left to the half-time whistle Clooney-Quin were up the field and against the run of play for most of the second quarter, Mary Connelly rattled the back of the Liscannor net pushing the Green and Red into the lead by four points as referee Michael Talty called for the ball. Clooney-Quin 1-4 Liscannor 0-3.
A rejuvenated Clooney-Quin now carried the attack to the opposition immediately after the break with Ciara Grogan leading the way and it took them six minutes to release Emma Deegan who netted and pointed shortly after. A massive performance from Liscannor full back Aisling Nagle pushed the opposition back time and again but eventually a Grogan / Rochford combo ended with Deegan bringing her tally to 1-5 for the day and pushing Clooney-Quin ahead by eight points (2-5 to 0-3) by the end of the third quarter. Battling ever deteriorating conditions, the Liscannor girls applied themselves and after a great spell of play, a goal by Chria Guerin brought the scorline to 1-3 for Liscannor and 2-5 for Clooney-Quin. However, there were no further scores forthcoming as the elements made the game more and more difficult and Clooney-Quin ran out U16 B Division
Champions for 2015.
The Liscannor defence were outstanding in the first half starting with goalie Niamh O’Dwyer who made some brave shot stoppers during the game. Aisling Nagle in the full back position was the defensive anchor but she had great support from Aoife Sexton, Karen Hillary, Jane Murphy, Lisa Conneely and Catriona Butcholz. Elaine Shannon has a marvellous game while her attacking cohorts Maria Fitzgerald, Gina McDonagh, Meg Brennan, Shona Fitzhenry, Chria Guerin, Aoife Nagle and Orlaith Considine all played very well but might rue the lost scoring chances of the first half. The difference between the teams must be in the attacking prowess of Clooney-Quin which includes Captain Grogan, Ellie Rochford, Aisling McGrath, Moya Dunne, Clara de Sousa and Ciara Halpin. It definitely is the free-taking skills and finishing power of Emma Deegan.
Clooney-Quin: Ciara O’Reilly, Hannah Connelly (1-0), Orlaith Nash, Michelle Meere, Mary Connelly, Jennifer O’Neill, Rachel Beg, Kate Taylor, Ciara Grogan (Capt), Ciara Halpin, Aisling McGrath, Ellie Rochford, Moya Dunne, Emma Deegan (1-5, 3f), Clara de Sousa, Roisin Corbett, Sinead McGee, Emma Considine.
Management: Liam Connelly, Brian O’Neill, Martha Deegan, Anne Nash, Patricia Buckley