Fine first from classy Kilrush
Super performance proves too much for brave Tintern
A CRACKING performance from Kilrush ensured they claimed their first-ever Rackard League girls’ football Roinn ‘A’ title, beating Tintern in St. Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy, recently.
It proved to be a powerful display from the Ballyellis and Ballyroebuck girls as they managed to dominate the game against a spirited Tintern side which battled gamely to the very end.
In icy conditions, both teams warmed up the decent crowd with their commitment and gutsy football from the first minute. They both went after the game from the word go, but it was Kilrush who peaked at the right time.
It might be difficult to pick stars from a side that performed so well, but the champions’ midfield was outstanding.
The contrast in size was stark between the powerful and rangy Orla O’Rourke and the diminutive Mikaela Tobin-Cosgrave, but their skills were complementary.
A glance at the scoring stats gives an indication of how well they played, but it wasn’t just about two players.
The defence was superb, as all six put in a huge effort to concede just one point, and Marita McCrea was excellent in goal.
In attack, everyone joined in the creative side of the game, but Kate Tomkins and Sarah Kirwan proved they had an eye for a score with a couple each. The first quarter belonged to Kilrush and they were able to build a lead.
Kirwan palmed in the opening major after Lucy Bannon’s shot was saved by Caoilainn Scott. Both midfielders soon got on the scoresheet and it was 2-2 to nil when Tintern’s Emma Rossiter was denied by McCrea in goal.
Kilrush kept pressing at the other end and added further points from Tobin-Cosgrave and Tomkins.
The impressive Kate Ryan and Lauren Twomey combined to test McCrea again before the break.
Rossiter did convert a free for their side, but a palmed O’Rourke goal from Eibhe Guinan’s free-kick gave Kilrush a 3-4 to 0-1 interval lead.
The scoring slowed early in the second-half as the Tintern defence repelled countless attacks.
O’Rourke did score two more goals with incisive attacking play, while Tobin-Cosgrave and Tomkins added points as the half wore on.
Rossiter did flash a late freekick chance wide of the posts as her team looked for a consolation goal, but it was a night for Ballyellis and Ballyroebuck to celebrate as they took the title in style.
Kilrush: Marita McCrea; Lara Murphy, Róisín O’Rourke, Faye Mulroe; Orla MacSweeney, Eibhe Guinan (joint capt.), Ciara Kenny (joint capt.); Orla O’Rourke (4-0), Mikaela Tobin-Cosgrave (1-3); Laura Bailey, Erin Tobin, Kate Tomkins (0-2); Lucy Brannon, Sarah Kirwan (1-1), Laura Mulroe. Subs. (rolling) - Jenna Scully, Aoife Farrell, Aoibheann Buttle, Aisling O’Toole, Maeve Mimnagh, Katie Doran, Isabelle Crowe.
Tintern: Caoilainn Scott; Shannon Quigley, Lauren Kehoe, Emma Jenkins; Courtney Whelan, Evelyn McCormack, Leah Kent; Emma Rossiter (capt., 0-1 free), Isabella Kinsella; Katie Ryan, Kate Swan, Lauren Twomey; Ella King, Lucy Power, Kyra Molloy. Subs. (rolling) - Eva Kent, Cathy Dillon, Abbie Power, Emily O’Donoghue, Annie Mai Codd, Alex Whitty, Brooke Whitty, Rome Belton, Holly O’Loughlin, Hazel Stafford, Layla Clarke, also Amy Symes (inj.).
Referee: Dickie Murphy (Starlights).