Combo unlock the Gers to land under-16 crown
LADIES FOOTBALL
STABANNON/ST KEVIN’S GERALDINES 1-11 0-12
Stabannon/St. Kevin’s secured the Ladies U16 A Championship after a hard fought win over the Geraldines on Wedneday evening.
The Geraldines had the lion’s share of possession in the early part of the game and were it not for relentless pressure and blocking by the Kevins/Stabannon defence they would have been well ahead after the first quarter.
Three converted frees by Roisin Maguire kept Stabannon/St.Kevins in touch whilst Stephanie Callaghan was most unlucky not to have a goal.
As the first half of the game progressed the Stabannon/St.Kevins got a firm grip of the game with the half back line of Rinky Kelly, Caoimhe Boyle, Julie Guinan with sweeper Eireann Titley and Ciara McNally at midfield outstanding. On this platform, St. Kevins/Stabannon were attacking more and Roisin Maguire got 2 more points from play to leave them 5 – 3 ahead at half time.
After the restart of the second half, Stabannon/St. Kevins started as they finished the first half playing with great drive and purpose and 2 quick points from Roisin Maguire and one from Niamh Logue was followed by a superb goal from Sophie Smith. At this stage St.Kevins/Stabannon looked to be cruising, but then the Geraldines hit a purple patch hitting 7 points without reply to draw level.
A brilliant point from Roisin Maguire steadied the ship for Stabannon/St.Kevins and with some heroic defending in the Stabannon/St.Kevins full back line by Maeve McNamee, Kaiya Taaffe, Natasha Kearney and great kicking out from Sara King, the St. Kevins/Stabannon edged into top gear again with Caoimhe Wall, Niamh Logue and Ellen Butterly coming more and more into the game.
In the last few frantic minutes of the game, a point from Rousin Maguire and a thirty five yard point from Sophie Smith finally broke the Gers resistance to end the game on a score line of Stabannon/St.Kevin’s (1-11) to Geraldines (0-12).
This was a fantastic win and a very proud evening for Stabannon/St. Kevin’s girls as it was the first time both Clubs won the Under 16 A Championship. Every one of the Stabannon/St. Kevin’s players made a significant contribution to the win.
Edel Woods Louth Ladies County Board presented the Player of the Match Award to Roisin Maguire.
The Championship cup was presented by Edel to joint Captain’s Ellen Butterly and Ciara McNally. ST KEVIN’S/ STABANNON: Sarah King, Maeve McNamee, Kaiya Taaffe, Natasha Kearney, Rinky Kelly, Caoimhe Boyle, Julie Guinan, Caoimhe Wall, Roisin Maguire(0 -9), Niamh Logue(0-1), Ciara McNally, Ellen Butterly, Sophie Smith (1-1), Stephanie Callaghan, Eireann Titley, Abbey Brady, Amy Fagan, Aisling Matthews, Isabelle McCarron, Katie Doheny, Aoife Mc Mahon, Grace Flanagan, Catherine Malone, Maeve Byrne, Michelle Campbell.
GERALDINE’S: Kerry Ann Darcy, Zoe Stewart, Beth Hughes, Sarah Morgan, Sarah Morgan, Niamh Cunningham, Holly O’Donoghue, Sophie Turley, Nessa Reilly, Zoe Mc Gahon, Rebecca Mooney, Aoife Venliny, Amy Turley, Louise Corcoran, Leah Mc Ardle, Chloe Mackin, Clodagh Lynch, Eimear Fee,Taragh Fee, Una Kinney, Abigail Owens, Aoife Lawrence, Nina Hjalmers, Rachael Mullen, Naoise Corrigan, Aoife O’Brien, Ella Martyn,Maebh Fee.