Dubs prove too strong for Kerry Under 14 girls

ALL-IRELAND LADIES UNDER 14 SEMI-FINAL

THE Kerry Under 14s All Ireland journey came to a shuddering halt when Dublin had too much fire-power for the Kingdom youngsters at Banagher last Sunday.

A poor first half saw Dublin take a nine points to two lead in at half-time and it was always going to be a difficult task for the Kerry girls to come back after that.

The Kerry points came from two Aisling Hanifin frees in the third and fourth minute of the half and their failure to score for the remainder of this period would prove detrimental to their cause.

Kerry tried hard, but kicked some poor wides, whilst Dublin’s rock solid defence was uncompromising. The Dubs also had an ace in their pack in the lively Shannon Russell who tormented the Kerry defence all day.

Kerry made changes at half-time, but it was Dublin who got off to a flier when Russell goaled after just a minute. Kerry looked in serious trouble but to their credit they didn’t lie down and slotted a goal and three points without reply from a Hanifin free kick, Melanie Higgins, a goal from Fionla Ni Chathasigh, and a point from Amy Harrington.

The Kerry revival was short lived, however, as Dublin added a goal and two points to push them 2-11 to 1-5 ahead 15 minutes to the second half. Kerry were dealt a further body blow with the sin binning of their full-back as Dublin continued to pile on the pressure.

Once again the Kerry girls showed character beyond their tender years when they refuse to wilt, and the excellent Amy Harrington scored two goals in-a-row to bring the Kingdom to within three points of their opponents with just 10 minutes left to play. Kerry began to believe that they might snatch victory, but Dublin had different ideas and Russell struck for her third goal of the game to seal victory.

Hard luck to the Kerry girls who gave it everything but just fell short. When the dust settles and the pain of defeat subsides they can take solace from the fact that they gave it their best shot.

KERRY: Ciara Cronin, Sophie Dennehy, Heather McNamara, Shona Fitzpatrick, Alicia Burke, Shauna Tangney, Katelyn Leen, Ellie O’Connell, Amy Harrington 2-1, Fionla Ní Chathasigh 1-0, Caoimhe Guerin Crowley, S Lynch, Aisling Hanifin 0-3f, Clodagh Murray, Melanie Higgins 0-1 Subs: Saoirse Dorrian, Aideen Cronin, Katie Dunworth, Katie Cronin

DUBLIN SCORERS: Shannon Russell 3-2, Ava Lambe 0-2 (1f), Sinead Daly 0-2, Annabelle Timothy, Grace Smith, Leah Pidgeon, Erica Field, Niamh Crowley 0-1 each.

County Leagues

THE Rose Hotel County Leagues are in full swing at the moment with games throughout the week at Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 levels. Please keep an eye on www.kerryladiesfootball.com and the Kerry Ladies Facebook page for all fixtures and results.

Seniors

KERRY seniors will take on Waterford in the Munster Championship at Fitzgerald Stadium next Sunday as part of a double header with the mens senior team.

The Kerry ladies game will throw in at 1.30 so make sure you come in early to support this dedicated bunch of girls.

The Rose Hotel Team of the Week: Goal: Lucy Harrington, ISG U-12 / Katie Casey, Na Gaeil U-12; RCB: Chloe O’Donoghue, Kilcummin U-14; FB: Ella Fitzgerald, Currow U-12; LCB: Lara Hoare, Laune Rangers U-12; RHB: Eabha Maloney, Beale/Ballyduff U-14; CHB: Emma Affonso, Firies U-16; LHB: Emily O’Brien, Ballymac U-16; Midfield: Rachel O’Donnell, Kerins O’Rahillys U-16; Midfield: Kayla Getkate, Corca Dhuibhne U-14; RHF: Saoirse Dilon, Duagh U-12; CHF: Isabel O’Sullivan Waters, Spa Killarney U-12; LHF: Muireann Hughes, Rathmore U-14; RCF: Kate O’Connor, Castleisland Desmonds U-12; FF: Aoife Dunlea, Scartaglin U-16; LCF: Abi MacNamara, Austin Stacks U-12