Heartache for Rathmore

MUNSTER SENIOR PLATE QUARTER-FINAL

Bride Rovers (Cork) 5-10 Rathmore (Kerry) 1-18

IT’S not often a team scores nineteen shots in a game, but still loses.

Unfortunately, this was the case for Rathmore following a pulsating game against Bride Rovers of Cork in Mallow on Saturday evening. Played under lights in perfect conditions the crowd where treated to some excellent football throughout the game.

This game never disappointed with both sides displaying what is good about ladies’ football. An evenly match first half resulted with both sides exchanging scores frequently. Rathmore first to raise the white flag with a free from Noreen Murphy.

Two points from Bride Rovers followed before Rathmore Katie Buckley had the sides level. Judging by Bride Rovers form in the Cork Championship gaols where very much part of there success to this stage, something that would prove crucial in the outcome of this game.

They struck the first of their five goals in the seventh minute to open a three-point lead. Rathmore responded with three unanswered points to have the sides level for the third time despite only ten minutes being played.

Both sides exchanges scores before Katie Buckley gave Rathmore the lead midway through the half. Rathmore’s confidence was dented when Jennifer Barry struck for Bride Rovers second goal.

Rathmore where not to be deterred do as they would match their counterparts scoring three points to go in at the break two points in arrears. Consensus at half-time was Rathmore needed a goal despite only being two points in arrears Unfortunately it was the Cork side who struck two inside the first 10 minutes of the second half to open a seven-point lead.

Noreen Murphy with a pointed free for Rathmore sandwiched in-between both goals.

Much like the first half Rathmore where not prepared to throw in the towel. Despite missing the services of Sarah Murphy and Laoise Coughlan for the game Rathmore came storming back a Katie O’Mahony goal and Katie Buckley point had the deficit down to three.

Entering the final quarter of the game both sides where evenly poised with the result set to go down to the wire. With points exchanged and nothing separating the sides on that front it would be

Bride Rovers composure in front of goals and taking the chances expertly that would ultimately prove the difference in such an absorbing contest.

While Rathmore battled superbly from the minute the ball was throwing in till the very end Bride Rovers fifth goal with six minutes remaining from Katie Quirke would ultimately seal the cork sides passage to the semi-final

RATHMORE: L O’Leary, A Sheehan, E Friel, R Fitzgerald, L O’Brien, A Desmond, M Collins, C Reen (0-5), B Ryan, A O’Callaghan (0-1), K O’Mahony (1-1), K Buckley (0-5), E Murphy, N Murphy (0-6, 2f), D O’Leary Subs: A O’Leary for E Friel, N Mahony for B Ryan, M O’Keeffe for E Murphy, S Cahill for K Mahoney

BRIDE ROVERS: S Murphy, C Murphy, L Quirke, A O’Connor, E Ahern, J Barry, A O’Riordan, M Hartnett, M Hazelwood, E Culloty, K Quirke, N Barry, G Kearney, G Culloty, L Halihan

REFEREE: Patrick Smith (Waterford)

East Kerry Board chairman, Johnny Brosnan, presenting the East Kerry Division 2 Championship cup to Dr Crokes captain Padraic Looney after they beat Gneeveguilla in the final in Gneeveguilla.