Heartbreak for Tinahely Wicklow champs bow out

at Ferbane through the Ferbane’s sides by running through the crowded centre but were getting little joy from these runs – while when they attacked on the wings they seemed to be more successful.

It was from one of the runs sourced on the wing that the ball was worked to Aoife Gorman – she once more went on another of her probing runs and one felt the expectations rise – drifting past several Offaly players the Tinahely midfielder buried the ball in the Naomh Ciaran’s net and left a point in the game.

The game ebbed and flowed as we moved into the final minutes but significantly Tinahely could not get on equal terms with the Offaly champions.

There were five minutes to go when a Laura Hogan shot left two points between the sides. Jackie Kinch soloed through and drove high to leave a point in it as we moved deep into injury time.

Aine Byrne drove through the tight Ciaran’s defence but missed the equaliser by a whisker while shooting under pressure.

The final act of the game saw Gallagher blow full-time with a point separating two great sides after a Titanic battle on a score line of 1–10 to 1–09 in favour of the Offaly side.

Both sides gave all and in truth in such a close battle either side could have proved victorious.

However the Wicklow champions on this occasion had to give way to their Offaly counterparts but it was certainly not for want of effort.

The girls played themselves to a standstill in their efforts for victory. Their defence particularly showed tenacity in the tackle and an unwillingness to allow the talented Offaly forwards any room.

In this regard Ciara Stokes, Sarah Hogan, and young Emily Hadden spurred on by the fine display of their captain Aine Byrne were inspirational.

Louise O’Neill in the goal hit a massive percentage of kick outs won constantly by Jackie Kinch. Around the middle Aoife Gorman showed once more what a prodigous talent she is and will become in the future.

In a forward division who constantly probed for weakness Emily Mulhall, Laura Hogan, Ciara Byrne and Sarah Byrne each had their moments with obviously Laura Hogan’s haul of 9 points deserving of mention.

The emotion of losing in what was such a close match was breath catching and one could not but be touched by the sight of the Tinahely girls’ tears.

However it was not for the want of effort that the match slipped from them. They left everything on the pitch and their management and their large crowd of travelling supporters were quick to lift their spirits – this team are certainly a young side and have a sprinkling of 15/16 year olds in their ranks allied to their more experienced players which augers well for the future.

There will be another time for them but for 2016 the curtain comes down on a fine Leinster campaign.

Wicklow Ladies football appreciated the effort of all the players and on behalf of your club and county they salute your efforts throughout the campaign. Well done to each and every panel member together with their management of Shane Kenny, John Blake, Jimmy Barry and Sinead Byrne.

Tinahely: Louise O’Neill, Ciara Stokes, Sarah Hogan, Emily Hadden, Aimee Maher, Aine Byrne (Capt), Niamh Kenny, Aoife Gorman 1-0, Jessie Byrne, Emily Mulhall, Jackie Kinch 0-1, Sarah Byrne, Laura Hogan 0-9 (0-7f), Ciara Byrne, Orla Kealy. Subs: Aoife O’Neill, Aine O’Keeffe, Trina Byrne, Sinead Byrne, Kate Hatton, Aisling Winterbotham, Rachel Byrne, Lucy Mulhall, Emma Katus, Abby Doyle, Dervla Byrne.