O’Brien turns tide
Eimear inspires Coláiste Bhríde
THE final of the Co. Wicklow Post Primary Schools girls Senior football ‘A’ championship took place on Wednesday last in Baltinglass between Coláiste Bhríde who were seeking a fourth title in a row and an up and coming Blessington CC side.
The pitch was in very good condition considering all the recent rain and thankfully the rain held off for the duration of the game.
The game was only two minutes on when joint captain Siofra Byrne of Coláiste Bhríde opened the scoring with a point. However, a few minutes later an incisive run by Blessington’s Anna Vasiljeva saw her find the net.
In an exciting free flowing game the sides were level after 16 minutes on a score of 0-4 to the Carnew school and 1-1 to Blessington. Soon after that a Blessington shot for a point hit the post and the ball rebounded to the quick thinking Sine O’Neill who shot to the net. Anna Vasiljeva added a point so with eight minutes of the half remaining Blessington led by 2-2 to 0-4.
Coláiste Bhríde needed inspiration at this stage and it was midfielder Eimear O’Brien who provided it. Having sent a free over the bar she took control from a short Blessington kick out and scored a good goal. The same player added another point before half time at which stage Coláiste Bhríde held a narrow 1-6 to 2-2 lead.
The Carnew school had the lions share of possession in the second half but in the first 18 minutes only added two Eimear O’Brien points which were cancelled out by replies from Niamh Cullen and Aoife Richardson.
Blessington midfielder Anna
Vasiljeva was sent to the sin bin and soon after that strong Coláiste Bhríde pressure led to a penalty which Zoe Katus sent to the net and almost immediately substitute Kasey Byrne added another goal.
The margin was now eight points but Blessington never gave up and mounted some strong attacks, adding two Ellie McKeever points.
When referee Terry Canavan blew the final whistle it was Denis Finn’s Coláiste Bhríde who were deserving winners but the Blessington school coached by Caitriona McKeon pushed them all the way.
After the game the cup was presented to the joint captains Siofra Byrne and Aisling Winterbotham by Jim Murphy.
Scorers – Coláiste Bhríde Carnew: Eimear O’Brien 1-5, Zoe Katus 1-1, Kasey Byrne 1-0, Siofra Byrne, Keelan Stafford, Danielle Lambe 0-1 each.
Blessington CC: Anna Vasiljeva 1-2, Sine O’Neill 1-0, Ellie McKeever 0-2, Niamh Cullen, Aoife Richardson 0-1 each.
COLÁISTE BHRÍDE CARNEW: Shona Byrne, Amanda Kidd, Caoimhe Murphy, Abby Doyle, Laci Jane Shannon, Anna Lalor, Aisling Winterbotham, Eimear O’Brien, Jade Shannon, Eimear Mutton, Siofra Byrne, Zoe Katus, Niamh Mutton, Lauren Byrne, Keelan Stafford. Subs: Kasey Byrne, Danielle Lambe.
BLESSINGTON CC: Ellen Murray, Niamh Kinsella, Grace Quigley, Clodagh Hynes, Sorcha Nolan, Kayleigh McGuire, Emily Rose O’Toole, Niamh Cullen, Anna Vasiljeva, Aoife Richardson, Ellie McKeever, Sara Bohan, Sadhbh Fisher, Sine O’Neill, Kate Loughman. Subs used: Aibhe King, Miai O’Brien