Gutsy Geraldines girls claim U12 League crown

AN early morning throw in was not enough to prevent the Gers girls winning the N Louth League final in the Young Irelander’s pitch last week. Spurred on by a large support, the girls fulfilled their hopes of adding a league title to the shield they won last year.

Captained by Beth O’Kane the Gers opened the scoring in the first quarter through Nessa Norton’s well taken point. However they wasted numerous chances to increase their lead and only led by that solitary point as the second quarter began. Grace Rogers’ fine taken point increased the girls lead but a brilliant individual goal from the Pats midfielder followed by a long range point gave the Pats a 2 point lead. For all their pressure the girls failed to sparkle in front of goal but a free from their captain reduced the arrears to a point at the half.

The third quarter proved a turning point as the Gers midfielders took control. Aoibhinn Lucid and Alex Bewley dominated and allowed the forwards to show their class. Nessa rifled a shot to the back of the net and this was quickly followed by a Katie Owen’s thunderbolt. The Pats had simply no response. A 1 point defecit was now a 5 point lead heading to the final quarter.

A special mention must go to the Gers defence marshalled by goalkeeper Jessica Finnegan and Katie Goss and Claire Minogue in the full back line. The half back line of Karina, Emma and Katie won their individual duals and kept the team on the front foot throughout.

In the final quarter Pats tried their best to claw their way back with four well taken points but each time they scored the Gers responded in kind. Grace scored her second point while Emma Whately deservedly got on the scoresheet with a point from a free. Ciara O”Brien who bravely played through the pain barrier after injuring herself in the semi final win over Stabannon, put the game to bed with an opportunistic goal late on.

And so the Girls look forward to the championship with a league title already in their back pocket.