Five-star St Fechin’s off to a flyer with win over Clans

ST FECHIN’S CLAN NA GAEL 5-17 3-5

ST FECHIN’S triumphed in the opening match of their championship campaign away in Clan na Gael.

The visitors were first off the mark, with Rachel Kinch registering a point after brilliant build-up play from Céire Nolan, but an immediate reply from the home team left the sides even.

In the early stages the Fechins struggled with their accuracy, but the Division 1 side soon found their range, showing superb athleticism to score seven consecutive points.

At the other end, superb efforts in the defence from Orla Brennan and Orla McEvoy held off the opposition, who only managed to score a further 1-2 in the opening half.

A controlling display in midfield from Jenny Mulrey maintained St Fechin’s dominance and Liz Sheridan increased the lead when she slapped the ball into the back of the net after a high ball from Kinch fell short.

The high work rate and determination of St Fechin’s continued, with Kinch converting two frees before the half-time whistle sounded, leaving the score 1-10 to 1-3.

The Termonfeckin ladies started the second half at a blistering pace, dominating the play, and the home side were unable to respond as they added 3-3 to the scoreboard in the first 10 minutes.

The Clans would not give up and broke through St Fechin’s defence to score a second goal, but Catherine McGlew immediately responded with a point, turning onto her left foot and floating the ball over the bar.

Shayleen McDonagh, fresh from the bench, created space to get a shot over the bar and increase the lead once more.

Clan na Gael made one last push, scoring 1-2, but McGlew eased a terrific effort over the bar to restore control and Ellen Brodigan ended the match with a goal, her effort full of venom as it hit the back of the net.

ST FECHIN’S: Caoimhe McQuillan, Rachel Beirth, Sarah Sharkey, Katie Flynn, Orla McEvoy, Pamela Campbell, Orla Brennan, Racheal Kinch 1-6, Jenny Mulrey, Catherine McGlew 1-5, Rebecca Howell 0-2, Ceire Nolan 0-1, Hazel Haughney 0-2, Liz Sheridan 1-0, Louise McCullough 1-0. Subs: Shayleen McDonagh 0-1 for Mulrey, Grace Healy for McEvoy, Laura McGlew for McCullough, Ellen Brodigan 1-0 for Sheridan, Audrey Walsh for Howell.