Clinical Clans too strong for Drogheda combination outfit
CLAN NA GAEL RAGHS/PLUNKETTS 8-11 5-5
CLANS took the junior title with a fully deserved victory over the Plunkets/O Raghallaighs combination in Hunterstown on Saturday evening after a hugely entertaining contest despite continuous rain throughout the game.
Clans went into the game as strong favourites and in the opening 12 minutes that tag was justified as they raced into a 2-4 to 0-0 lead.
They had their first score after just two minutes when Alanna McLoughlin shot to the net after a good pass from Gillian O’Reilly.
They didn’t have long to wait for their second major when just seven minutes later Ciara Woods high shot dropped just under the crossbar. Kellie Hughes and Gillian O’Reilly added points before the Drogheda outfit had their first score when County minor star Seoda Matthews hit a well taken point after 14 minutes.
They got a further boost just a minute later when Evie Martin hit a wonderful shot off her left foot which nestled in the corner of the Clans net, 2-4 to 1-1.
The Dundalk sides reply was instant with points from Alanna McLoughlin, Ciara Woods and Shannon McLoughlin.
They then had their goal in the 21st minute when Shannon McLoughlin’s free kick was pushed away by a defender to the waiting Alanna McLoughlin who made no mistake from close range.
Aisling Brady then hit a point in rare O Raghallaighs/Plunketts attack. But it was the Ecco Road side who finished the half with a flourish with a goal from Grace Smith and two further points from Lee Lawlor leaving Clans well placed at the break 4-9 to 1-2 in front.
Both sides netted early goals after the resumption with Emily Hyland finding the net and Ciara Woods getting her second goal.
Center back Sinead McGuill then glided through the heart of the defence and with brilliant low shot found the bottom corner of the net for the Clans sixth goal.
They were then awarded a penalty which was sent over the bar by Woods increasing the Clans lead to 6-10 to 2-2 after 39 minutes.
To their credit the combination side never gave up and came back strongly with another fine goal by Hyland.
Clans again replied in strong fashion with a goal of their own from Chloe Enright with Ciara Woods completing her hat trick with a goal late on from a free.
The losers had the game’s last score, a goal from Hanna Martin but it was mere consolation as the Dundalk side ran out comfortable winners.
After the match a delighted Clans captain Sinead McGuill received the Cup from Louth Chairman Dermot Woods while Kellie Hughes was named player of the match.
CLANS: Mia Rogers, Grace Fitzpatrick, Daramay Fitzpatrick, Tina McKeever, Jessica Gaffey, Sinead McGill 1-0, Kathy O’Reilly, Shannen McLoughlin 0-2 Gillian O’Reilly 0-1, Lee Lawlor 0-2, Kellie Hughes 0-1, Grace Smith, 1:00 Alanna McLoughlin 2-1, Gillian O’Reilly 0-1, Ciara Woods 3-3. Subs used, Geraldine Smith, Donna Conroy and Chloe Enright 1-0
O’RAGHALLAIGHS/PLUNKETTS:
Anna Rooney, Maura Rogan, Erin Smith, Charlene Murray, Orlaith McEntee, Sinead Kileen, Hanna Martin 1-0, Kenza Fields Seoda Matthews 0-1, Evie Martin 1-0, Aisling Brady 1-1, Emily Hyland 2:00, Sarah Callan, Emma White, Nora Conag