Glory for Gaelscoil in derby
Clinical attack proves too much for brave St. Senan’s
GAELSCOIL (E’CTHY) ST. SENAN’S (E’CTHY) 5-8 4-1
THE CLINICAL attack of Gaelscoil (Inis Corthaidh) proved too much for St. Senan’s as they emerged with a very impressive ten-point victory in this exciting Allianz Rackard League girls’ football urban final in St. Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy.
The dynamic play of Ciabha Ní Chathraigh in midfield, where she dominated for most of the game, coupled with the finishing power of Polly Ní Réamoinn, saw them quickly assume the initiative.
And with Grace Chaomhánach and Georgia Nic Lim outstanding in defence, they gave early evidence of their intentions.
While St. Senan’s battled to remain in the game, they were very much reliant on the scoring power of Cassie O’Rourke who emerged with her side’s four goals, but in the end the composure and finishing power of the opposition proved decisive.
Gaelscoil were unstoppable through the opening ten minutes, with Ciabha Ní Chathraigh powering into the game from the very start.
She scored the game’s opening point after one minute, while five minutes later she added a second point having collected a short kick-out.
Having started so well, they made it difficult for St. Senan’s to get into the game, particularly when Polly Nic Réamoinn finished an eighth-minute move with a fine goal to give her side a 1-2 to nil lead.
St. Senan’s had to wait until the eleventh minute for their opening score, a Cassie O’Rourke goal, with the forward pouncing on a breaking ball to fire first time to the net. Minutes later O’Rourke was just wide with a further goal attempt.
Gaelscoil responded with a Polly Nic Réamoinn point, while after 17 minutes the dynamic Ciabha Ní Chathraigh moved through the defence at pace before sending a low shot to the net, giving her side a 2-3 to 1-0 lead.
While Cassie O’Rourke pulled a goal back for the opposition, it was the Gaelscoil, playing quality attacking football, who got a crucial breakthrough just before the interval with a fine individual goal from Polly Nic Réamoinn that left them with a 3-4 to 2-0 interval lead.
From the re-start, St. Senan’s pushed more players forward, and they were rewarded in the 30th minute through a Cassie O’Rourke goal that reduced the deficit to 3-4 to 3-0.
Gaelscoil responded with three unanswered points through Ciabha Ní Chathraigh, Amy Ní Bhríain and Polly Nic Réamoinn to extend their side’s lead once again.
St. Senan’s were offered a glimmer of hope through a Cassie O’Rourke goal seven minutes from the end.
That still left seven points separating the sides, but it was fitting that Polly Nic Réamoinn should close out the game with the best goal of the 50 minutes, finding the net with a rising 14-metre shot to the corner of the net.
As a result of their victory, Gaelscoil became the first winners of the Rackard League girls’ urban title, with St. Aidan’s having been initial winners of the boys’ urban crown earlier in the week - a fine boost for under-age football in the Cathedral town.
Gaelscoil: Katelyn Deoránach Ní Fhearghail; Amy Ní Bhríain (0-1), Georgia Nic Liam; Danielle Ní Chiúanaigh, Grace Chaomhánach, Fleur Gillot; Síofra Ní Fhionnalláin, Katie Ní Fhaoláin; Ciabha Ní Chathraigh (2-4), Dervla Ní Dhuibhne, Robin Chonchubhaireach Ní Chuisín; Polly Nic Réamoinn (3-3), Siún Ní Riain. Subs.. - Aine Ní Néill, Cora Ní Chathail, Kayley Nic Eochaidh.
St. Senan’s: Taylor Gibbons; Niamh Kenny, Leah Shannon; Lauren Doyle, Mia Whelan, Ellie Faye Callanan; Ava Byrne, Sophie Redmond; Corrina O’Brien, Cassie O’Rourke (4-1), Liz O’Shea; Ellen Cashman, Ella Corrigan. Subs. - Lucy Ivers, Clodagh Doyle, Chanelle Murphy, Hollie Cloke, Sheola McKeown, Scarlett Ryan, Samira McKeown, Aimee Murphy.
Referee: Dickie Murphy (Starlights).