Seven goal Under 16s claim All Ireland crown from Galway

KERRY are the All-Ireland U-16 champions after a comprehensive victory over Galway last Wednesday week.

Played in wintry conditions with heavy rain gushing down mid-way through the half Kerry produced a complete team performance from defence to the attacking unit all on form.

Kerry started the game with intent with the opening score a point from Hannah O’Donoghue in the first minute. Kerry dominated the opening half and within 10 minutes had two goals on the score sheet with Fiadhna Tangney getting the first after she was played in from her co-conspirator Hannah O’Donoghue. She then repaid the compliment as she played Hannah in for her first goal of the evening. Kerry also added points from Fiadhna, Hannah and Liz Mohan.

Galway did break up field and got two points on the board. Hannah then added her second goal after good work from midfield and Aoife O’Callaghan who were working very industriously. Kerry added further points from Emma Dineen, Erica McGlynn and Ciara Murphy after a great solo effort from Fiadhna Tangney and vision to spot Ciara out wide. Galway just before the half time added a goal despite the efforts of the Kerry defence. Half time score Kerry 3-9 Galway 1-2.

As the second half started the weather improved some bit and the wind accompanying died down. But the Kerry intensity from the first half increased and in the opening minutes Aoife O’Callaghan was unlucky not to score a goal, as a long ball delivered from midfield from Leah Henry just over ran but she did manage to get a leg to it but struck side netting. From the resultant kick out Emma Dineen scored a wonderful long range point to get Kerry on the board for the second half.

Three minutes later Kerry keeper Laura Teahan was called into action as she saved from a good Galway attack. It was a wake up of sorts as Kerry launched three attacks in a row – with 2 unfortunately going wide, Aoife O’Callaghan pointing a free from the third as Galway were forced into fouling. Galway realising that the game was slipping away from them knew they had to get a goal, which they got despite the attentions of the Kerry full back line where Fay O’Donoghue was playing a captains part. But Kerry reply was instant as the kick out was played quickly up field to Aoife O’Callaghan who goaled.

With only 11 minutes left on the clock the game at this stage was gone from Galway and with a player sin binned it

made things more difficult for the Westerners. Leah Henry who was having a good game in midfield was rewarded for her hard work with a point. Galway were then unlucky when a long range effort hit by Aoife O’Callaghan destined togooverthebarwentinoverthe keepers head. Kerry hit further points from Fiadhana Tangney and Emma Dineen.

Galway did get another consolation goal as both sides ran the bench. But with minutes only left on the clock Liz Mohan ran through the Galway defence for Kerry’s final and seventh goal of the evening. The game finished Kerry 7-15 Galway 3-3.

It was a superb performance from all the Kerry players but standing out in particular was Fay O’Donoghue in defence who mopped all breaking ball and defended strong, Leah Henry and Emma Dineen made a strong midfield partnership while up front the chief tormentors of Aoife O’Callaghan, Hannah O’Donoghue and Fiadhna Tangney made life hard for their markers.

Captain Fay O’Donoghue (left) accepted the title to the delight of very large Kerry crowd in Bruff. Aoife O’Callaghan was awarded Player of the Match.

Many thanks to the large crowd that turned up on Friday to Fossa GAA for the homecoming of the team and to Big Red Killarney Bus Tour Company for facilitating transport. KERRY: Laura Teahan (Kilcummin), Ciara O’Brien (Laune Rangers), Fay O’Donoghue (Fossa), Kate Maher (Kilcummin), Anna O’Reilly (Fossa), Laoise Coughlan (Rathmore), Tara Breen (Laune Rangers), Leahy Henry 0-1 (Listowel Emmets), Emma Dineen 0-3 (Glenflesk), Ciara Murphy 0-1 (Miltown / Listry), Erica McGlynn 0-1 (Fossa), Liz Mohan 1-1 (Rathmore), Fiadhna Tangney 1-4 (0-1f) (Legion), Hannah O’Donoghue 3-2 (Fossa), Aoife O’Callaghan 2-2, 0-2f (Rathmore). Subs: Rachel Mulvihill (Listowel Emmets), Sarah Leahy (Legion), Labhaoise Walmsley (Castleisland Desmonds), Moira Flaherty (Moyvane) for A O’Reilly, Maeve McGivern (Austin Stacks), Brid Ryan (Rathmore) for E McGlynn, Rebecca Murphy (Legion) for A O’Callaghan, Emma McCarthy (Kerins O’Rahillys), Nora O’Connell (Na Gaeil) for C O’Brien, Sophie Lynch (Listowel Emmets), Ciara Ni Ghrifin (Corca Dhuibhne). MANAGEMENT: Manager: Graham Shine (Listowel Emmets), Asst Manager: Joanne Brosnan (Scartaglin), Selector: Julie Brosnan (Scartaglin), Admin: Marie Quirke Glenflesk.