AFTER an exciting U16 girl’s final played in Termon on Tuesday last, a storming last 10 minutes from St Eunans proved good enough to overcome a strong challenge from Naomh Mhuire.
St. Eunan’s 3-07
Naoimh Mhuire 3-02
It was a testament to all the players that those final minutes dictated the eventual outcome as both teams were fairly evenly matched up to that point
The large crowd which filled the stand to capacity were not disappointed and were treated to an exciting game of football which went down to the wire.
Played in difficult conditions, Naomh Mhuire took the lead after just ten minutes with Jade O’Donnell making some penetrating runs through the middle, resulting in two fine scores form Caroline Sharkey. Playing against the wind, Eunans eventually settled with a fine pass from Mary Kennedy resulting in a goal from Zoe Maguire followed by a precise point from Sinead Coleman
The St Eunans defence soaked up a serious amount of pressure from the onslaught of Caroiline Sharkey and Jade O Donnell but held firm and with fine interplay between Aine McGettigan and Sinead Dunne creating scoring chances. A second and accurate Eunans goal from Grainne Gallagher put the side in the lead by two points.
However Niamh Mhuire finished the first half strongest with fine performances from Sarah O’Gara and Erica Hanna to leave the half time scores level at 2-01 apiece.
Both teams took to the field with considerable drive and determination in the second half. Great fielding from Una Maguire and Aine McGettigan coupled with dogged play from Siobhan Halpin and Molly Carr held the St Eunans defence firm.
With Clodagh Brennan and Naomi McMenamin playing off to Roisin Mc Monagle and Emma Horgan, Naomh Mhuire began to look under pressure with ongoing attacks from Sinead Hession, and Sinead Coleman.
The St Eunan’s goalkeeper Sorla Mc Garrigle stepped up to the mark a number of times and with incredible precision saved a penalty. The team regrouped and attacked again with what could only be described as a comprehensive display of underage football. A long free from Nadine Crawford resulted in a third goal by Meghan Reid for Eunans at which point the girls took total control of the contest.
An enthralling county final, with goalmouth incidents, penalty claims, penalty saves, fine points from play both teams provided the crowd with 60 minutes of entertainment but it was St Eunans day and a well deserved victory.
St Eunans: Sorla McGarrigle, Nadine Crawford, Una Maguire, Molly Carr, Aine McGettigan, Siobhan Halpin, Sinead Dunne,Clodagh Brennan, Naomi McMenamin (c), Sinead Coleman, Emma Horgan, Mary Kennedy, Zoe Maguire Sinead Hession,Grainne Gallagher. Subs Megan Reid Roisin McMonagle Manager: John Coleman
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