Tullamore enjoy great win over local rivals
Tullamore 1-7
Killeigh 2-3
Tullamore Ladies marked the end of their football season with a great win over near rivals Killeigh in the final of the minor B championship in Cappincur on Sunday. Despite the bad weather of the past week,. conditions were ideal for what proved to be a very exciting encounter between two teams who were well matched on the field. Evelyn Malone, Offaly Ladies County Secretary summed it up well in her presentation speech when she said that "this was a game that did Offaly Ladies Football proud and great credit was due to both clubs for what was a hugely entertaining game.
This was the first minor title for Tullamore Ladies since the Club was reformed seven years ago and rich reward for the hard work being done at underage level since then.
With ten minutes to go, it looked to be Killeigh's day as they raced into a four point lead after Lauren Keenahan hit a pile driver from all of 30 metres to to top corner of the Tullamore net. For once the brilliant Alex Davis in the Tullamore goal was beaten.
It was then that Tullamore played their trump card with the introduction of Kelley Cunnningham who was just back after injury. This turned the game for Tullamore.
Tullamore made much the better start and pinned Killeigh in their own half. Their only reward was a point from Ciara Neville in the first fifteen minutes despite hitting the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Claire OBrien added a second point to leave the score 2 points each at half time. The Jordan sisters, daughters of coach Paul replied for Killeigh.
Killeigh opened the second half scoring with a goal from Roisin Keenahan and this was followed by a pointed free by Becky Jordan. Tullamore midfielder Catherine Moloney, not normally renowned for her scoring scored the first of two magnificent points midway through the second half. This kept Tullamore in the game
Just as she had done in the under 16 semi- final when she came off the bench to join the impressive Aideen Brennan on the wing, Kelley Cunningham brought Tullamore right back into the game with her first score coming from a point on the run from 30 metres followed by a free from the same distance. There was a buzz of anticipation whenever she got the ball and her team mates responded with Maebh Coleman pouncing on a loose ball at full forward scoring a goal to put Tullamore into the lead.
Killeigh immediately replied with that unstoppable shot from Lauren Keenahan putting Killeigh two points up with a goal that was good enough to grace and win any final
With 90 seconds left Tullamore were still a point down when up stepped Catherine Moloney with her second-point from play and finally a beautiful curling point from the left foot of Claire O'Brien put Tullamore into a one point lead which they clung to for the few remaining seconds.
Tullamore Captain Clara Kavanagh, daughter of team coach Dave, proudly accepted the trophy from Co. Board Secretary Evelyn Malone amid emotional scenes from both sides. For many of the girls this was their second Co. Medal this year having earlier won the Junior B championship.
While player of the match went to Tullamore centre back Meave Hurley, there were several players from both sides who were in contention for this award. Meave used her superb ball handling skills honed as a girls International Basketball player time and time again to drive Tullamore forward. Sorcha Coleman, Emer Hackett, Emma Magner and Catherine Moloney were equally strong contenders for Tullamore. For Killeigh, Cathy Martin, Laura Ridgeway, Charlotte Feery, the Jordans and the Keenaghans were equally as impressive.
It was a great day for Tullamore, a wonderful display by Killeigh, and a superb showcase for Offaly Ladies Football which was fully enjoyed by the large contingent of supporters from both Clubs.
Tullamore: Alex Davis, Anne Berry, Sorcha Coleman, Emer Hackett, Rachel Flanagan, Meave Hurley, Emma Magner, Emma Hoctor, Catherine Maloney, Aideen Brennan, Maebh Coleman, Claire O'Brien, Clara Kavanagh (cpt), Ciara Neville, Denise Maher
Subs Kelley Cunningham for Denise Maher; Katie Byrne; Cianna Browne for Anne Berry; Sinead Robilliard; Ciara Izuchukwie; Donna Murray; Annie Kehoe; Niamh Coughlan; Chloe Mclynchey; Sadhbh Kavanagh
Team Management: Yvonne Martin; Trainers: Dave Kavanagh, Kevin Coughlan
Killeigh:Chloe Kelly, Charlotte Feery, Cathy Martin, Laura Ridgeway, Amy Quinn, Michelle Coonan, Sarah Cummins, Emma Cuddy, Becky Jordan, Rachel Jordan, Roisin Keenahan, Lisa Darby, Laura Slevin, Deirdre Coonan, Laura Keenahan
Subs: Eilish Daly, Shauna O'Meara, Fiona Dempsey, Aoife Dempsey. Team Management:Paula Jordan, Nicky Keenahan
The scorers
Tullamore: Maebh Coleman 1-0 Catherine Moloney, Kelley Cunningham Claire O'Brien 0-2 each, Ciara Neville 0-1; Killeigh:b Roisín Keenahan, Lauren Keenahan 1-0 each, Rachel Jordan 0-1, Becky Jordan 0-2.
Post a Comment