Goal-den touch sees Crinkill conquer Cloghan girls

Crinkill NS 7-2, St Mary’s NS, Cloghan 4-3

Having played out a fantastic game in the group stages of this competition, this Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Group E football final between Crinkill NS and St Mary’s NS, Cloghan was eagerly awaited and the final itself didn’t disappoint.

With the surface in Crinkill GAA in pristine condition, thanks to the work of Crinkill GAA groundsman Declan Cooke, both teams served up a cracking game for the large number of supporters in attendance.

The game opened at a blistering pace with both sides settling quickly into the game. Crinkill started strongly with a good opening score from Ellen Mugan after a nice pass from Cliona Boyd. Cloghan then struck back with a point from Olivia Carroll.

The Cloghan midfield partnership of Hannah Woods and Kate Kenny started to dominate and their good work paid off when Cloghan registered another score with a goal from Isabelle Egan. At this stage, Crinkill were under pressure and the deficit could have been worse only for the tenacious defending from Crinkill’s backline of Grace King, Zuzanna Stolowska, and Bebhinn Hoctor who helped to keep Cloghan at bay. Crinkill’s goalkeeper Anna Slonecka was also called into action pulling off two great saves from Cloghan’s Shannon Connolly and Isabelle McDermott.

Crinkill began to settle, however, with Orlagh O'Brien, Jenny Shobin and Eva Kingston coming more into the game. After a nice pass from Crinkill’s Katie McEvoy, Crinkill’s forward Eabha O'Meara levelled the game with a well taken goal. Minutes later Eabha was again on the scoresheet, when she added another goal to leave Crinkill 2-1 to 1-1 ahead at half-time.

Cloghan faced the second half with renewed determination and levelled the game with a well taken goal from Hannah O’Connor. Cloghan’s Sarah Wynne and Caoimhe Buckley also started to play well. Cloghan then went ahead with another goal from Isabelle Egan after a defence splitting pass from Jessica Farrell.

Crinkill regrouped, however, and after the introduction of substitute Emily Enright, they began their comeback. Crinkill’s wing forward Katie McEvoy continued to shine and she delivered a lovely floated pass to Éabha O’Meara, who scored another goal to bring her side back into contention. Éabha then followed up with her third goal of the day after some good work from Jazmin Spencer Keyes.O’ Meara’s tally could have been more, only for her to be denied by Cloghan keeper Grace Kirwin who brought off two excellent saves.

Cloghan continued to challenge with players like Alannah Connolly Devery, Shannon Slevin, Tara Woods and Caoimhe Buckley giving it their all. However, Crinkill were steadfast in defence with defenders Rachel Wynne, Roisin Loughnane and Jenny Shobin coming to the fore.

Cloghan kept fighting hard but despite their best efforts, Crinkill pushed on with Rachel Wynne, Cliona Boyd, Katie McEvoy, Jazmin Spencer Keyes and Ellen Mugan all scoring to maintain their lead right up to the final whistle. The final score was Crinkill 7-2 Cloghan 4-3.

After the match, Crinkill captain Rachel Wynne and vice-captain Jenny Shobin said a few words and lifted the Cumann na mBunscol Cup to the cheers of their teammates and supporters.

St Mary's National School, Cloghan: Grace Kirwan, Sarah Wynne, Aimee Grogan Doyle, Alannah Connolly Devery, Caoimhe Buckley, Shannon Slevin, Tara Woods, Hannah O'Connor, Katelyn Kenny, Jessica Farrell, Isabelle McDermott, Olivia Carroll, Isabelle Egan, Shannon Connolly, Ava Kenny, Caitlin Molloy Berry, Savannah Morrissey, Kayla O'Connell, Michaela White,

Crinkill National School: Anna Slonecka, Grace King, Zuzanna Stolowska, Beibhinn Hoctor, Rachel Wynne, Roisin Loughnane, Jenny Shobin, Orlagh O'Brien, Eva Kingston, Katie McEvoy, Cliona Boyd, Ellen Mugan, Eabha O'Meara, Jazmin Spencer Keyes, Emily Enright, Aoibhinn O'Meara, Lily Johnston, Amelia McGlone, Ellie Buckley, Grace King, Saoirse Sammon.