U14 ladies beaten in county final

Post date: Oct 02, 2017 7:20:55 PM

Edenderry girls under 14 team played Shamrocks in the Offaly A Championship final on Saturday last and after a brave and battling performance ended up on the losing side by a solitary point on a scoreline of 3-6 to 2-8. The game was played in Ballinagar and on the last day of September conditions were perfect for the two outstanding teams in this grade in 2017 who served up a thriller of a game. Having being unbeaten all year favourites Shamrocks started in whirlwind fashion with two goals in the first 10 minutes and led 2-1 to 0-1 mid way through the first half with Edenderry's point coming from county midfielder Maria Doyle.

However with player of the match Niamh Flynn starting to dominate at centre back Edenderry began to settle into the game and points by Maria and captain Kellie Oglesby and a super goal by Ava Robinson got them back on track. A brilliant solo point by Colleen Brereton after a 40 yard run just before the break left just one point between the teams as the referee blew for half time, 2-3 to 1-5 in favour of Shamrocks. The second half began with Shamrocks on the offensive again and they rattled off a goal and 2 points in between a Maria Doyle score to lead by 5 points with 10 minutes to go.

Once again Edenderry showing the heart and bravery they have shown all year came back and another score by Kellie was followed by a pile driver to the top of the net by Kiah Farrelly which left just a point in it. Shamrocks converted a free with one minute to go leaving them leading by two but another point by Maria left the minimum between the sides.However the referee then blew the full time whistle resulting in a heartbreaking one point loss for the girls with the final scoreline being 3-6 to 2-8. Considering some of the very high scores in this years competition this game was a low scoring tight affair with both defences outstanding and every score was hard earned.

The football was intense and both teams missed several chances and showed a nervousness at various times knowing what was at stake. Having won this title in 2016 the girls came so close to completing the back to back but it wasn't to be on the day and well done an outstanding Shamrocks team. The Edenderry girls have had a super year having already captured the Offaly File title back in April and can hold their heads high after such a wonderful performance full of endeavour and commitment.

The ladies club are having a hugely successful year in 2017 and these girls have played their part magnificently, well done to all the panel of girls and management team of Niall Comerford, Alan Doyle, Alan Hughes and Eoghan Dunne.

Team: Sophie Leddin, Amy Lynch, Saoirse Dunne, Riona Loughrey, Olivia Craig, Niamh Flynn, Shauna Comerford, Kiah Farrelly, Maria Doyle, Katie Dunne, Anna Doyle, Colleen Brereton, Ava Robinson, Kellie Oglesby (Captain), Holly O'Brien.

Subs: Meabh O'Grady for Holly O'Brien (35 mins), Chloe Dunne, Sereman Camara, Ava Flynn, Grace Hynes, Zara Rowe, Irene Hughes, Elyse Halligan, Ciara Hanley, Ella Smullen, Amy Digan, Lucy Darcy. Referee: Pat Gallagher.