U15 Championship Division 1 Round 4
Seneschalstown 2-14 Rathkenny 2-03
They say that rivalries bring out the best in players. Well these teams have met over the last few years since U-10 in numerous clashes in Cup Finals and Shield Finals and only most recently in the U-16 Final were the Furze Girls clung on for a wonderful 1 point victory despite losing their most influential captain Sorcha Gough early in the game. They have provided as much entertainment for both sets of mentors and supporters that the great Dublin and Mayo rivalry has and Thursday night’s game was no different.
U15 Championship Division 1 Round 4
Seneschalstown 2-14 Rathkenny 2-03
They say that rivalries bring out the best in players. Well these teams have met over the last few years since U-10 in numerous clashes in Cup Finals and Shield Finals and only most recently in the U-16 Final were the Furze Girls clung on for a wonderful 1 point victory despite losing their most influential captain Sorcha Gough early in the game. They have provided as much entertainment for both sets of mentors and supporters that the great Dublin and Mayo rivalry has and Thursday night’s game was no different.
An incredible 12 minutes passed before either team gave up the first score. The intensity from both sides was fierce and it was likely that whoever blinked first would succumb to defeat. Caragh Monaghan answered the question with the opening score for the Furze, finding the net after combining well with Mallaidh Breen. Anna Wogan twice Ella Kilfeather and Mallaidh Breen finished off the scoring for the first half.
The Seneschalstown defence were under severe pressure throughout but restricted the Rathkenny girls to only 2 points despite the visitors hitting the post when a goal looked on. Robyn Murray in goals was excellent with the full back line of Sadhbh McLarney Aine Nangle and the excellent Lauren McCarthy in no nonsense mood and the half back line of Orla Finnegan Aoibhe Monaghan and Megan Clarke winning all the 50/50 balls with huge intensity.
The partnership of Zoe Kirwan and Lauren Donnelly in midfield supplied great ball to the forwards throughout and their powerful running game was enthralling to watch.
Half Time Seneschalstown 1-04 Rathkenny 0-02
With the wind behind them and the hill in their favour the Furze Girls were confident in the 2nd half. Young Tara Traynor opened the scoring with a fine point but the Rathkenny Girls to their credit never stopped and scored a scrappy goal after a high ball into the square kept them in touch. Goalie Robyn Murray was now playing outfield and scored a stunning point with Anna Wogan pointing a free shortly afterwards won by Caragh Monaghan with her direct running proceeded to score the next 4 points from play.
Again, Rathkenny scored a goal from a high ball into the square but after losing a player to the sinbin after a high challenge on Aoibhe Monaghan the result was then never in doubt. Robyn Murray with another point and Monaghan before Zoe Kirwan finished off some fine interplay with a lobbed effort nestling in the net. Anna Wogan finished off the scoring before the final whistle as the Autumn light faded fast and after some intense pressure from Rathkenny the Furze Girls were victorious.
Credit to both teams for such a game of football that all present really enjoyed.
Three wins from four in this very tough Division 1 competition is superb for this hard-working group. Unbeaten Dunboyne are up next…. a serious test…not to be missed.
Robyn Murray (0-02), Sadhbh McLarney, Aine Nangle, Lauren McCarthy, Orla Finnegan, Aoibhe Monaghan, Megan Clarke, Zoe Kirwan (1-00), Lauren Donnelly, Anna Wogan (0-04), Mallaidh Breen (0-01), Ava Jane Ryan, Ella Kilfeather (0-01), Caragh Monaghan (1-05), Sinead McLarney.
Subs Charlie Murray, Tara Traynor (0-01), Niamh Traynor.
