Meath Ladies U-15 Division 1 Shield Final
Seneschalstown 3-06 Parnells Rathkenny/Castletown 1-04
On a bitter cold and wet November evening the young Ladies from Seneschalstown and Rathkenny/Castletown managed to light up Dunganny for this U-15 Division 1 Shield Final.
Meath Ladies U-15 Division 1 Shield Final
Seneschalstown 3-06 Parnells Rathkenny/Castletown 1-04
On a bitter cold and wet November evening the young Ladies from Seneschalstown and Rathkenny/Castletown managed to light up Dunganny for this U-15 Division 1 Shield Final.
Seneschalstown got off to a dream start when Anna Wogan found the back of the net in the second minute but Parnells dominated the opening quarter. Enjoying the backing of the wind in the first half they were guilty of some wayward finishing but looked very dangerous going forward and the Seneschalstown rear guard were being severely tested. Indeed, they kept the Parnell girls to just 3 points despite the pressure before the blonde ‘Bellew Bomber’ Orla Finnegan found the back of the net in the twentieth minute which gave the Furze girls a great cushion despite playing into the wind.
Anna Wogan popped over a free before Ava Jane Ryan scored a lovely point from play. Parnells got a lifeline just before half-time when an unfortunate own goal was conceded by Seneschalstown. Three substitutions were made early by management seeing the introduction of the Murray twins – Robyn and Charlie – and the returning from injury Caragh Monaghan at full forward just before half time which settled the team.
At the half time break of play the girls in blue and yellow led by a two point margin, Seneschalstown 2-02 Parnells 1-03.
Seneschalstown took to the field reorganised in the second half and the changes made began to really show. The defensive was immense restricting the Rathkenny/Castletown outfit to just 1 point in the second half despite a huge effort.
Sinéad McLarney in goals was superb and brave. The full back line of Caoimhe Dunne, Aine Nangle and Sadhbh McLarney were being severely tested. The half back line of Lauren McCarthy, Aoibhé Monaghan and Ella Kilfeather were immense. Megan Clarke and Mallaidh Breen shored up the defence in the 2nd half.
With the work rate of midfielders Lauren Donnelly and Zoe Kirwan who never stopped for the hour resulting in Donnelly even suffering from cramp late on shows the Dunganny pitch was covered from end to end.
Spurred on by her point captain Ava Jane Ryan scored the Furze next 2 points from play and was beginning to play a real captain’s role.
Zoe Kirwan, now playing further forward, combined brilliantly with the Monaghan twins before seeing her powerful shot rattle the crossbar but she followed up with a lovely point from play. The score of the match indeed was the last Seneschalstown score came from a brilliant strike from Caragh Monaghan. After winning possession on the 21 yard line turning her marker and firing a wonderful goal into the top corner of the net giving the keeper no chance.
Orla Finnegan was having a blinder and alongside her Anna Wogan and Megan Clarke. Ryan and the Murray twins were just as strong with Niamh Traynor and young substitute Tara Traynor contributing greatly. The Parnells to their credit never gave up and pushed hard in the last 12 minutes. A few goalmouth scrambles seen Sinéad McLarney emerging with the ball on several occasions in the closing minutes.
The Furze Girls were not to be denied and were grateful when the final whistle sounded. A superb year that these girls have enjoyed winning the U-16 Championship earlier in the summer and the younger ones winning the U-13 shield only last week. A special group of girls that have now tasted victory over the last number of years giving us great encouragement for the future.
Seneschalstown: Sinéad McLarney, Sadhbh McLarney, Aine Nangle, Caoimhe Dunne, Lauren McCarthy, Aoibhé Monaghan, Ella Kilfeather, Lauren Donnelly, Zoe Kirwan (0-01), Mallaidh Breen, Orla Finnegan (1-00), Megan Clarke, Niamh Traynor, Anna Wogan (1-02), Ava Jane Ryan (0-03).
Seneschalstown Substitutes: Caragh Monaghan (1-00), Robyn Murray, Charlie Murray, Tara Traynor.
