Meath Senior Club Championship Final
Seneschalstown 0-23 Blackhall Gaels 0-5
GETTING to the top of the pile is one thing, staying there is another. Seneschalstown ladies showed that they have perfected the art of staying one step ahead of the rest when they won their seventh SFC senior title in eight years on Sunday.
Meath Senior Club Championship Final
Seneschalstown 0-23 Blackhall Gaels 0-5
GETTING to the top of the pile is one thing, staying there is another. Seneschalstown ladies showed that they have perfected the art of staying one step ahead of the rest when they won their seventh SFC senior title in eight years on Sunday.
While there were no goals, Seneschalstown gave a masterclass in point-scoring. They led from the start and steadily put considerable distance between themselves and a battling Blackhall side as the evening wore on.The Kentstown and Seneschalstown Accordian Band provided splendid entertainment for the large crowd while the team from the same area repeatedly danced their way through the Blackhall defence to wrap up another title.
Under the management team of Seamus Byrne, Alan Stephens and Liz Halpenny, Seneschalstown were up for the game from the start. They were dominant throughout and while underdogs Blackhall didn`t lack for support in the large attendance they simply couldn`t cope with reigning champions` scoring prowess. “They`re a good group of players who give fabulous commitment which is required in ladies football because it is coming on so much in Meath. We have to maintain a high standard to stay up there,” said manager Byrne afterwards.
Blackhall, who have never won the senior crown, particularly found it difficult to deal with Eimear O`Carroll who used her cultured left foot to shoot a highly impressive 11 points from a variety of angles. Once given a yard of space O`Carroll invariably took full advantage. Also making a huge contribution to the big winning tally was Fiona Mahon who knocked over six points. The well-known athlete also covered acres of ground with her ceaseless running. Stephanie Byrne and Orla Sheridan made up an impressive half-forward line with Mary Sheridan and Grainne Nulty dominant around midfield.
In almost every aspect of play the super fit Seneschalstown side gave a complete performance, moving the ball at speed, carving out openings, defending well when required. There were areas they will seek to improve ahead of the Leinster championship. They shot 19 wides and they somehow managed to get through the game without scoring a goal which says a lot for the Blackhall defence. The closest they came was when Siobhan Sheridan had a stinging shot rebound off the bar in the first-half. Immediately afterwards Mahon rifled an effort off the upright.
Blackall Gaels never stopped trying with players such as Avril Robinson, Jane Dolan, Sarah O`Donnell, Jane Burke and Catherine McCormack always looking to create something. Corner-forward Lisa Kelly got precious little ball, but still managed to loft over two points with Burke, Dolan and Robinson also contributing to the scoreline.
Seneschalstown showed on this performance that it may take some time, and a top class team, before they are finally knocked off their perch.
Seneschalstown – L. Byrne; D. Mangan-Dillon, P. Sheridan, D. O`Carroll; R. Nulty, L. McKeever, E. McGrane; M. Sheridan, G. Nulty (0-1); S. Byrne (0-1), O. Sheridan (0-2), F. Mahon (0-6); E. O`Carroll (0-11), S. Sheridan, A. Carolan (0-1). Subs – G. MacGabhann for R. Nulty, E. Harris for S. Sheridan, E. Sheridan for O`Carroll, A. McAdam for O. Sheridan, L. Quinn for Carolan.
Blackhall Gaels – C. Griffin; C. Burke, K. Murphy, E. McCormack; P. Burke, S. McCormack, L. Nestor; J. Burke (0-1), C. McCormack; S. O`Donnell, J. Dolan (0-1), A. Robinson (0-1); S. O`Sullivan, H. Murphy, L. Kelly (0-2). Subs – C. Tobin for McCormack, P. Fahy for O`Donnell, A. O`Sullivan for P. Burke.
Referee – Gerry O`Brien (Wolfe Tones).
