U15 B Co. Championship Final: FT Austin Stacks 6-9 Na Gaeil 3-5:
Played in Blennerville last Sunday evening (Oct 9th) in beautiful sunshine this game had everything: the local derby element, fast competitive football, a 2nd half come back, some clinical scoring and goals galore. Na Gaeil opening the scoring with a quick point but Stacks responded very smartly and raced into a 1-2 to 0-1 point lead after 10 minutes, with Rebecca Conway finding the net for Stacks. A 2nd Stacks goal by Heather Mac Namara had ‘The Rock’ firmly in control as they dominated the Killeen side all over the pitch. Half time Score Austin Stacks 2-6 Na Gaeil 0-3.
Na Gaeil started the 2nd half in spectacular fashion with 2 quick goals and the comeback looked on. Twelve minutes into the 2nd half after a well worked move, Rachel Ryan was fouled in the box and the cool Clodagh Begley stepped up and converted an unstoppable shot to extend the Stacks lead 3-7 to 2-4. Na Gaeil replied emphatically with another goal and with 15 minutes left on the clock just 2 points separated the sides (3-7 to 3-5).
Na Gaeil were applying all the pressure now and Leah Long, Alex Mac Namara, Catherine Duggan, Lara Flynn, Erika Jones, Ciara Nix & Niamh Ryan were having to defend the Na Gaeil attack time and time again. Stacks introduced Roisin Coffey & Clodagh Murray into the game at this stage. Clodagh Murray made an instant impact cutting through the Na Gaeil defence to score a fine individual point to give Austin Stacks a 3 point lead again. This score along with the heroics of team captain Maebh Mac Elligott & Dakota Carter Flynn at midfield settled the team and Stacks regained their foothold at midfield once more.
A well worked move up the field found the excellent Aoife Dillane who pointed a beauty from a difficult angle. Four minutes left, 4 points between the sides (3-9 to 3-5) and Heather Mac Namara, superbly supported by Roisin Coffey, Clodagh Begley, Aoife Dillane & Rachel Ryan goes on a 3 goal scoring blitz! FT Austin Stacks 6-9 Na Gaeil 3-5. The final whistle was greeted by wild delight by players, management & supporters alike. Stacks Captain Maebh Mc Elligott accepted the trophy from Joe Flaherty of Kerry LGFA, thanking the Na Gaeil girls for their contribution to what was a brilliant game before the team returned to Connolly Park to continue their celebrations. Well done girls and congratulations to the management team of Darragh , Danny, Anthony & Gillian for all their work with the team over the last few months. Go Rockettes!
Team: Chloe Fitzpatrick, Catherine Duggan, Alex Mac Namara, Leah Long, Lara Flynn, Niamh Ryan, Erika Jones, Meabh Mc Elligott, Dakota Carter O’Flynn, Rebecca Conway (1-0), Rachel Ryan (0-2), Aoife Dilane (0-1), Clodagh Begley (1-4), Heather Mac Namara (4-2), Ciara Nix. Subs used Clodagh Murray & Roisin Coffey. Subs: Emma Reidy, Chloe Dillon, Ciara Ryan, Jasmine Ryle, Laura Devane, Clara Moran, Vivienne Dineen, Tara Clifford, Ashling O’Shea, Sara Lucid, Nicole O Mahony, Eimear O’Sullivan, Brenda Devane.
Our thanks to Adrienne Mc Loughlin for match photographs
