This article is from page 62 of the 2011-08-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 62 JPG
Doonbeg 2-17 – Burren Gaels 0-04 at Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay
YOU WERE never going to get great odds on Doonbeg Ladies claiming the Junior A Fooball title this year. An impressive outfit from the outset of the competition, they lifted the Bob Flanagan Cup on Sunday evening in Miltown Malbay after an emphatic win over Burren Gaels. Edel Conway now leads her team into the Munster Junior Championships, with the fixtures draw taking place this week.
It was a fairly black and white affair for the Magpies as they executed a relentless game plan that aimed to dominate in all positions. By the end of the first quarter, four of the six forwards were on the scoreboard, Mairead Madigan (1-2), Michelle Fitzpatrick (1-0), Siobhan Behan (02) and Kevina Kenny (0-1).
Burren Gaels’ captain Kayleigh McCormack did inspire several for ays into the Doonbeg danger zone with Lynn and Niamh Carrucan doing their best but with four Junior All-Ireland Champions Edel Conway, Sarah Cahill, Linda Russell and Yvonne Downes (with Kilmihil in 2008), forming the spine of the Doonbeg defence, it was never going to be easy for the young northern team.
Linda Russell took control in the second quarter and drove from midfield to point twice and her distribution was immaculate as she picked out Madigan who came off the cross bar but this was pointed by Michelle Fitzpatrick. Clare Under 16 Katie Connole got the Gaels on to the board with a lovely point and this was followed by a pointed free from county minor Roisin Howley. (2-8 to 0-2). However a missed free and several rushed shots didn’t yield anything for the Burren Gaels while Doonbeg’s Kenny pointed with the left leg and then she broke the resulting kickout down to Behan who pointed to bring the score to 2-10 to 0-2 as Sean Ryan from Kilrush blew for the break.
Katie Connole pointed again on the restart and things looked promising for Burren Gaels in the opening minutes of the second half and they spent a lot of time in the Magpies’ quarters. Major pressure from Niamh Considine, Amy Maloney and Orlaith Cullinan from the centre kept defender’s Edel Conway, Michelle McInerney and Claire Madigan busy but they didn’t get a clear shot at the Doonbeg goals which seemed to be their strategy. It was difficult to shake off the Burren gale in the third quarter but when they did break out, the impressive Mairead Madigan used her strength to rack up four points for the westerners. Russell was back for more as she drove incessantly at County Under 16s Fiona Loughman and Joanne Howley as she won a free for Madigan and scored her own third point at the end of the third quarter at 2-14 to 0-3.
Much credit must be given to the youthful Gaels for taking the battle to a more experienced opposition and they will have noted the fact that they occupied the Black and Whites defence for long periods. However, Madigan pointed two of her four second half points and Kevina Kenny followed suit in the remaining minutes. Doonbeg did come off the upright just before the talented Katie Connole pointed for the third time for the Burren Gaels. When Sean Ryan concluded the match Doonbeg were 2-17 to 0-4 ahead and Junior A Champions for 2011.
Edel Conway, who also co-ordinated the U16 competition for the last number of years with the Clare Ladies Football County Board, will surely look forward to leading her panel into Munster with a wealth of experience and previous All-Ireland success. With additional strength on every line such as Michelle McInerney, Carolyn Haugh, Edel Fitzpatrick, Aoife Conway and Evelyn O’Mahoney, the Magpies will surely be serious contenders when they take to the field on Saturday week.
Doonbeg
LorraineTubridy, Michelle McInerney, Edel Conway (Capt), Claire Madigan, Patricia Nugent, Sarah Cahill, Carolyn Haugh, Linda RussellKelleher, Edel Fitzpatrick,Aoife Conway, Kevina Kenny, Siobhan Behan, Evelyn O’Mahoney, Mairead Madigan, Michelle Fitzpatrick
Subs
Yvonne Downes, Brid Lillis, Maeve Clancy,Amanda Ryan, Cassandra Frawley, Loreta Hanrahan, Caroline Breen, Martha Hanrahan, Diane Kelly, MarieTubridy, Mandy Murphy, Elaine Greene, Rita McInerney, Rachel Ryan.
Burren Gaels
Kanisha Flanagan,Amy Cassidy, Tiana Flanagan, Marion Conway, Joanne Howley, Fiona Loughman, Sarah McMahon, Orlaith Cullinan, Kayleigh McCormack (Capt), Lynn Carrucan, Niamh Considine, Katie Connole, Niamh Carrucan, Amy Maloney, Roisin Howley,
Subs
Christina Commane, Roisin Crowe, Lisa O’Brien, Cora Commane, Margaret Commane, Roisin curtin, Emily McNamara, NiamhTierney, Megan Byrne, Amy O’Brien, Roisin Kelly, Ella Barrett, Caolinn McCarmack. Management – Anthony Geraghty, David Flanagan.