Senior Ladies Push St Paul’s All The Way
With only 14 players available and both sides struggling due to injuries and exam commitments, it was agreed to play this league fixture with 13 a-side.
Naomh Brid started the livelier with Orlaith Kirk and Ellen McGrath controlling midfield in the initial exchanges – ably assisted by Orla Montague who was playing a roving role as a third midfielder. This resulted in a fine point from Aoife Montague on 8 minutes. St Paul’s rallied quickly to score a point, only to go immediately behind with a well taken goal from Anna Finnegan who was returning for her first game after injury. The game remained finely balanced until St Paul’s took the lead for the first time with a goal from the ever dangerous Mairead Cooper followed by a point on 16 minutes.
The game continued to seesaw with Aisling Murray and Cathy Donnelly feeding the full forward line whilst Geraldine Campbell made piercing runs to assist the mid-field trio. These efforts were ultimately rewarded by a goal on 19 minutes from Aoife Montague to leave Naomh Brid with a 2 point advantage. Naomh Brid’s half back-line stood firm – as points were traded – with strong displays from Aoife McCann & Rachael McKeogh on the wings as they regularly snuffed out St Paul’s attacks down each flank. During the next 10 minutes Naomh Brid’s defence was tested time after time but they held firm with Katie McMullan displaying excellent hands in goal, instilling confidence with an assured performance. However, despite valiant efforts, St Paul’s finished strongly in the final minutes of the half with 3 unanswered points and a lucky goal on the stroke of half-time.
Half-time: St Pauls 2 – 6 Naomh Brid 2 – 2
St Paul’s, realising that they had a game on their hands attacked right from the re-start, recording 2 wides before scoring their first point of the second period on 4 minutes. Naomh Brid quickly replied with a foray into the heart of the St Paul’s goal area resulting in Cathy Donnelly being taken down and a penalty awarded to the visitors. Anna Finnegan bravely stepped up to convert from the spot and reduce the home advantage further with 6 minutes of the half gone. A point from a free by the home team a minute later was matched by a further score from the accurate boot of Aoife Montague as she converted her free. Anna Finnegan added a further point from play on 11 minutes to reduce the deficit to a single point. Was this going to be Naomh Brid’s day?
Then an unfortunate yellow card reduced Naomh Brid to 12 players at a crucial time with Catherine Macaulay and Hannah Loughran standing firm in the last line of defence with Orla Montague and Aisling Murray moving back to assist. However St Paul’s used their experience and player advantage to register a goal and 2 points to garner a 6 point advantage.
Naomh Brid ended the half on the front foot with Catriona Montague challenging strongly for every ball coming her way. Despite being encamped in the St Paul’s half Naomh Brid possession was unfortunately not converted to scores as St Paul’s goalkeeper was in great form saving a point blank shot from Anna Finnegan near the end. A final point, virtually at the final whistle from St Paul’s left the visitors 7 points adrift. An excellent performance from everyone. Well done Naomh Brid ladies.
Final score: St Paul’s 3 – 11 Naomh Brid 3 – 4
