At the sun-drenched Clans field yesterday morning, the Geraldines U-16 girls triumphed over the heat and League winners Cooley to claim the Louth U-16 "A" Championship. Having been beaten by the peninsula outfit on two occasions during the league, the girls knew a top-class performance would be required to overcome their rivals. And that is just what they delivered.
Cooley started the better and indeed scored a tremendous goal with their very first attack. But our girls never dropped their heads and worked their way back into the game with scores from Julie Soraghan and Ailish Fee. Indeed the girls had the lion's share of possession in that opening quarter but failed to add to their tally at the water break. A number of goal chances went begging but the positive was that chances were being created.
In the second quarter, Cooley once again started the brighter and two long-range free kicks and a brilliant score from way out on the right, leaving a four-point gap midway through the second half. Our girls stayed calm and continued to attack right through the heart of the Cooley defence. Two free kicks, one converted by Aoife Fanning and the other by Captain Fantastic Ailish Fee left a margin of two in it at the break.
Half time Geraldines 0-04 Cooley 1-03
The game sparked into life in the third quarter. Our midfield of Ailish and Naomi Reid began to get on top and the supply going into the forwards was more accurate. Aoife Fanning won lots of possession in the full forward line and selflessly supplied Aoife Soraghan with the opening score for the second half. A few moments later Cooley re-established their two-point lead when their No.8 scored a long-range free. But this proved to be their final score as the Geraldines' defence marshalled by Anna Shiels (3) and Megan McEvoy (6) stood strong. Excellent performances from Kate Sheelan, Elizabeth McGahon, Aoife Sweeney, and the aforementioned Anna in the full-back line snuffed out the Cooley attacks. Our half-back line of Anna Cosgrove, Ava Sheelan and Megan dominated in this period and set the platform for the next few scores. Ailish released Meadhbh O'Hora for a crucial point to narrow the gap to the minimum. A score on the turn from the impressive Aoife Fanning quickly followed this. And then the killer goal came. The ball was played into Aoife Fanning who turned and stroked a beautiful handpass into the path of the onrushing Julie Soraghan who finished with aplomb. Que the cheers. A well-worked free-kick between Aoife and Ailish widened the gap to four points as the third quarter came to a close.
Our forwards never stopped running. Sarah Cuthbert, Julie and Aoife Soraghan, Meadhbh O'Neill and Méabh O'Hora were a constant thorn in the Cooley side. Their clever movement and desire to get on the ball proved the difference. Fresh legs were called upon as Phoebe Walker entered the fray. She won her very first ball and kept the Gers on the front foot in the last 15 minutes
In the final quarter, we held possession very well. Aoife Fanning hit her third and the final score of the game that sealed her POTM performance.
Well done to the whole squad who played their part all year.
Geraldines: Naomi Reid, Lily Mae Fennelly, Heather Murphy, Meadhbh O'Neill, Julie Soraghan, Aoife Soraghan, Aoife Sweeney, Elizabeth McGahon, Anna McGrory, Ailish Fee, Ruby Walker, Phoebe Walker, Fia Healy, Sarah Cuthbert, Alannah Lynch, Megan McEvoy, Miliani Lauaki, Zoe Durnin, Aoibhe Clark, Muireann Rogers, Eva Neary, Aimee Lynch, Abbie Durnin, Issey McGeogh, Emily Clune, Kate Sheelan, Ava Sheelan, Eábha Corrigan, Nessa Casey, Méabh O'Hora, Katy Geoghegan, Bianca Mabona, Anna Shiels, Anna Cosgrove, Ailbhe McKenna, Aoife Fanning and Laura Fanning.
Thanks also to our management team. Gráinne Boyle, Fionnuala Cafferty, Ruth Reilly, Nicola Reid, Roger Lynch, Mick Fee, Susan O’Brien, Joe Corcoran and our most recent recruit, Paula Lavin.
After more than 250 days, over 50 training sessions and 24 games, the curtain has finally come down on our season.
Na Gearaltaigh Abú
Our Under 16's are kindly sponsored by Sports Direct Ireland and we thank them for their continued support.
Photo Credits: Craic A Smile Photography / Joe Corcoran
THE GERALDINES - THE HOME OF GAELIC GAMES IN HAGGARDSTOWN AND BLACKROCK WHERE EVERYONE PLAYS
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