Senior league reports
Division 1 Confey 5-11 Eadestown 2-9
Confey got their Senior League campaign away to an excellent start on Tuesday last when they easily out-scored an under-strength Eadestown who did battle all the way. The early minutes were evenly contested as Eadestown scored first, a Cliona Dowling point and Grace Clifford floated over another soon after but on each occasion Confey broke from the kick out and the Gately sisters finished the moves with smashing goals. Then before Eadestown could regroup Siofra Daly soloed from way out and hit the far corner with a fine shot and when she tried the same immediately after Andrea Jebb went full length to keep it out only to see Confey collect the break and kick their first point. Then newcomer Gillian Behan got in on the act shooting goal number four and Eadestown were in real trouble after just 10 minutes. They did respond to a Deirdre Gately point with a Grace Clifford goal but could not make any impression on the Confey lead. The second quarter saw the teams fairly level in terms of possession and as Confey added points through Deirdre Gately, two, and Aine, one, Eadestown had a point each from Grace Clifford and Aoife Herbert. After Deirdre Gately got Confey off the mark with another point within a minute of the second half Aoife Herbert replied after a long solo run and then Aisling Quinn fired in the second Eadestown goal but Confey, with Paula Doran on for Orla Hogan kept taking the points. Gillian Behan and Deirdre Gately had one each and after Emma O’Connell strode forward to bang one over for Eadestown Aine Gately hit back with two. Emma O’Connell, now at midfield helped set one up for Grace Clifford and then kick another long one herself. A one/two with Emma McCartney gave Aine Gately the opening for another point before Niamh Quinn burst through and laid on the chance for Deirdre Gately to drive to the roof of the net. The final 10 minutes were all Eadestown pressure but a few poor wides did not help while Aoife McGuinness pulled off 2 fine saves to deny them goals and the last score came from centre back Denise Tierney who drove over from distance. In addition to goalkeeper Aoife McGuinness Cathy Hally, Ciara Hogan and Orla O’Shea stood out in the Confey defence. Niamh Quinn and Rachel Divilly had the better of the midfield battle until the last quarter while Gillian Behan and Siofra Daly did loads of damage from half forward while Deirdre Gately at full forward and the roving Aine Gately were almost unplayable. For Eadestown Andrea Jebb made a string of fine saves as Siobhan Tierney, Grainne Jameson and Emily Carr struggled to stem the tide and Sarah McLoughlin steadied things when moved to defence for the second half. Angela Lyons battled all through at midfield and when joined by Emma O’Connell they took control. Up front Grace Clifford was the leading light with Aoife Herbert, Sue Brosnan and Cliona Dowling also doing well.
Division 2 Naas 1-8 Maynooth 0-6
Naas and Maynooth kicked off their 2012 season without some of their established players of previous years and both clubs gave youth its change to shine. The game didn’t disappoint those present as it was a closely fought contest to the end. Maynooth settled the better and their fast moving forwards caused Naas defence some problems early on and the visitors had 3 points on the board after ten minutes. As the half wore on Naas were getting more of the ball and began to get into the game more. They soon had 3 points of their own from Aine Cummins, Shannon Doheny and Sara Gormley to level matters. Michelle Carey and Sarah Callinan traded frees to leave things all square at the break. The second half saw Naas on top early and despite missing a few chances they had opened a 7-4 lead thanks to points from Sarah Callinan, Aine Cummins and Shannon Doheny. Maynooth struck back with two points to leave the minimum between them. With the game in the balance came the crucial score when Chelsea Crowe put a dangerous ball across the square where it was deflected by a Maynooth defender past her own keeper. Naas had the final score of the night when Chelsea Crowe found an opening to add the last point. Both teams will be happy with the effort their players showed on the night and with the array of young talent on show both will be looking forward to a successful campaign ahead.
Division 3 Robert Emmets 2-13 Clane 2-9
Robert Emmetts ladies were out against Clane in their first league game. This match was end to end football from the first whistle. The game was played at a fast pace with no time been wasted on either sides and the scores going from end to end. Half time saw the sides level. The second half saw the girls put up another fine performance and both teams used their subs well. With 5 minutes to go Robert Emmetts were 5 points up but Clane came back with a goal. The girls from Emmetts were not going to let this game away and finished with 2 fine points to win out. Eimear Dunleavy and Rebecca McCormack played really well in defence for Emmets with Kathyrn O Hara doing really well in goals. Roisin Dunleavy covering every blade of grass and Ciara Lawlor and Mary Hulgraine doing well up front. Scorers for Emmetts were Roisin Dunleavy 0-4, Ciara Lawlor 0-3, Mary Hulgraine 0-3, Ali Ni Dshublaine 1-1, Tara O Neill 1-0, Sandra Delmer 0-1, Janice Boland 0-1.
Division 3 Suncroft 2-14 Na Fianna 4-12
The first game in the league turned out to be a very exciting hard fought tie between two sides anxious to make a good start to their league campaign. Suncroft got off to a good start with 3 points from play and a free from Ellen Dowling Na Fianna replied with 2 points from Mikaela McKenna and 1 each from Tara Higgins and Chloe Smullen. Suncroft pulled away again with points from Rebecca Johnson and Aoife Connolly and then Na Fianna's Nicole Carroll reacted the quickest to a ball bobbing around in the suncroft gaolmouth to put Na Fianna ahead. Suncroft came back with 2 points from Dowling and Na Fianna finished the half with a gaol from Aoife Jacob. Half time score Na Fianna 2 goals 4 points and Suncroft 8 points. Na Fianna stepped up a gear in the second half and pulled away from their opponents with gaols from Tara Higgins and Chloe Smullen and points from Niamh Quinn, 2 from Aoife Jacob and 5 from Mikaela McKenna. Suncroft fought hard to get back into the game and had points from Johnson (2), Aiofe Connoly (2) and Trina Duggan (2) and they also scored 2 gaols and at one stage in the second half were only 3 points behind, but Na Fianna with some excellant defending kept the Suncroft girls out and held on for a 4 point win. The final score was Na Fianna 4goals 12 points and Suncroft 2goals 14 points. Best for Suncroft were R Johnson, A Connolly, T Duggan and E Dowling. Best for Na Fianna were full back Sinead Crowe, R. Murphy, N Carroll, A Jacob, T. Higgins, M McKenna and Niamh Quinn who was back playing after a long lay off and Emily Jacob who was also returning to the game after being out for a while. A good win for Na Fianna.
Division 4 Athy 3-9 Monasterevin 5-12
Athy played host to Monasterevin in the opening game of the Div 4 league which saw Monasterevin take the points on a final scoreline of 5-12 to 3-09. Monasterevin opened the scoring after 3 minutes which saw the Athy defense left wide open as Simone Gilbert blasted the ball to the back of the net. She followed this with a point on 8 minutes. The salvation for Athy came on 13 minutes when, goalkeeper, Rachel Fennin, saved a penalty. Athy tagged on points from Michaela Hubbock, Emer Farrell & Orlaith moran & then a goal from Melissa Nolan on 20 minutes. This was quickly cancelled out by yet another goal from Monasterevin on 22 minutes. Emer Farrell for Athy then scored a goal followed by another Monasterevin goal. It was all Monasterevin from then on & on 27 mins they blazed wide of the Athy goal. They quickly corrected this on the 30 minute mark & another goal for the visitors was registered. Athy trailed at the half time by 4-07 to 2-03. Monasterevin continued the scoring in the 2nd half without reply, scoring 1-02 after just 11 minutes of the restart. Things could have been a lot worse for Athy, had it not been for the sheer defensive power of Aisling Delahunt, who cleared the ball off the line, in what was a clear goal chance for the visitors. Niamh Mulhall for Athy was also very unluckly not to have converted her goal opportunity, which on this occasion, saw the upright win out. A late Aoibhinn Kelly goal for Athy was just reward for the possession football that Athy dominated in the 2nd half. The game finished on a scoreline of 5-12 to 3-09.
Division 4 Round Towers 2-7 Athgarvan 6-16
Athgarvan got their league campaign off to a flying start with a hard fought but ultimately convincing win away to Round Towers. The opening stages were evenly balanced with the scores tied at 2-3 apiece after fifteen minutes. However, Athgarvan got well on top in the final ten minutes of the half after a pinpoint pass from Lorraine Whyte sent Tracy Noone clean through for a goal, the first period finishing with Athgarvan ahead by 4-9 to 2-5. The second half saw the Athgarvan back line of Sinead Geraghty, Eimear McBride and Kate Leahy snuffing out any goal scoring threat while half backs Aisling Lambe and Michelle Doyle worked tirelessly to break up the Towers attacks. With Tracy Noone in unstoppable form and Ber Coffey just shading Rachel Burke for the player of the game accolade amongst the dominant forward line, Athgarvan prevailed by 6-16 to 2-7 although a couple of fine saves were needed from Louise Keatley in the dying minutes as Round Towers kept trying to the end. Scorers for Athgarvan were Tracy Noone (3-5), Rachel Burke (2-4), Ciara Byrne (1-1) including the best point of the game, Ber Coffey (0-3), Gillian Lynch (0-2) and Lorraine Whyte (0-1).
Division 5 Prosperous 1-2 Kildangan Nurney 4-12
Kildangan/Nurney started the league with an impressive win away to Prosperous. The travelling team started well with a goal from Laura Furlong. Prosperous responded quickly with a goal the far end. Kildangan/Nurney worked hard in the first time leading on a scoreline of 3-3 to 1-1 at half time. The second half resumed with Kildangan/Nurney pushing ahead with points from Ciara Merrins, Kate Scully, Helen Sexton and Katie Fullam among others. Phillipa Cains, Tracey Rowe and Orla Kelly played superb throughout in the backline. The Kildangan/Nurney side finished the game with a well worked goal, scored by corner back Caroline Sexton. Final score Kildangan/Nurney 4-12 Prosperous 1-2. Kildangan/Nurney team; Karen Lawless, Caroline Sexton, Phillipa Cains, Tracey Rowe, Helen Thackaberry, Orla Kelly, Helen Sexton, Clare Reilly, Katie Fullam, Lorna Merrins, Kate Scully, Laura Furlong, Ciara Merrins, Sophie Fleming, Fidelma Dowdall.
Division 5 Milltown 1-4 Castledermot 2-9
Having been relegated last year, Castledermot travelled to play a very young Milltown side. The away side took an early lead and built on that throughout the game. Milltown never gave up and battled hard all over the field. Scorers for Castledermot: Niamh Byrne 1-3, Louise Kirwan 1-0, Leah Byrne 0-2, Michaela Nolan 0-2, Sarah Farrell 0-1, Betsy Kiowski 0-1. Milltown scores came from Aoife Murphy 1-0, Nicola Sweeney 0-3 and Michelle Hanlon 0-1. Best for Castledermot were Betsy Kiowski, Michaela Nolan, Louise Kirwan and Shauna Doyle. Best for Milltown were Nicola Sweeney, Sarah Kavanagh, Nimah Byrne and Katie Phelan.
Minor A final Balyna 3-6 St. Laurence’s 1-6
Balyna minor ladies footballers regained the LGFA Minor A title with a deserved win over 2011 champions St. Laurence’s. In a close and tightly contested game, where both defences prevailed, it was Balyna who had the greater scoring threat with six of their players getting on the score sheet. Balyna opened the scoring with an early goal from Shauna Farrell and a point from Shauna O Donoghue. It took the Lady Larries 15 minutes to register their first score, a point from Emer Fogarty, but the momentum stayed with Balyna where Ruth Bergin scored two points from frees followed by an excellent point from play from Rachel Cribbin. Kim Mackey pointed from a free in the 27th minute to leave the half time score, Balyna 1-4 St. Laurence’s 0-2. The second half started with a bang for St. Laurence’s. Within five minutes they had levelled the scores at 1-4 each. Full forward, Jean Miley, scored an early point when isolated one on one with the Balyna full back and quickly followed up with a goal when a similar early delivery helped her round the full back again and shoot to the net. Melissa O Neill scored the equaliser with a fine point from distance. However, the Lady Larries failed to deliver another early pass to their full forward line and only scored another two points for the remaining twenty minutes of the game. From there the Balyna girls took control of the middle of the field and worked the ball forward to score two great goals from Erica Burke and a Shauna Farrell, and a pointed free from Ruth Bergin. Sub Georgia Dempsey pushed Balyna over the line with a fine point from play. While both sides had plenty of chances to score in the second half, Balyna were deserved winners on the day. The final score was Balyna 3-6 St. Laurence’s 1-6. Balyna team - Orna Lowrey, Rachel Cormican, Ellen Morgan, Noelle Kelly, Audrey Flynn, Effithea Byrne, Ciara O' Donoghue, Shauna O' Donoghue, Rachel Ward, Elaina Burke, Erica Burke, Rachel Cribbin, Shauna Farrell, Ruth Bergin, Tory Ward, Georga Demspey, Anna Mc Crosson, Carol Hurley, Louise Keogh, Amy Flanagan.
St. Laurence’s team - Vanessa Dempsey, Ciara Marron, Niamh Lawler, Sarah O Neill, Myra O Reilly, Brid Farrell, Rebecca O Keefe, Allison Keatley, Emer Fogarty, Kim Mackey, Aoife Nolan, Jean Miley, Melissa O Neill, Louise Farrell, Clodagh Glynn, Aisling Woods, Sinead Miley, Derbhaile Byrne & Aine Dunne.
Minor B final Eadestown 5-7 Leixlip 1-6
Eadestown won their first Minor Championship last Saturday in Hawkfield with a comprehensive win over a gallant young Leixlip team. Now Eadestown did have a big part in the 2001 & 2003 Nás/Baile Eide wins but this win was the Club’s first solo Minor Title. They got a great start as, having to face the strong biting cold wind in the first half, their Captain Grace Clifford, taking an astute Nicole Mooney pass, blasted high to the net after 6 minutes. Leixlip did have plenty of possession but wasted a number of chances but they replied instantly to that opening score as Naimot Akinde won the kick out and sent Kayleigh Farrell scampering away for a point. Grace Clifford repaid Nicole Mooney for the earlier pass and Nicole popped it over the bar. Then came a break, as a high ball into the Leixlip square was not claimed by the defenders, full forward Aisling Quinn collected the loose ball and drove in the second Eadestown goal. Leixlip tried hard to get back into the game with Tara Hallinan and Naimot Akinde driving winning possession but the forward missed a few more chances and were made to pay when Sinead Harney who had just been introduced at wing forward ran on to a pass, stepped past a defender and drove over another point. Tara Hallinan and Kayleigh Farrell combined just before the break to allow Ellie Christie the chance and Ellie, just moved up to the front line, duly pointed but 2 goals down and with facing the wind in the second half it looked a tall order for Leixlip. Turning over to play with wind advantage Eadestown were hit for a point straight from the restart as Leixlip showed their intention to fight on. Tara Hallinan, having won the throw-up, was on the end of a good move and kicked a good point. Straight from the kick out Tara was on the end of a Kayleigh Farrell pass and was clean through. Eadestown goalkeeper Ruth Downey advanced and got a knee to the shot and deflected it away for a fruitless “45”. Leixlip still drove forward and when Kayleigh Farrell got through she was bowled over in the small square and Referee Gavin Duane had an easy call for a penalty. Midfielder Naimot Akinde drove the spot-kick low and hard to the left corner and now there was only 2 points between the sides. With the game there to be won it was Eadestown Captain Grace Clifford who stepped up to the mark and showed just why she is a County Senior player. She drove over 2 points in quick succession and after Kayleigh Farrell pointed a Leixlip free Grace found Cora Dempsey with a long ball and when the corner forward drove the ball across Aisling Quinn out-fielded two defenders and drove in goal number 3. Grace Clifford then finished the game as a contest. First she kicked over a long range point and the she collected the ball in midfield and soloed in for her second goal. Sinead Harney scored the fifth Eadestown goal when she ran on to an Anna Harney pass and found the roof of the net. Aisling Quinn added a point before Leixlip responded with a brace of points, the first from Kayleigh Farrell when placed by Rachida Chemaou and the second by Ellie Christie from point blank range. Anna Harney closed the scoring with a fine point and all that remained was for County Board Chairperson Arthur Corrigan to present the Cup and how fitting it was that the recipient was by far the best player on the pitch. Grace Clifford led her team by example, helping out in defence, lording the midfield and finishing as the top scorer. Goalkeeper Ruth Downey, Jane Hennessy and the Jameson sisters Grainne and Caoimhe were the stars in defence; County Minor Niamh Tuohy was the perfect midfield foil for Grace Clifford while Nicole Mooney, Aisling Quinn and Sinead Harney excelled in attack. While Leixlip will be disappointed they can take solace from the fact that 13 of their starters will be minors next year and excellent goalkeeper Mairead Dolan has 4 more years to go. Mairead played very well, with her handling immaculate and she advanced to cut out a number of dangerous situations including one great block on the ever dangerous Aisling Quinn and all that after playing for the Kildare Under 14 team in a Leinster Championship game just 2 hours earlier. Defenders Aoife Masterson, Erin Kennedy and Grainne Lyons did well as did Shannon Holland when re-sited at wing back. Tara Hallinan and Naimot Akinde fought hard at midfield and in attack, Kayleigh Farrell, Amy McGraine and Michelle Carvallo were most dangerous.
U16 match reports
Robert Emmets 3-5 Rathcoffey 6-5
Robert Emmetts u16s played Rathcoffey tonight. This was truly a game of two halves the first half was all Rathcoffey with the girls putting up a fine score of 5-3 to Emmetts 0-1. The second half saw Emmetts come out fighting and the girls dug deep to score 3-4 but it was not enough the girls from Rathcoffey won on a score line of 6-5 to Emmetts 3-5. Robert Emmetts can hold their heads high for a spirited second half . It was an overall fine team display . Scorers for Robert Emmetts were Claire Cahill and Jodi Trayner 1-1 each, Niamh Mulligan 1-0 and each for Jenny Cullen, Laura Power and Kayleigh Conroy 0-1 each.
Naas 5-8 Na Fianna 3-7
This second round match in the u16 championship was a very competitive encounter with a semi- final place at stake. Naas commenced the scoring when the Naas full forward Saoirse Ferguson slotted home a goal and extended the lead with another point .Na Fianna promptly responded with a point from play and both teams continued to exchange further points. The midfield partnership on both teams worked tirelessly namely Chelsea Crowe and Ciara Brown for Naas while their half forwards Shauna Weldon, Niamh Bergin at centre forward and Mary Creaton created fine scoring chances, the latter adding two points to extend the Naas tally. Niamh Dunne worked diligently for Na Fianna at centre field and moved the ball swiftly into her forwards who secured two goals in quick succession and gave them a one point lead at the interval. The game resume at a hectic pace and Na Fianna were out of the blocks first and scored a point; extending their lead but Naas clawed back another point . Na Fianna continued to exert pressure but the Naas defence stood firmly led by their goalkeeper Amy Creaton who saved a certain goal with a fine save .She was ably assisted by the fullback Aisling Kelly and the two corner forwards Aisling Moloney and Kelly Perkins who defended tenaciously while the substitute Hannah Hevernan contributed very well when she entered the fray .Laura Naughton ,wing back, showed great athleticism while Aisling Gralton, centre back, gathered a lot of ball and Anna Begley intercepted many passes and launched many a Naas attack Their half forwards continued to string some good passing movements together resulting in a goal from Niamh Bergin which was shortly followed by another goal from the boot of Shauna Weldon. Naas had opened a four point lead, but this game was still evenly poised as both teams added further points to eventually leave the visitors to Allenwood victorious by seven points. Ciara Dunne and Jennifer O’ Donovan put in great effort in the Naas forward line when they entered the game .Both teams should be congratulated for a tremendous game where both teams played with great spirit and enthusiasm; a credit to their clubs. Na Fianna were well served by their full back Amy Harte,Daisy Gallagher and Anna Mc Cabe. Scorers: Naas Saoirse Ferguson 1-2, Chelsea Crowe 1-2, Niamh Bergin 1-1, Shauna Weldon 1-0, Ciara Brown 1-0 and Mary Creaton 0-3.
U14 reports
Division 5 Nas na Ri 6-5 Moorefield 6-2
This was a very exciting game played on a lovely evening for football. Moorefield started brightly and it took Naas a while to settle. Naas started to get on top as the half wore on with Katie Connolly scoring a couple of goals. The Naas backs were now on top especially Clodagh Plunkett, Ailbe Moore and Louise Murphy and with the midfield pairing of Clare o’Sullivan & Kate McPhilipps gaining parity, Naas went into the break leading by double scores 4-02 to 2-01.Naas resumed the second half in a very lively fashion scoring 2-01 to no score in the first 10 minutes with great work by Kate McPhilipps, Clare O’Sullivan, Katie Connolly and especially Katie Loughran. Moorefield then came back into the match scoring 4 quick goals to leave just 2 points in the game with minutes left. Naas concluded the match with a good score by Katie Loughran to leave Naas worthy winners by 3 points.
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