LEINSTER U16A 2nd Round – SAT 14 FEB 26 – MULLINAVAT GAA, KILKENNY
Kilkenny 4 – 16 Offaly 0 – 05
A dominant display by the girls in the Black & Amber on a fine but cold Saturday afternoon in Mullinavat GAA.
The pitch was in good condition after all the recent rain, and the breeze blew towards the road end, with Offaly shooting that way too for the first half. It was Kilkenny that started brighter though as they racked up the first five points before Offaly’s first, Megan Harding of Erins Own scoring a 45 and a free, Rachel Duff set up by a great diagonal pass across the pitch from Ruby Norris, and Duff put it over.
Full Forward Sophie McCabe of Thomastown got her first point in the 11th minute with Dearbhla Ryan of Tullogher giving McCabe the pass. Then Ruby Norris of Piltown beat her marker on the 45 turned free and put the sliotar thar án crosnán.
It looked like the Faithful County girls were struggling but never giving up and the Kilkenny defence were standing strong with Rachel Murphy and the impressive Robyn Corcoran, who was sweeping and played the position perfectly, covering her teammates and winning ball. Annie Rose Hogan of Naomh Brid had the chance to get a score on the board for the visitors as she stood over the ball for a 45. Hogan made no mistake, now they needed to stay at it. And they did have another opportunity in the 14th minute when Grace Scully of Tullamore pointed a free from just inside the Kilkenny 45. Offaly would have more chances from frees, but unfortunately, they were off target.
Kilkenny did take over again though, their middle third were exceptionally strong and broke up every attack that Offaly tried. The left side was dominant, Ruby Norris and Dearbhla Ryan showing great skill and teamwork as they created plenty opportunities for the inside forwards, with Sophie McCabe, and Ryan herself, amongst the goals.
Half time – Kilkenny 3-11 Offaly 0- 02.
They switched sides and Kilkenny had the breeze now, but this half was a bit less intensive than the first. Although the keepers were busier in the second half than the first, with Rebecca Slevin of St Rynagh’s pulling off two good saves in quick succession to keep out McCabe and Rachel Duff. At the other end Rachel Tennyson of Piltown pulled off a great save from Annie Rose Hogan in the 17th minute, as Hogan got free aimed hard and low to her left, Tennysons right, but the number 1 got her hurley down, saved, controlled and cleared it to safety. A big chance for Offaly and they got a few more chances from frees but like the 1st half they tailed off wide.
Kilkenny were ticking the scoreboard over. Dearbhla Ryan got the scores her display deserved with 1-02. Annie Rose Hogan and Emma Byrne raised white flags for Offaly, after great work driving forward from Rachael Lambe and Ailbhe Coll who were strong in midfield throughout.
Final Score – Kilkenny 4 – 16 Offaly 0 – 05
Kilkenny Panel-
Rachel Tennyson, Sarah Buggy, Robyn Corcoran, Holly Drennan, Alice Maher, Rachel Murphy, Isabel Carroll, Elizabeth Sida, Roisin Gibbons, (Vice Captain), Ruby Norris, Megan Harding, Katie Harnett, Rachael Duff, Sophie McCabe, Dearbhla Ryan,
Subs – Heidi Culleton, Leyla Ahern, (Vice Captain), Ciara Joyce, (Captain), Rebecca Smith, Meabh Kenny, Kate Dalton, Noa Bambrick, Amy Walsh, Ruby Mullins, Saidhbh Farrell, Katie Mulcahy, Sinead Cash
Offaly Panel –
Rebecca Slevin, Meabh Carey, Elodie Loonam, Beibhinn Omeara, Aoibheann Dooley, Avah Tooher, Mai Mahon, Rachael Lambe, Ailbhe Coll, Grace McLoughney, Maeve Duffy, Annie Rose Hogan, Emma Byrne, Grace Scully, Cliona Mannion, Caoilfhionn Gorman, Jenny Dooley, Rachel Hoare, Alice Murray, Molly King, Katie Molloy, Edel Gillespie, Amy Guidera, Faye Collins, Katie Brady, Chloe Coleman, Caoimhe Heavin, Annie Mulhare, Kayleigh Hodnett Loughlin
By PRO Tue 24th Feb
