St Canices Credit Union U16B Championship Final
James Stephens 3-11 O’Loughlin Gaels 3-2
An impressive team performance with fine displays all over the field saw James Stephens claim the U16B championship title on a pleasant October Sunday morning in Danesfort. This clash of the city rivals saw strong support for both sides and a high level of skill and determination throughout the hour from both sides October but a scoring burst of 2-5 without reply in the opening half put James Stephens in a strong position and hard though O’Loughlin Gaels tried afterwards, they never looked likely to reel them in afterwards. For James Stephens, the addition of this U16B title to an earlier Minor B championship title a few weeks earlier suggests plenty of underage talent coming through for them which will benefit their adult team going forward for many years to come.
The match opened with some fiercely fought exchanges and James Stephens, backed by the wind added the opening two points through Molly Dunne and Ria Quinn before O’Loughlin Gaels replied with a pointed 45 from Lucy Hogan. The contest between Elizabeth Sida (OL) and Jasmine Timmons-MacEneaney (JS) was compelling to watch at this time but further afield, James Stephens attackers started to get on top of the O’Loughlin Gaels backs, and the minutes that followed saw them open up scoring opportunities which led to two smart finishes to the net by Maura Barton which put daylight between the sides (2-3 to 0-1) by the 12th minute. O’Loughlin Gaels were in danger of being totally overrun at this time but they did settle to the task as we entered the second quarter – this saw them get a better grip on the James Stephens attackers but they did find scoring chances let alone scores hard to come by at the other end – and had added just one further point by half time compared to further James Stephens points from Emma Larkin, Caoimhe Egan, and Daisy Coomey. Half time: James Stephens 2-7 O’Loughlin Gaels 0-2.
The second half saw O’Loughlin Gaels now aided by the wind elements and a good finish to the net by Lauren Daly in the 34th minute reduced the deficit and a great run by the same players moments later almost led to a second goal which would have given them real momentum. James Stephens then settled back into their playing rhythm and strong performances all over the field saw them add a further 1-4 without reply over the next 20 minutes with Maura Barton netting her third goal in the 48th minute to effectively end the match as a contest. Further scores from Caoimhe Egan stretched the lead and their play all over the field was impressive much to the delight of their supporters. O’Loughlin Gaels to their credit stayed game to the end and two late goals from Elizabeth Sida and Chloe Collins were just reward for their strong efforts over the hour – but on the day, James Stephens were the stronger side and the celebrations afterwards showed how much it meant to these girls and supporters to have won an U16 county tile. Overall, a fine match between two sides and a strong team performance from James Stephens all over the field saw them record a deserved win.
James Stephens: Mia Holden, Emma Lennon, Sorcha Larkin, Ellie Larkin, Ria Quinn, Jasmine Timmons MacEneaney, Hannah Purcell, Daisy Coomey, Molly Ann Phelan, Emma Larkin, Caoimhe Egan, Aoileann Cantwell, Molly Dunne, Maura Bartin, Katie Jane Murphy. Subs: Saoirse Egan, Katie Marie Murphy, Abbir Minogue, Freya Doyle, Mary Kate Parsons, Hannah Devine, Caoimhe Quinn, Millie Davey, Holly Kelly, Roisin O’Shea, Maya Priror, Julie Ann Fitzpatrick, Sinead Healy, Emily Quinn, Ali McDonald.
O’Loughlin Gaels: Ruby Hogan, Anna Ryan, Faye Brett, Erin Hanrahan, Stephanie Cooney, Grace Roberts, Muireann Greene, Clara Cooney, Sadie Kinshella, Lucy Hogan, Eabha Hanrahan, Millie Lennon, Lauren Daly, Elizabeth Sida, Chloe Collins. Subs: Willow Carter, Liadan Blanche, Sophia O’Dwyer, Leah Tyrrell, Rachel Kavanagh, Chiara Do Dlorio, Aine Morgan, Ava McGuirk, Emily Knox, Millie Hendra, Pippa Gault, Sarah Ryan, Melissa Martins.
Referee: Paul Hunston
By PRO Sat 17th Oct
