Match report Dublin v Kildare
- Apr 18,2017
Leinster Minor Final
FT Dublin 6-13 Kildare 2-12
Dublin claimed their seventh Leinster Minor title in a row on Easter Monday following a 13 point victory over Kildare in the 2017 Provincial decider.
Kildare to their credit played their part in this entertaining game despite the score line the home side kept Dublin on their toes especially in the opening period of the second half.
For the neutrals in attendance, the game as a contest was over by half time as Dublin took a fourteen point lead into the dressing room. Kildare who had numerous chances in the first ten minutes failed to deliver in front of the posts whereas Dublin nailed every scoring opportunity handed to them by the Lilywhites.
Player of the Match, Niamh Sheehan simply dazzled at full forward scoring an amazing 4-02 in a 15 minute spell which effectively sealed the 2017 title for the metropolitans. Kildare had no answer for the pace and quick movement of ball by the girls in blue. Caoimhe O’Connor, Danielle Lawless and Dearbhla Snow time and time again cut open the heart of the Kildare defence to set up Sheehan who finished expertly each time of asking.
Kildare never threw in the towel; Aine Nash especially was showing good form for the Lilywhites in the opening period of the game as the Monasterevin ace kept her side in touch scoring 5 points from play.
Full forward, Claire Melia netted for Kildare just before the half time break to give her side a timely boost, HT score Dublin 5-08 Kildare 1-06.
Soccer International Lauren Kelly was introduced by Kildare for the second half of the game as the home side endeavoured to reduce the 14 point deficit.
Dublin through Eimear Loughlin with a fantastic solo effort and Caoimhe O’Connor registered two quick points to push Dublin’s lead out further in the opening minutes of the second half.
Kelly playing on the half forward line for Kildare made her presence felt with four unanswered points for the Lilywhites before Danielle Lawless curbed the tide with Dublin’s 11th point of the game.
Dublin killed the game off when they registered their 6th goal of the final in the 50th minute. Sheehan’s initial shot appeared to be stopped short of the line by Kildare keeper Emily McGrory but Dublin sub Clara O’Sullivan was on hand to ensure the ball did end up in the net to seal victory for the reigning champions.
Kildare were awarded a penalty for a technical foul in the small square which was converted by soccer star, Kelly. However Dublin at this stage where well out of sight to claim their 9th Leinster crown since 2008 and their seventh in a row.
Leinster champions Dublin will now have a considerable break to the All-Ireland semi-final which is down for decision on either the 15/16th of July. Leinster champions Dublin will play the winners of Connacht in the semi-final.
Dublin: Heather Smith (Westmanstown Gaels), Shannon Murtagh (Fingallians), Rachel Brennan (St Peregrines), Heather Bolger (Clontarf), Ella Thirroueiz (Clanna Gael Fontenoy), Siabh Hannigan (Parnells), Sarah Fagan (Clontarf), Jennifer Dunne (Cuala), Eimear Loughlin (Cuala), Orla Martin (St Oliver Plunketts ER), Dearbhla Snow (Fingallians), Caoimhe O'Connor (Clontarf), Danielle Lawless (St Sylvester’s), Niamh Sheehan (Ballinteer St Johns), Aoife Bell (Clontarf)
Scorers: Niamh Sheehan 4-2, Caoimhe O'Connor, Clara O'Sullivan 1-01 each, Danielle Lawless 0-3, Dearbhla Snow 0-3(2f), Jennifer Dunne, Eimear Loughlin, Aoibhe Bell 0-1 each
Subs: Niamh Hetherton for Thirroueiz, Clara O'Sullivan for Snow, Kate Sullivan for Bell, Ciara McDunphy for Martin, Sarah McMahon for Sheehan
Kildare: Emily McGrory, Beth Doyle, Amy Horan, Tara Glynn, Clara Wosser, Dervla McGinn, Sorcha Gillman, Lara Curren, Alanna McLoughlin, Aine Nash, Nicole Dooley, Neasa Dooley, Kayleigh Humphries, Claire Melia, Roisin Forde
Scorers: Lauren Kelly 1-05 (1P 2F), Aine Nash -04, Claire Melia 1-00, Lara Curren, Carla Ennis, Roisin Forde 0-01 each
Subs: Lauren Kelly for Gillman, Niamh Clarke for Humphries, Ciara Breslin for N Dooley, Katelynn Doran for Forde, Carrie Pedley for Nash
Player of the Match: Niamh Sheehan (Dublin / Ballinteer St Johns)
Referee: Kevin Phelan (Laois)