Match Report Feile Div 1 Final
- Apr 16,2023
Dublin Féile Division 1 Final
NAOMH MEARNÓG 0-7 BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S 0-1
Report by Rónán MacLochlainn
Naomh Mearnóg impressed from the outset when claiming the Féile Division 1 title with a comfortable six-point success over a brave Ballyboden St Enda’s at O’Toole Park on Sunday afternoon.
The pace, interplay and teamwork of the Portmarnock side was a joy to behold and while Ballyboden refused to buckle despite the incessant pressure they faced, they were unable to create too many chances at the opposite end of the filed against a well-organised Mearnóg defence.
The winners served early notice of their intent as a strong run down the middle in the opening minute by Ellie Reen was transferred to Grace Collier, who spilt the uprights with a minimum of fuss.
The template was set from that early stage and it wasn’t too long before Naomh Mearnóg were doubling their advantage as Collier turned provider on this occasion with Naomi Crilly the beneficiary.
St Enda’s worked hard to offer a threat of their own with Kate Keaney and Millie Kearney highly prominent with Keaney terribly unfortunate to see a well-struck free cannon to safety off the upright.
Reen’s pace was once again in evidence as she ghosted past the Boden defence but her low shot flew across the goal, narrowly going the wrong side of the post.
Unperturbed, Mearnóg kept on the front foot and entered the break 0-3 to 0-0 ahead as Abbie Gogarty converted a free to give a fair reflection of their control in the opening half.
In keeping with the first-half, Naomh Mearnóg immediately worked the umpires in the opening seconds of the restart as Gogarty put the finishing touches to another excellent team move.
That they couldn’t create a genuine goal chance despite their control of possession was down to some wonderful St Enda’s defending with the likes of Cliodhna O’Donoghue and Emily Larkin refusing to accept their fate.
Keaney added a point from a free to further boost Boden’s spirit but the margin was restored to four points in the 22nd minute when Gogarty’s powerful shot was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Sinead Farrell.
The winners ensured that there would be no way back for Boden with Rebecca Tracey and Ellen Morgan refusing to yield an inch to their direct opponents while Issy Harrell and Sophie McDonnell kept Naomh Mearnóg ticking over around the middle third.
Points followed from Ruby Bedford and Ella O’Brennan in the closing stages with the latter score once again showcasing the teamwork and unselfish play that epitomised the champions’ performance.
Scorers – Naomh Mearnóg: A Gogarty 0-3 (1f), N Crilly, R Bedford, G Collier, E O’Brennan 0-1 each. Ballyboden St Enda’s: K Keaney 0-1 (f).
Naomh Mearnóg Panel: K Behan, A Reynolds, M McDermott, Z Barber, R Tracey, A Traynor, E Morgan, I Harrell, S McDonnell, N Crilly, E Reen, E Witter, R Bedford, A Gogarty, A Smith, G Collier, S Kennedy, C Breen, E O’Brennan.
Ballyboden St Enda’s Panel: S Farrell, M Kearney, A O’Brien Jennings, E Larkin, S Fagan, M Killeen, C O’Donoghue, D Fitzgerald, K Loughnane, K Keaney, E Moloney, A Burke, L Bromwell, F Coleman, R McSharry, F Ní Dhálaigh, A Loughnane, E Farrell, L Kennedy, C Carr.
Referee: Reg Harbron (St Anne’s)