Match Report U16 Leinster Final
- Apr 21,2024
Leinster U16 A Championship Final
Sunday April 21st.
Dublin 2-13 (19) Kildare 3-07 (16)
Earlier today, Dublin retained their U16 provincial crown following a pulsating hard-fought encounter with Kildare. The contest was played in glorious sunny conditions before a sizeable crowd who had made their way to the Blanchardstown campus of TUD.
It was the home side who raced in to an early 1-02 lead with Kate Keaney on song with the opening goal of the game. Kildare rallied the storm and responded with a well taken goal of their own taken by Aoibheann Birchall. Moments later, Kildare were awarded a penalty by referee Ian Culbert. Jessica McNulty’s initial shot was stopped on the line by Dublin keeper Martha Whelan only for McNulty to pounce to knock the rebound into the back of the Dublin net. Game on!
Kildare added to more two points to their score tally and now had a three-points advantage. The girls in blue gathered themselves regained their shape and started to move the ball well through their lines. A brilliant passage of link play was finished to the back of the Kildare net expertly by full forward Zara Flood. The two sides where now level, with 2-02 each as the game edged closer to the half time break.
A well taken point from Ellie Reen and a converted free from Flood gave Dublin a slender two-point lead at the interval. HT Dublin 2-04 Kildare 2-02. Kildare started the second period in superb fashion with a well taken goal by full forward Lexie Reddington to push the visitors ahead by one. Kildare then hit a purple patch tagging on three unanswered points to edge ahead 3-05 (14) to Dublin’s 2-07 (13).
Once more the Dublin girls had to dig deep. And deep they dug hitting a purple patch of their own. Substitute Molly Bourke would make a big impact on the game finishing the game with a personal tally of six points, coming from both play and frees.
In the final quarter Dublin took control of the contest, their superior fitness levels and ability to close out the game where key factors in the U16 cup remaining in the capital for another season. Wing back, Cara Coffey was awarded the player of the match award for her fine performance throughout the game.
Dublin now turn their focus on the All-Ireland series which gets underway in late June.
Dublin: Martha Whelan (St Sylvesters), Réka Kiss Kalló (Lucan Sarsfields) Captain, Laura McGlinchey (Na Fianna), Ellen Morgan (Naomh Mearnóg), Rachel Sweeney (St Oliver Plunketts ER), Keeva O’Donovan (Thomas Davis), Cara Coffey (Lucan Sarsfields), Sophie McDonnell (Naomh Mearnóg), Issy Harrell (Naomh Mearnóg), Eilise Stuart (St Maurs), Kate Keaney (Ballyboden St Endas), Grace McCoy (Naomh Olaf), Ellie Reen (Naomh Mearnóg), Zara Flood (Thomas Davis), Olivia Hanley (Clanna Gael Fontenoy).
Dublin Subs: Molly Bourke for Rachel Sweeney, Kate Hanly for Grace McCoy, Aoibhín Malone for Olivia Hanly.
Dublin scorers: Molly Bourke 0-06, Zara Flood 1-02, Kate Keaney 1-00, Ellie Reen 0-02, Sophie McDonnell 0-02, Issy Harrell 0-01.
Panel: Carrie Whelan (Clanna Gael Fontenoy), Phoebe Macken (Clann Mhuire), Róisín Newman Reid (St Sylvesters), Aimee Treacy (Fingallians), Isabelle Hayden (St Finians Newcastle), Ella Jenkins (Kilmacud Crokes), Grace Fitzgerald (Craobh Chiaráin), Eileen McCarthy (Clontarf), Emma Middleton (Beann Eadair), Emma Reddan (Ballinteer St Johns), Ava O’Donnell (Clontarf), Cara O’Connell (Fingallians).
Additional panelists: Clara Woods (Clontarf), Isabelle Kilcommons (Foxrock Cabinteely), Siún Ní Cheallacháin (Na Fianna).
Management: Peter Woods, Trish Duffy, Ryan McKittrick, Cathal O’Donnell, Michael Corcoran, Greg O’Donnell, Geraldine O’Connor, Ciara O’Connor, Ursula O’Donnell.