Match report U16 Dublin v Cavan
- Jun 28,2024
All-Ireland Under 16 'A' Ladies Football Semi-Final
Cavan 1-10 Dublin 1-02
Report By Cóilín Duffy
Dublin Under 16 Ladies Footballers bowed out of the 2024 Championship at the All-Ireland semi-final stage, after a strong defensive display by Cavan on Thursday night in Kinnegad.
Before a large crowd, on an unseasonal like evening weather wise at the Westmeath venue, Peter Woods charges found it tough after conceding 1-1 in the opening minute, but too their credit never gave up in this game - battling right the final whistle.
Playing with the aid of a strong wind in the first half, Cavan set off right from the throw-in and fired the opening point from a quickly won free which top-scorer Niamh McCaffrey converted after just 45 seconds.
Cavan pounced quickly from the resulting kick-out, with Abby Reilly finishing the ball in the net and suddenly Dublin found themselves four points in arrears.
Dublin responded strongly in search of their opening score, but a Zara Flood effort came off the upright. However the Thomas Davis player soon got Dublin off the mark to ensure a 1-1 to 0-1 after three minutes.
Scores were at a premium for large periods this tie, and indeed for the remainder of the half just three points were added - including two from placed balls - all scores for Cavan, who led 1-4 to 0-1 at the break.
Dublin strung together some brilliant passing moves in the heart of the Cavan attack, but the Breffni County defence make for a tough evening.
The pacy Cara Coffey showed some wonderful attacking progress on a number of occasions, particularly in the opening half, but luck was not on Dublin's side.
Some scoring efforts dropped short, while a 28th minute goal opportunity ended with Phoebe Mackin being denied by Cavan keeper Fainche Higgins from close-range, after
good work in the build-up by Ellen Morgan.
Despite strong efforts from Olivia Hanley and Grace McCoy late in injury-time, Dublin failed to add to their tally, and Cavan led by six points at the interval.
Dublin were eager for scores early on the restart, and really threw everything at Cavan, but goal chances for Issy Harrell and Olivia Hanley were snuffed out.
Half time substitute Eilise Stuart also showed well in attack at that stage while at the opposite end Réka Kiss Kalló done well to clear a Cavan chance under a high ball.
Cavan added another point from McCaffrey, but they were also wasteful in front of the target, and indeed Dublin breathed a sigh of relief when a 40th minute Sarah McAvinney goal chance somehow stayed out with Ellen Morgan sending the ball to safety for Dublin.
McCaffrey continued to perform strongly for Cavan, with three quick points, including two from play, as Cavan moved 1-8 to 0-1 clear after 45 minutes.
The Cornafean player again proved eager for scores over the next few minutes, but excellent goalkeeping by Martha Whelan kept out her efforts.
Abby Reilly added a further point for Cavan, before Dublin's second half scoring deadlock was broken thanks to a 56th minute point from a Zara Flood free.
Dublin really pushed hard in the closing minutes, and were rewarded well after a Ella Jenkins shot tested the Cavan defence, before substitute Emma Reddin finished the ball to the net with an excellent effort, and the gap was reduced to seven points.
Cavan grabbed the final score of the tie through substitute Jane Hetherton, icing on the cake for the Ulster side who will meet Mayo in the final.
It may be the end of the road for this Dublin squad for 2024, but they've brought plenty of joy to their loyal band of supporters including club colleagues, families and friends - with a Leinster title in the bag, after an impressive provincial run.
Scorers for Cavan: Niamh McCaffrey (5f) 0-7; Abby Reilly 1-1; Sarah McAvinney, Jane Hetherton 0-1 each.
Scorers for Dublin: Emma Reddin 1-0; Zara Flood (2f) 0-2.
DUBLIN: Martha Whelan (St Sylvesters); Réka Kiss Kalló (Lucan Sarsfields), Laura McGlinchey (Na Fianna), Ellen Morgan (Naomh Mearnóg); Clara Woods (Clontarf), Keeva O'Donovan (Thomas Davis), Cara Coffey (Lucan Sarsfields); Sophie McDonnell (Naomh Mearnóg), Issy Harrell (Naomh Mearnóg); Ellie Reen (Naomh Mearnóg), Kate Keane (Ballyboden St Endas), Grace McCoy (Naomh Olaf); Molly Bourke (St Brigids), Zara Flood (Thomas Davis), Phoebe Macken (Clann Mhuire). Subs used: Olivia Hanley (Clanna Gael Fontenoy) for Bourke (20); Eilise Stuart (St. Maurs) for Macken (HT); Emma Reddan (Ballinteer St Johns) for McCoy (44); Ella Jenkins (Kilmacud Crokes) for Harrell (50); Grace Fitzgerald (Craobh Chiaráin) for Hanley (61). Rest of Panel: Carrie Whelan (Clanna Gael Fontenoy), Kate Hanly (Shankill), Róisín Newman Reid (St Sylvesters), Isabelle Hayden (St Finians, Newcastle), Ava O'Donnell (Clontarf), Eileen McCarthy (Clontarf), Isabelle Kilcommons (Foxrock Cabinteely), Aimee Tracey (Fingallians), Rachel Sweeney (St Oliver Plunketts Eoghan Ruadh), Cara O'Connell (Fingallians), Aoibhín Malone (Clann Mhuire), Emma Middleton (Binn Eadair), Siún Ni Cheallacháin (Na Fianna).
CAVAN: Fainche Higgins; Kate McSeain, Annie Crowe, Holly Forde Peat; Kyra Comaskey, Caitlin Crowe, Gia McCabe; Emilia Mussi, Eimear Gannon, Brianna Quaile; Abby Reilly, Sarah McAvinney; Niamh McCaffrey, Molly Smith, Katie McGahern. Subs: Ciara Brennan for Comaskey (54); Jane Hetherton for McAvinney (55); Kayla O'Reilly for Smith (57); Lola Matthews for Quaile (58).
REFEREE: Shane Curley (Galway)