Dublin - two out of two on the road
- Feb 12,2012
Dublin Ladies made it two wins out of two on the road when they notched up a hard fought three point win over Leinster rivals Meath in front of a large crowd of spectators in the very impressive surroundings of Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club.
From the outset it soon became apparent that this was match was going to be a close fought affair with both sets of forwards having to work very hard to come upon a score. Meath full forward Aoife Thompson got the opening score of the match with a fine strike from just outside 25 metres. Down at the other end of the field Dublin's three times All Star Sinead Aherne was beginning to show her class in the forward line as a consequence two Meath defenders where deployed to keep an eye on the Malahide Star.
Aherne got the opening score for the Dubs from play and she soon followed it up with a second score this time from a 20 metre free. Meath centre forward Katie O'Brien soon equalised the game when she raised the white flag courtesy of a free awarded to the Royals just inside the Dublin large square. Ballyboden St Endas Natalia Hyland and Dublin full forward Niamh McEvoy came more into the game earning their team a couple of frees which Aherne duly despatched over the post.
Dublin received a bit of a setback when Dublin's right half forward and 2010 All Star Amy McGuinness who was causing the Meath defenders difficulties appeared to pick up a knock to the shoulder and retired from the game having been replaced by Anne Clarke of Naomh Mearnóg.
In the last quarter of the first half Dublin seemed to have gained the upper hand on their Leinster rivals but had difficulty in converting their possession into scores, clocking up four first half wide's. The half ended with the Dubs heading to their dressing room with just the minimum between the sides, Dublin 0-5 Meath 0-04.
With three valuable league points at stake Dublin appeared to up their game once more especially their half back line of Ailish McKenna, Sinead Finnegan and Fiona Hudson who as a unit had full control of the Dublin defence breaking down a number of the Meath attacks. This defensive edge combined with the link role being displayed Dublin midfielder, Sinead Goldrick, who seemed to be covering the pitch from end to end, Dublin started to spread the ball wide using the full width of this superb ground as a result of this intensified possession Dublin took the lead courtesy of first half sub Siobhan Woods, who split the posts with two well executed long range points.
Meath at this stage were relying on the free taking skills of St Ultans star Katie O'Brien to keep in touch with their sky blue neighbours, the Meath centre forward was in fine form and required continuous attention from the Dublin backs. Late into the second half Meath had a viable opportunity to raise the green flag but the danger was snuffed out by a well - timed near hand tackle by Hudson, on the breakdown Dublin quickly worked the ball down the field and were rewarded with a point by second half sub Orlaith Egan.
On the final whistle the Dubs had done enough to claim another three league points and were grateful for the stern test provided by Meath today ahead of their big clash next Sunday with Cork who today had a second league win when they over -came the challenge of Ulster champions, Monaghan, full time score Dublin 0-10 Meath 0-07.
Meath despite their hard work and great determination will be disappointed with their overall display against Dublin. Katie O'Brien was their top markswoman scoring 6 out of the 7 of her side's points and with sterner tests ahead the Royals are fully aware that the forward line will have to click as a unit if they have any hope of booking a place in the knock out stages of this league.
Meanwhile Dublin boss, Peter Clarke admitted that his side were fortunate to come away from today's clash with all three points "we were blessed to be leaving here with three points, Meath really took the game to us today, working hard in all sectors of the field .At one stage I really thought a draw was on the cards. We will have to go away and work hard on our shooting it just wasn't good enough today. We had nine wide's compared to Meath's one plus a number of our shots dropped short into the hands of Meath goal keeper, Irene Munnelly we cannot afford to have a similar showing against Cork next Sunday".
Next up for the Dubs is a mouth- watering encounter with reigning NFL and All Ireland champions, Cork.
Dublin: Cliodhna O'Connor, Grainne O'Malley, Sinead Treacy, Siobhan McGrath, Ailish McKenna, Sinead Finnegan, Fiona Hudson, Sinead Goldrick, Colleen Barrett, Kim Flood, Natalia Hyland, Amy McGuinness, Olivia Leonard, Niamh McEvoy, Sinead Aherne. Subs: Woods for Barrett, Clarke for McGuinness, Egan for Hyland (BS), Barrett for Flood, Egan for McEvoy, O'Mahony for Treacy, Murphy for Leonard, Owens for Woods.
Dublin scorers: Sinead Aherne 5pts (3 F), Siobhan Woods 2pts, Sinead Goldrick 1pt, Colleen Barrett 1pt, Orlaith Egan 1pt.
Meath: Irene Munnelly, Marie Masterson, Aedin Murray, Orla Sheridan, Emma Troy, Eileen Rahill, Kellie Allen, Shauna Bennett, Fiona Mahon, Mary Sheridan, Katie O'Brien, Vivienne McCormack, Jenny Rispin, Aoife Thompson, Geraldine Doherty. Subs: Guy for Masterson, Dempsey for Doherty, Jordan for McCormack, Byrne for Thompson.
Meath scorers: Katie O'Brien 6pts, (5F) Aoife Thompson 1pt
Player of the match: Sinead Goldrick (Dublin)
Referee: Eugene O'Hare (Down).
Match stats:
Frees awarded: Dublin 24, Meath 20
45's: Dublin 1, Meath 1
Wide's: Dublin 9, Meath 1