Ni Churraoin to Galway's Rescue

  • Aug 06,2013

Ní Churraoin to Galway's rescue

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

By Jackie Cahill

Dublin 3-10 Galway 3-10
Cian Ní Churraoin's injury-time point salvaged a draw for Galway at the end of an incredible All-Ireland Minor A ladies' football final against Dublin at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh yesterday.

Holders Dublin had come from 11 points down to almost snatch victory at the death when sub Margaret Mohan and wing-forward Carla Rowe netted stoppage-time goals.

But there was still time for Ní Churraoin, sister of Galway senior footballer Fiontan, to respond and earn a deserved replay for the Westerners.

In an incredible first half Ní Churraoin, Emma Reaney and Shauna Hynes all goaled to leave Galway 3-5 to 0-3 clear approaching the break.

Shortly after half-time, Leah Mullins dragged Dublin back into contention with a scrappy goal from close range.

Dublin inched their way back before Mohan and Rowe struck to turn the game on its head. In front of a vocal crowd, it looked like there was more heartbreak on the cards for Galway against Dublin but Ní Churraoin stepped forward with a fine point from play to level the game.

Meanwhile, super sub Niamh Power scored two second-half goals as Laois claimed their first All-Ireland ladies' minor football title since 1992, in a thrilling final against Clare.

Power came off the bench to make a huge impact as the O'Moore ladies won the B final at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh 4-9 to 2-13.

Scorers for Dublin: C Rowe 1-2 (0-2f), M Mohan 1-1, L Mullins 1-0, M Davoren 0-2, M Lamb, C McGuigan, É Rutledge, M McGrath and K Dwyer 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: C Ní Churraoin 1-3 (0-1f), S Hynes 1-2, E Reaney 1-0, O Divilly 0-2 (1f), N Ward, L Ward and D Kehoe 0-1 each.

DUBLIN: E Ní Éafa; A Curran, M Ní Scanaill, N Harney; C Regan, O Carey, K Murray; F Tuite, M Lamb; C Rowe, M Davoren, N Rickard; C McGuigan, L Mullins, É Rutledge.

Subs: D Mullany for Regan (29), K Dwyer for McGuigan (h-t), A O'Brien for Harney (37), M Mohan for Tuite (43), M McGrath for Davoren (55).

GALWAY: C Ní Laoí; A Meagher, S Gormally, M Joyce; E Gavin, N Ward, M Glynn; S Gavin, M Heneghan; O Divilly, L Ward, S Hynes; E Reaney, C Ní Churraoin, M Kelly.

Subs: D Keane for Kelly (44), N Conway for Joyce (56), S Ní Shuilleabháin for Meagher (60).

Referee: K Delahunty (Tipperary).

© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved