Mearnóg girls blitz Football Feile
Posted May 11, 2016
O Toole Park in Crumlin greeted us with dry weather as we arrived for our big day. We had spent the day before soaked but happy that we had reached our Feile Final and we made our way to the dressing room and prepared for the final.
We made our way out of the dressing rooms through the crowd and onto the pitch. We posed for our team photo some final words from the managers and the game is on.
Raheny were quick to settle and after 5 mins Mearnog found themselves 2 points down after good work by the Raheny forwards. The Mearnog midfield pairing of Carla Brogan and Ruth Lenihan began to gain some possession in the middle of the Park and they began to push forward. The defence led by Sophie Brennan, Orlaith Kiernan and Amy Gleeson began to get a hold of the Raheny forwards and a great save from Goalkeeper Ciara Mullen meant as we approached the 10 min mark there was little between the sides. Raheny added another point but then the break through for Mearnog the ball made its way into the forward line where Rebekah Gaynor gained possession passed to Ailbhe Crean Lynch who turned and sent the ball over the bar Mearnog were on the score board. With the clock ticking towards half time Mearnog carved out a goal chance beautiful football down the right side seen Carla Ingham pass to Rebecca Cooke she let the ball in to Robyn Doyle who sent a great pass to Aoibheann Crean Lynch who spotted Cooke on the run into the box Cooke received the ball and shot low but it just fizzed past the post. The Referee called for the ball and it was half time.
Half time. Mearnog 0-1 Raheny 0-3.
The second half began as the first half with Raheny making a fast start and knocking over two points 4 points down could Mearnog respond. The game was about to be turned on its head Sophie Brennan sent one of her famous long kick outs out to the left hand side Rebecca Cooke picked up the ball and off she went despite the best efforts of the Raheny backline Cooke found the net Raheny were rocked. Rahenys next kick out was won by Carla Brogan who launched a high ball towards the Raheny goal, the ball broke between backs and forwards it was gathered by Sophie Grouse and with quick hands she found Orlaith McGarry who without breaking stride sent the ball to the back of the net. Mearnog were in the lead. Raheny could not get the ball out of their half and they were about to suffer another blow Niamh Costello won a high ball and after evading a Raheny defender sent a ball towards Aoibheann Crean Lynch who with all the skill of a Kerry forward placed the ball into the far corner of the net and the Mearnog supporters were singing on the terrace. Mearnog now led by 5 points. The Raheny girls were not finished they moved up the field and were looking to get back in the game, Jade woods and Rebecca Wall were fighting
for every ball and Raheny got nothing easy but from two attacks they sent over two more points. The Portmarnock girls not to be out fought were pushing hard for scores themselves and after good passing from Ruth Lenihan and Emma Kavanagh Raheny conceded a free which was sent over the bar.
As the game entered its final 5 mins Raheny were on the attack they moved the ball up the wing but great defending from Abbie Byrne and Michelle Agboola meant Mearnog only let Raheny get a point. The tension was being felt by both sets of supporters as we entered the final minute but Mearnog were about to clinch the match Brennan found Cooke again with the kick out and as a tired Raheny defence chased her she rolled the ball into the corner of the net the supporters were dancing on the terraces. One last attack by Raheny came to nothing and the Referee blew the final whistle Mearnog were Feile Champions.
Final Score Naomh Mearnog 4-02 Raheny 0-08
The Team made the way to the presentation where the supporters were cheering some may have even shed a tear. As the team waited to collect the cup they burst into song wishing their captain Sophie Brennan a Happy Birthday all that was left was for County Chairman Joe Keane to present the cup to the Captain.
The Team headed back to Portmarnock and the usual drive around the houses was undertaken before returning to the club with the cup for some Refreshments. We are sure the weekend and the final will be remembered by players and supporters for years to come.
Michelle Agboola Rebecca Wall Sophie Brennan (captain) Jade Woods Carla Brogan Abbie Byrne Rebecca Cooke Niamh Costello Ailbhe Crean-Lynch Aoibheann Crean-Lynch Robyn Doyle Rebekah Gaynor Amy Gleeson Sophie Grouse Carla Ingham Emma Kavanagh Orlaith Kiernan Ruth Lenihan Orlaith McGarry Ciara Mullin
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