LGFA U14A Final
Naomh Éanna 7-12 Erins Own 3-07
Despite the dreary, wet conditions on a dull evening at Dunsilly, a large crowd was treated to a spectacular showcase of football as Naomh Éanna claimed the U14A Championship title. Both teams displayed immense skill, resilience, and attacking flair in a highly entertaining final that was closer than the final score suggests.
Naomh Éanna opened the scoring with a brilliant point from Effie Walsh, sparking what would become a masterclass individual performance of 4 goals and 3 points. Erin’s Own responded immediately through a fine individual score from Bella Scullion. However, Cargin failed to capitalise on their early momentum, registering a series of costly wides.
The Hightown ladies punished those misses when Una McCavana seized the initiative. Embarking on a powerful solo run, McCavana coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net. Naomh Éanna capitalised on this momentum, adding another goal and a point shortly after. Walsh then pounced on a dropped ball in the Erin’s Own square, ruthlessly slamming it home to extend the lead.
Refusing to back down, the Cargin side fought back valiantly, swinging the flow of play in their direction with a quickfire 1-02. Their period of dominance was eventually halted by Cargin goalkeeper Convery, who made the first of many spectacular saves on the night, though the rebound was quickly snapped up by the ever-alert Walsh for Naomh Éanna.
Cargin stormed right back into the contest. Adele McCann split the posts with a well-struck free, and Ruby Daly cut the deficit further, scything through the Glengormley defence to accurately place the ball into the back of the net. Cargin looked primed to further reduce the deficit when Emer Casey unleashed a powerful shot, but Naomh Éanna goalkeeper Jennifer Dowds pulled off a stunning save. It was a night of elite goalkeeping, with both Dowds and Convery producing displays of which Cape Verde’s Vozinha would have been proud.
As the whistle approached, Naomh Éanna regained their composure, with Mae McKinlay knocking over a pointed free to ensure a six-point cushion at the break.
Half-Time: Naomh Éanna 4-04 Erins Own 2-04
Erin’s Own started the second half with high intensity. Einian Neeson caused constant headaches for the Naomh Éanna backline, helping Cargin push deep into enemy territory. Emma Diver raised the first white flag of the half for Cargin, though Johnston responded quickly for the Hightown side. Neeson then converted a free of her own making as Cargin continued to press, though they ultimately left several scoring opportunities behind them.
The defining period of the match arrived fifteen minutes into the second half when Naomh Éanna found another gear. Mae McKinlay ignited an unstoppable 11-point surge by bulging the Cargin net. Moments later, Convery made another fine save, but Walsh was on hand once more to clean up the loose ball for a goal. Fagan added to the tally with a brilliant point from long range before Walsh struck again, completing her second-half goal brace.
Faced with a heavy deficit, Cargin showed immense character and refused to lie down. Diver sent over another point before Jane McCann was justly rewarded for her tireless commitment throughout the match, fighting through to score a well-deserved goal.
Ultimately, Naomh Éanna kept their composure and kept the points ticking over until the final whistle blew. While Cargin will feel the sting of defeat, they can look back with immense pride at a heroic performance against an exceptional Naomh Éanna team who proved to be worthy champions.
Naomh Éanna: Jennifer Dowds, Niamh McCart, Annie McGlynn, Molly McGivern, Aoibhinn Murphy, Mollie Mooney, Eva Rankin, Una McCavana(1-01,1f), Molly Smith, Jessica Johnston(0-01), Caoimhe Moss, Emer Casey, Níadh Fagan (0-02), Effie Walsh(4-03), Mae McKinlay(2-05,1f), Rose toner, Ruby Daly, Aoibhin McKeown, Eimear Coy, Rua Grace Fitzpatrick, Fódhla NeiDhomhnaill, Aine Maskey, Aoife Bell, Evie Bew, Maeve McMenamim, Jessica Wilson, Orlagh Laverty, Alison Byrne, Eimear McNicholl, Lara Brady
Erins Own: Sarah Convery, Cara Liddy, Sophia McFall, Erin O’Donnell, Cate McCann, Sophia McCann, Annie Scullion, Adele McCann(0-01,1f), Bella Scullion(0-01), Eabha Quinn, Einin Neeson (0-01,1f), Chloe Mackle, Niamh Kearny(1-0), Daisy Neeson(0-01,1f), Rose McLaughlin, Aoife Molloy, Emma Diver(1-04,1f), Jane McCann(1-01), Eimear Quinn, Cara McPeake, Leana Murray, Trea McCann
Referee: Michael Bannon
TO VIEW MORE OF BRIAN MC KEE’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW