Healy Brothers LGFA Junior B  Championship

Na Piarsaigh 7-17 Ard Eoin 1-02

Report and pics by Lisa Quigg

Na Piarsaigh delivered an impressive performance to overcome Ard Eoin in this North Belfast derby, producing a clinical display from start to finish. 

The opening half belonged largely to Na Piarsaigh, who settled quickly and built a strong lead. Aoibhea Stanton was central to their attacking success, contributing the majority of her side’s scores. Ard Eoin worked hard to stay in touch but were frustrated by a number of wides that prevented them from building momentum on the scoreboard. 

The contest took another turn in the first half when Ard Eoin were reduced to 14 players following a straight red card. Shortly before the break, Na Piarsaigh’s number 6 was shown a yellow card with around 30 seconds remaining in the half, reducing them to 14 players temporarily into the second half.

Na Piarsaigh wasted no time after the restart, scoring within 20 seconds of the throw-in to maintain their dominance and set the tone for the remainder of the game. 

Despite the challenges, Ard Eoin continued to create opportunities and got their reward through Meghan Turley, who produced an excellent personal tally of 1-1 from play. Natasha Rooney also added a point from a free kick to complete Ard Eoin’s scoring. 

Ard Eoin’s task became even more difficult in the closing stages when a player received a yellow card with ten minutes remaining, reducing them to 13 players. However, both teams continued to play positive football, with plenty of skill and well-worked passages of play on show throughout. 

In the end, Na Piarsaigh’s sharp finishing and attacking efficiency proved decisive as they ran out deserving winners, while both sides contributed to an entertaining derby played in a competitive spirit.

Cumann an Phiarsaigh: 1 Aimee McGuigan, 2 Aibhinn McLarnon, 3 Ciara Stanton, 4 Megan Morelli, 5 Orlaith Pimley, 6 Sinead McLarnon, 7 Casey McTasney, 8 Orla Hale, 9 Roise Thompson, 10 Lucy Hale, 11 Aoibhea Stanton, 12 Niamh McCullagh, 13 Sophie Lee, 14 Lauren Doherty, 15 Eilen McVeigh.

Ard Eoin: 1 Alex Trainor, 2 Kayla Mailer, 3 Eimhin Quigg, 4 Grace McGrillen, 5 Orlaith Lagan, 6 Ella McConnell, 7 Fianna Frame, 8 Ava Le Mahieu, 9 Ellie-Rose Hughes, 10 Meghan Turley, 11 Darcey Adams, 12 Ava Travers, 13 Sharon King, 14 Clodagh Carney, 15 Shannen O’Connor.

Referee – Shauneen Stewart