Photo: Action from the U13B semi final Newmarket v Kilkishen Bodyke

U13C Shield Semi-Final

Saturday 29th September 9.45am in Tulla

Tulla V Smith O Briens

Final Score: Tulla 5-2 Smith O Briens 7-2 (After Extra Time)

Tulla hosted Smith O Briens in the first of the U13C shield semi-finals on a fresh, but, bright Saturday morning. In a tight affair between two evenly matched teams, the girls from Smith O Briens came out on top after extra time to earn a place in the Shield final in the club’s first ever year to field a team in a competitive championship.

The visitors got off to a great start with a goal in the second minute from a free by Rebecca Rogers. Scores were hard to come by for the remainder of the half with both defences having the upper hand, with some wayward shooting under pressure resulting in missed chances on both sides. Rebecca Rogers added a point from a 45 as the first half drew to a close, leaving her side ahead on a score line of 1-1 to no score.

Three minutes after the re-start Smith O Briens extended their lead through substitute Isobel Mc Leish who made an immediate impact by drilling a low shot beyond the reach of the Tulla goalie. This was the beginning of a frantic period of scoring at both ends. Tulla needed a response and they were not found wanting with a well taken goal opening their account. Siobhan Mc Mahon restored Smith O Briens lead when she managed to hand pass to the net under severe pressure.

The home side were winning the midfield battle at this stage and were attacking more and more. The pressure paid off with another Tulla goal leaving them trailing on a scoreline of 3-1 to 2-0 after eight minutes of the second half. From the resultant puckout, Rebecca Rogers gathered possession in midfield and took off on a powerful run through the heart of the Tulla defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot to the back of the net.

This score was the catalyst for Tulla to rally and they did so in fine style. Two goals in quick succession left them behind by a solitary point as they capitalised on their dominance in midfield and the half-forward line. Some remarkable defending from Roisin Murnane, Grace Seymour and Karen O Mahony kept the visitors ahead as the clock ticked towards the finish. With four minutes of normal time remaining Tulla raised a white flag from a close range free to complete the comeback and leave the sides level on 4-1 apiece. The momentum was with the home side now and it was only as a result of some great saves from LilyJo Hall in the Smith O Briens goal that the sides remained level at the end of ordinary time.

After a short break for all to catch their breath, the game entered the first half of extra time in an effort to separate these two sides. Tulla began as they left off with a point in the second minute. Aoife Coleman, now operating in midfield for the visitors, in an attempt to regain some balance, was having increasing success, as was sub Rachie Needham at wing back, and the tide began to turn as Smith O Briens showed remarkable resilience to fight their way back into game as they raised the tempo again. Siobhan Mc Mahon took the game by the scruff of the neck at this stage scoring three goals in five minutes, surging through the middle before rattling the back of net. This saw the visitors ahead on a score-line of 7-1 to 4-2 at half-time in extra time.

The remaining half was played out in a similar fashion to the first half of ordinary time with both defences on top. Tulla piled on the pressure as they fought to close the gap but with Lily-Jo imperious in the Smith O Briens net and Karen O Mahony & Roisin Murnane rock solid in defence there was no way through. Tulla were eventually rewarded for their efforts in the second half with a goal in the final minutes , Siobhan Mc Mahon responded with a point for the visitors to leave the final score 7-2 to 5-2.

The work rate and never say die attitude from the Smith O Briens girls was wonderful to witness, even more so given that seven of the starting team are under 11. The spine of the team, LilyJo Hall, Roisin Murnane, Karen O Mahony, Rebecca Rogers and Siobhan Mc Mahon impressed throughout and were superbly supported by the younger members of the panel, notably Grace Seymour, Fiona Byrne and Lucy Pearl.

Smith O Briens Team: Lily-Jo Hall; Grace Seymour, Roisin Murnane; Sarah Moloney, Karen O’Mahony, Fiona Byrne; Siobhan McMahon, Sarah McNamara; Lucy Pearl, Katie Mowat, Aoife Coleman; Rebecca Rogers, Kaitlyn Ni Dhonnacha

Subs: Megan Wood, Lauren Arthur, Isobel Mc Leish, Leanne Rogers, Emma Needham, Rachie Needham, Hannah Moroney, Leah Scanlan

Referee: Ciaran Sheehan

U13A Cup semi final

Crusheen 9-5 Inagh KIlnamona 0.1

Referee Aine Ni Cormac

Date 30.9.18

The U13A competition reached the semi final stages with Crusheen hosting Inagh KIlnamona and from the first whistle it was Crusheen who dictated the pace. Faye Dean and Grace Gleeson took control in midfield and were the launchpad for a number of early Crusheen attacks. The Inagh KIlnamona defence were put under extreme pressure. Aine Longe for Inagh cut out a number of attacks to stop the home team from scoring. However it was not to last long. A free from Hannah Gleeson was controlled by Aoife Rodgers who laid off to Mary Hanrahan who's goal bound shot was well saved but Siomha Perill was first to react to score the opening goal of the game.  Inagh fought their way back into the game and created some scoring chances but found the Crusheen defence led by an excellent  Caoimhe Clancy in determined mood. A forty five for Inagh  Klimamona saw an incisive counter attack by Crusheen. The free was blocked by Hannah Gleeson and cleared outfield. Good work from Faye Dean saw her pass to Mary Hanrahan in space and score a fine point. Any progress Inagh Kilnamona made into the Crusheen half was short lived. A fine hook by Aimee Colleran saw the ball cleared by Hannah Gleeson to Mary Hanrahan who after a fine solo run buried the ball in the corner of the net. The Crusheen forwards were enjoying good possession and with Aoife Rodgers at centre forward having an outstanding game distributing good quality ball to Mary Hanrahan and Siomha Perill at corner forward winning good ball they were causing problems for the visitors defence. Good work from Siomha Perill saw her score a goal . Crusheen pushed on in closing stages of the first half to extend their lead. A fine save from Ava O Halloran Inagh Kilmanona goalie prevented a third goal and left the half time score  2-2 to 0-0.

The second half saw Crusheen continued to dominate similar to the pattern of the first half continued. A rasping shot from Grace Gleeson rattled the crossbar. The visitors couldn't clear the danger and a shot from Faye Dean was well saved. The following possession saw Siomha Perill win possession and crack home a fine shot to the back of the net to extend Crusheen's lead. Inagh KIlnamona got off the mark with a point from a free . This was soon followed by a fine solo effort from Mary Hanrahan to effectively kill off the game. To Inagh KIlnamona,s credit they continued to try and close the gap but found Crusheen,s defence in particular Caoimhe Clancy, Ava Lyons  and Ella Kearney were dominant through out the game, and any ball that passed them were ably dealt with by Hannah Gleeson and Aimee Colleran. Ava O Holloran thee Inagh Kilmoma goalie and Aine longe in the full back line, Cliodhna Queally who played in several positions Grainne Burke in the forwards had excellent games but could not stem the Crusheen attack. Grace Gleesons  performance was rewarded with a goal after good work by Siomha Perill. Aoife Rodgers who was instrumental in setting up a number of Crusheen scores was also rewarded with two goals to cap an excellent display. Crusheen tagged on a number of quick fire goals to run out comfortable winners and advance to meet Clooney Quin in the final.

Inagh Kilnamona Eva O'Halloran, Orlaith Hehir, Aine Longe, Aine Shannon, Rhea Foudy, Eimear Burke, Cliodhna Queally, Ailbhe Devitt, Mary McInerney, Grainne Burke, Elisha Rynne, Ciara a White, Roisin Shannon.Subs introduced : Nicole Keane, Ali Hogan, Siofra Foudy , Shauna Queally, Chlsoe McCoy, Ella Fitzgibbon , Shona Keane, Aimee Scanlon, Abbie Guyler, Caoimhe Roughan


Crusheen: Caoilfhionn Perrill Hannah Gleeson  Aimee Colleran  Caoimhe Clancy Ava Lyons Ella Kearney Faye Dean  Grace Gleeson Meabh Curran Aoife Rodgers Anna Taaffe Mary Hanrahan Siomha Perill  Rachel o Brien Sarah O Donnell 

Under 13A Shield Semi Final

Score Sixmilebridge 1:5 Scariff/Ogonelloe 4:6

Venue Sixmilebridge

The game was played in dry, calm conditions under lights last Friday evening Sept 28th in Sixmilebridge. Scariff Ogonnelloe got off to a strong start with dominant backs and mid field leading to plenty of pressure in the forwards. This ultimately led to two goals from Eimear Rodgers, a point from Danielle Beston and Molly Orme and a great point from the right wing from Eimear Rodgers. However, Sixmilebridge began to get an upper hand around the middle and their centre backline led by Hayley Keogh, mid way through the first half. This led to significant pressure on the Scariff Ogonnelloe backs and while they defended strongly, some great determination from Aoibhinn McNamara led to her scoring a goal and three points before half time. This left the game nicely poised at 1:3 to 2:3 at the break. 
The second half commenced with a Scariff Ogonnelloe point from Danielle Beston. Sixmilebridge then had a purple patch but gallant defending from Scariff Ogonnelloe backs and some near misses only saw Sixmilebridge gain a two point return from this pressure. Scariff Ogonnelloe's determination and work rate was rewarded by a swing in momentum and they scored a further two goals and two points to close out a hard fought win.
Scariff Ogonnelloe TeamDearbhla McNulty  Tara Murnane Alison Collins  Laoise Giblin  Seva Brennan  Emily Domini Eimear Heffernan Danille Beston Rachel Danaher  Caoilfionn Madden Lorna Reilly  Caoimhe McNulty   Cloe Lynch  Eimear Rodgers  Molly Orme Simone O'Donnell Aine Rodgers (on for Caoilfionn Madden 40 mins) Cliona Rodgers  Nisha O'Neill  Amy Lynch  Megan Perry  Abbie Sheedy

Sixmilebridge: Doireann NíBhraoin; Eimear Healy, Eloise O’Brien, Claire O’Grady; Eimear O’Neill, Hayley Keogh, Amy Chaplin; Helena Ryan, Louise O’Mahony; Charlotte Chaplin, Roisin O’Grady, Christina O’Grady; Aoibhín McNamara, Aoibheann Sweeney, Orla Chahill.  

Subs: Lauren Hughes, Molly Twomey, Kate Connelly

U13B Cup Semi final

Newmarket on Fergus (4-04) vs Kilkishen Bodyke (0-01)
Venue: Newmarket-on-Fergus

Referee: Áine Ní Cormaic

The 13B Championship semi-final between Newmarket-on-Fergus and Kilkishen Bodyke took place Sunday at noon. With Newmarket having home advantage after placing top of their group. Newmarket won the encounter 4-04 to 0-01 but don’t let the score line fool you into thinking this was a one-sided battle, as both sides battled hard throughout the match and Kilkishen Bodyke despite being down never gave up. Andrea Coffey and Emma Crowe in midfield were outstanding for Newmarket, where a lot of the battles were fought and won. Aine O Callaghan’s free taking was on point and Amy Madden in forwards ensured the win for Newmarket.

Newmarket-on-Fergus: Grace McMahon; Katie O Looney, Arianna Cunneen, Julie Fitzgerald; Grainne McMahon, Nora McInerney, Kim O Brien; Andrea Coffey, Emma Crowe (1-0); Aine O Callaghan (0-3 2f 1 45), Maeve Begley, Jessie Hogan; Aimee McNamara (1-0), Amy Madden (2-0), Saoirse Reidy (0-01).Subs: Eva Frost, Avril Moore, Neila Ryan, Sally Kelly, Shauna O Callaghan, Anna Byrne, Caomihe Hegarty and Avril Crowe.

Kilkishen Bodyke: Lauren Doyle; Emily Pewter, Abbie Heffernan, Rachel Shanahan; Polly Douglas, Fina Close, Ciara Nash; Aine Lenihan, Caoimhe Moloney; Ella Donovan, Aoife Frost, Azara Keane; Lilly Kavanagh, Sarah Wiley, Clara Madden.

Under 13C Championship Semi Final

Éire Óg v Cratloe @ Éire Óg 30/09/18 @ 5.30pm

Ref : Aine Ni Cormaic

Half time score : Éire Óg 3-04 Cratloe 0-00

Full Time score : Éire Óg 3-07 Cratloe 0-00

Éire Óg advanced to the Under 13 C final after a hard-fought victory over a very good Cratloe side on Sunday evening at the Éire Óg GAA grounds.

The home side were first to score when Ella Cahill gained possession from the throw-in and advanced 30 metres before slotting over the opening score. However, Cratloe dominated the opening ten minutes and could have been well to the good during this period. After shooting wide from a good position, they attacked again and a goal was at their mercy but the shot went agonisingly wide. Ava Collins was causing problems for the Town rearguard but further attacks were cleared by strong Éire Óg defending and when Cratloe did break through finally it took a superb Niamh McManus save to keep her side in front.

This let-off enabled Éire Óg to settle finally, and after successive wides Ella Cahill broke through the visiting defence to rifle home a superb goal. This was quickly followed by another as a fine flowing move was finished with aplomb by Elise Ryan, whose shot crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. A pointed free from Ella Cahill then had the hosts eight clear after fifteen minutes, 2-02 to 0-00. Éire Óg continued to press home their advantage and another Cahill point, this time from a 45, was added to by a superb Annie Lynch point from an acute angle. The purple patch continued when Liadan Ni Ghlaisne worked an opening but her shot was well saved by the Cratloe keeper, only for Annie Lynch to sweep home the rebound.

Cratloe responded well, however, thanks to the excellent play of Saffron Di Lucia and Giselle Keogh and on the stroke of half time they had a chance to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a 20 metre free. The shot was well struck but Ella Cahill made a fine save to preserve her side’s lead of 3-04 to 0-00 at half time.

The second started in similar fashion to the first as two Ella Cahill points stretched the Townies’ lead further. Cratloe continued to push hard to work a way back into the game and Éire Óg’s half back line was working overtime to repel attack after attack. Another 20m free was saved and when Éire Óg finally did break clear another excellent Ella Cahill point in the 20th minute was the final score of the evening, meaning her side won out on a score of 3-07 to 0-00. The scoreline was harsh on Cratloe and did not reflect some excellent play from them, for whom Ava Collins, Giselle Keogh, and Muirne Crowe were standout performers. On another day they could have been much closer to Éire Óg, who had to be at their best to get the victory.

For the winners their superb defensive unit, led by Rachel Russell, kept the visitor’s attack at bay, while further up the pitch Ella Cahill, Annie Lynch, and Elise Ryan were always prominent. Éire Óg now move on to face Feakle-Killanena in the final.

Éire Óg : Niamh McManus; Ruth Nihill, Irene Boateng; Shaunagh Faughey, Rachel Russell, Katelyn Ferns; Sarah Murphy, Ella Cahill; Riona Hely, Elise Ryan, Emma Lyons; Liadan Ni Ghlaisne, Annie Lynch

Subs : Niamh Davies, Sarah Gannon, Aoibhe Coote, Kate Talty, Sarah Broderick, Jennifer O’Donnell, Sadhbh Faughey, Aoife Moylan, Fiadh Ni Mhuircheartaigh, Aideen O’Donoghue, Rachael Murphy, Izzy Lyons