Minor Girls Championship Final:
St Lomans Mullingar 3-10 Milltownpass 1-09
Last Sunday afternoon Rochfortbridge played hots to the 2022 Minor Ladies Division 1 football final between St Lomans Mullingar and Milltownpass on a mild afternoon for late November. The sides traded scores each in the opening stages with a Paige Matthews free and a Meabh O’Hara point from play doing the damage for the Blues. Sadhbh Gorman put Milltonwpass in front with a placed ball, but Meabh O’Hara then found the back of the net for the Saints after a great turn and finish. Gorman reduced the arrears to the minimum, but Lomans kicked on with four consecutive frees (1 from Katie Kilmurray followed by three from Paige Matthews). On the stroke of half time Katie Kilmurray received the ball and ran at the heart of the Milltownpass defence before firing a rocket of a shot into the top corner to see the Blues lead by eight at the half-way mark.
Milltownpass started the second half the stronger out-scoring Lomans by 1-03 to one point (A Paige Matthews free) in the third period, which only left three points between the teams. Ellen Kilmurray responded for the Saints before her point was cancelled out by Erin Cleary. The Crucial score came with ten minutes to play when Meave O’Hara found the net for the second time after a powerful run and finish to put Lomans firmly in the driving seat. The Saints defence held firm in the closing stages and in fact they outscored their opponents with all scores coming from placed balls (one each for Matthews and Kilmurray).
The final whistle saw scenes of jubilation as St Lomans were crowned minor champions and captain Annie Kilmurray lifted the trophy aloft. The 2004 girls having been beaten in several finals previously, finally got their hands on silverware as they move on to adult football which they more than deserve for their years of hard work. This victory also see’s a clean sweep for the Blues having been crowned champions of the under14,16 and Minor Ladies champions, which is a testament to the hard work being done behind the scenes.
On the day Kellie Mulderry martialled the defence well and was supported well by Lara McCartan and Ellen Kilmurray. Rachel McKenna performed well in the forwards along with Paige Matthews who was superb from placed balls. The two stand out players however were in the forwards as Katie Kilmurray and Meabh O’Hara got the scores that ultimately decided the match. Well done to all of the players who put in a great effort on the day and throughout the year. Finally, a big thanks to the Management team of Alan Quinn, Enda Matthews, Andrea Martin and female liaison officer Stephanie Kilmurray for their hard work throughout the year.
Team; Eimear Doonan, Abbie Norris, Keelie Mulderry, Eve Scally, Aoibhe Hogan, Lara McCartan, Ellen Kilmurray (0.01), Shauna Traynor, Annie Kilmurray, Jayne Charles, Caoimhe Kilmurray, Meabh O’Hara (2.01), Rachel McKenna, Katie Kilmurray (1.02, 0.02f), Paige Matthews (0.06, 0.06f).
Subs; Niamh McKenna, Niamh McGinley, Ava Maleady, Caitlin Graham, Keelin Burke, Anna Sheehy, Lauren McCormack, Kate McDonnell, Shannon Breslin and Norah Garry.
