Monaleen Juvenile GAA Club

A seriously depleted Monaleen travelled to Crecora for this U12 championship fixture. When the players gathered only 9 were available mainly due to the school holidays but two more volunteers were found to make 11 for this 12 aside encounter. As seems to be the case this year it was another wet Thursday. Crecora fielded a full strength side and from the start it was clear that the numerical advantage and the inexperience of some of the Monaleen players was going to make this a tough encounter. Eileen Russell in the Monaleen goal played brilliantly and made some fabulous saves to keep Crecora at bay. Sarah Hayes, Laura Enright and Nora Farrell played strongly throughout the first half. Aoife Hogan at centre forward suffered a hand injury early in the half but with no subs available played a full part in the game. Veronica Boomsma created chances up front. At half time it was 2 goals to nil.

For much of the second half the pattern remained the same with Maebh and Siobhan Ni Ghuairim toiling up front for little reward. The move of Aine Hegarty to centre back opened up the game with good quality ball getting to the forwards. Grainne Fullen in midfield played well and some great blocking kept the pressure on the Crecora defence. Eventually Niamh Doyle beat a number of the Crecora backs with a great solo and drove the ball to the Crecora net giving the keeper no chance. It was the goal of the game and was some reward for the great effort put in by all the girls. No doubt a match between the two teams at full strength would be a lot closer.

Score: Crecora 5-0 Monaleen 1-0

Panel: Eileen Russell; Laura Enright; Niamh Doyle(1-0); Aoife Hogan; Aine Hegarty; Grainne Fullen; Meabh Ni Ghuairim: Nora Farrell; Sarah Hayes; Siobhan Ni Ghuairim; Veronica Boomsma.