Monaleen Juvenile GAA Club

Group leaders Ballyagran travelled to Monaleen for our third championship match. Both teams were unbeaten before this encounter but Ballagran started very strongly scoring 2 goals and a point within the first 10 minutes. With a few regulars missing it took Monaleen 10 minutes to get into the game. Some good saves from Eileen Russell including one pushed around the post for a ‘35’ kept Monaleen in touch. Nora Farrell also cleared a lot of ball from left corner back. Caroline Crotty and Grainne Fullen played well in midfield as Monaleen made plenty of chances of their own. Forwards Maebh Ni Ghuairim and Aoife Hogan came close to scoring. However a third goal before half time put Ballyagran into a commanding position.

Although playing against the strong wind in the second half Monaleen began with greater purpose. Aine Hegarty was a constant threat running at the opposition defence and taking some fantastic frees from deep in the Monaleen half. Substitute corner back Leah Quinlan made sure any attacks from the opposition were quickly stifled. Blathin O Shea, Niamh Doyle and Shannon Power worked hard blocking and hooking their opponents to great effect. When the Monaleen goal did come it was Lesly Ann Ivors, playing excellently at centre forward, who whipped the ball into the full forward line. Some good work from Ellen Finucane and Ellen Ryan set up Aoife Hogan for a fantastic finish. It was Aoife’s first goal for Monaleen and well deserved.
As the referee blew the whistle it was Monaleen who were on the attack and on top. A good reason for all the Monaleen panel to be positive and look forward to the next game.

It was a sporting contest and everyone wished Ballyagran well as they will undoubtedly be very difficult for any team to beat this year.

Well done to everyone.

Score Monaleen 1-0 Ballyagran 4-2

Panel: Eileen Russell; Laura Enright; Niamh Condon; Niamh Doyle; Aoife Hogan; Aine Hegarty; Grainne Fullen; Caroline Crotty; Meabh Ni Ghuairim: Nora Farrell: Shannon Power; Ellen Ryan; Ellen Finucane; Blathin O Shea; Leah Quinlan; Lesley Ann Ivors.