LIMERICK completed their final Round of the TESCO Homegrown National League with a hard fought win in Banagher over the weekend. Qualification for the semi-final was guaranteed before this game, but this team wanted to keep up their impressive run. Limerick started very well with excellent points from frees by Megan Kelleher. While Offaly got a point in between, further points from Dymphna O’Brien and Stephanie Carroll had limerick in a commanding lead. With 12 minutes to go before the break the Offaly girls showed why they are in contention for the semi-final with two unanswered points and a goal from a penalty to make it 7 points to 1goal and 3 points in favour of Limerick at half time.
On the changeover it was Offaly who started brightly and were level by the 35th minute. While the Limerick girls were finding it hard to get back into the game it was Offaly who nudged in front When they scored a goal from a breakaway out of their defence, points were exchange after that. It was then the character of these Limerick girls shone when Niamh Richardson soloed through the Offaly defence to score a great point. The game was now in the balance and further Niamh Richardson points from frees had the teams level. The final 10 minutes brought a much needed goal for Limerick after a Dymphna O’Brien attempt was blocked, the alert Marie Curtin was on hand to tap in the goal. With renewed energy and great defending by Sarah O’Sullivan, Limerick held on for a great win.
Martina Giltenane made some great saves in goal and the hard working full back line of Kristine Reidy, Loretta Hanley and Janet Garvey kept the scores down. Along with Sarah O’Sullivan the wing backs Olivia Giltenane and Yvette Moynihan proved to be difficult opponents for the Offaly forwards. Around midfield at different stages, Niamh Richardson, Aoife Meaney, Bridgid Cahill and Megan Kelleher worked very hard. Stephanie Carroll was very busy on the wing and scored 2 fantastic points. Inside was Claire Coughlan and Siobhan Moloney who worked tirelessly along with Dymphna O’Brien and never allowed the Offaly backs to rest. Introduced during the game was Megan O’Shea, Marie Curtin, Caroline Hickey and Shauna Ryan. The squad also had Cloda Kirby, Mai Kennelly, Lisa Harnett, Katie Fitzgerald, Alva Neary and Chloe o Connell ready to come on and play their part. Now it’s onto the National league semi-final scheduled for 19 April. Limerick’s opponents are unknown at the moment, but back to the training ground for the squad and sure that competition for places will intensify.
Final Score: Limerick 1-13 Offaly 2-6
Limerick Panel in Full: Janet O’Carroll (Mungret/St Paul’s), Katie Fitzgerald (Gerald Griffins), Cloda Kirby (Knockainey), Janet Garvey (Fr Caseys) Capt, Kristine Reidy (Feo/Castlemahon), Sarah O’Sullivan (St Brigids), Lisa Hartnett (Fr Casey’s), Caroline Hickey (St Ailbes), Bridgid Cahill (Monagea), Orlaith O’Donoghue (St Brigids), Siobhan Moloney (Oola), Mai Kennelly (Old Mill), Dymphna O’Brien (Gerald Griffins), Sandra O’Connor (Feo/Castlemahon), Claire Coughlan (Mungret/St Paul’s), Martina Giltenane (Mungret/St Paul’s), Yvette Moynihan (Mungret/St Paul’s), Marie Curtin (Mungret/St Paul’s), Olivia Giltenane (Mungret/St Paul’s), Alva Neary (Old Mill), Loretta Hanley (Feo/Castlemahon), Stephanie Carroll (St Ailbes), Megan O’Shea (St Brigids), Shauna Ryan (Murroe/Boher), Aoife Meaney (Murroe/Boher), Aisling Regan (Murroe/Boher) and Grainne Regan (Murroe/Boher). Manager: Eddie Murphy. Coaches: Conor Buckley, JP Aherne, Donal Ryan. Team Liaison Officer: Mary Manning. Team Medic: John Holland.
