Clare Inflict 3rd Defeat on Kildare

 

Clare were out of the traps at blistering pace and were soon on the front foot with 3 quick fire pointed frees from Grainne Nolan, They added another point from Ellie O Connor after she won McGuirks Kickout uncontested and thankfully for Kildare she got a bit to much height on the ball as she tried to lob Mcguirk with the ball just making it over the crossbar. Kildare were finding the going tough but were soon on the scoreboard with a long range point from Mary Hulgraine after great work by Moolick and Byrne. Clare added 2 more points from Bohannon and Henchy before Noelle Early registered Kildare’s 2nd point, receiving the pass from Stacey Cannon after a great burst of speed from Midfield.

Kildare were probing for scores but a well tuned Clare defence were making it difficult forcing the kildare girls to shoot from distance. Clares 1st goal came after breaking down a kildare move forward  and counter attacked at speed where Kildare were caught at the back allowing Grainne Nolan slip the ball passed McGuirk for it to sneak just inside the far post.This was followed with another point from Bohannon leaving the home side in a commanding position midway through the 1st half. Leading 1.07 to 0.02

Kildare gathered themselfs and rattled off 3 points in succession the 1st from Maria Moolick and 2 pointed frees from Hulgraine. Clares Grainne Nolan who was a constant threat to Kildare throughout the half slotted over her 4th point  bringing her tally to 1.04 and Clares Lead to 6 points as the half was drawing to a close. Kildare were thrown a lifeline after been awarded a penalty. Maria moolicks shot was half blocked and Grainne Lyons gathered the breaking ball was then hauled to the ground before she could get her shot away. Triona Duggan stepped up and cooly sent Harvey in the Clare goals the wrong way striking her shot low to the right leaving the Half time score Clare 1.08 Kildare 1.05

 

Kildare finished the 1st half on a high and were determined to get themselfs back on par with Clare, Paula Keatley and Rachel Cribben were introduced on the restart to try and tighten things up in defence with Rachel Corrigan and Jane O Donoghue making way. Clare certainly brought their A game into the 2nd period and were soon on the scoreboard with 2 points from Ailish Considine. Paula Keatley was not on the pitch 5 minutes when she had to be replaced by Orlaith Moran due to a heavy knock she received.Clare were keeping the scoreboard ticking over with points from Henchy and 2 more pointed frees  from Considine, Clare gradually pulling away from the visitors. Kildare were not managing to cope with the speed and movement from the Home side as they pushed further ahead with points from Nolan and Considine. Clare driving their 2nd half dominance home with their  2nd goal coming from substitute Roisin Looney, virtually with her first touch of the ball she had rounded McGuirk to see her shot nestle in the back of the net. Kildare were tired but never gave up the fight as Roisin Byrne finished off the game’s scoring with a point after trojan work from Noelle Early never giving up the chase for possession.

Full time score from Corofin Clare 2.15 Kildare 1.06

 

Kildare will take a break now and will be back in action again on Feb 27th for round 4 with  a home tie v near neighbors Laois.

 

Kildare team were

Rebecca McGuirk, Rachel Corrigan Cpt, jane o Donoghue, Mikaela Nolan, Aisling Curley, Aisling Savage, Rachel Reidy, Roisin Byrne 0.01, Stacey Cannon, Grainne Lyons, Triona Duggan 1.00 peno, Erica Burke, Mary Hulgraine 0.03, Maria Moolick 0.01, Noelle Early 0.01

Subs  Paula Keatley for Rachel Corrigan, Rachel Cribben for Jane o Donoghue, Orla Moran for Paula Keatley, Ellen Dowling for Mary Hulgraine, Grace Clifford for Aisling Curley