17 May 2010 Cork under 14 girls spot on Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! Cork under 14 girls spot on———- By Fr Liam Kelleher Cork under 14 lady footballers, left Cork at 12.30, on Friday last, they overnighted at the magnificent Bloomfield House hotel in Mullingar on the shores of lake Ennel, before travelling on to Kinnegad on Saturday morning to defend their All-Ireland under 14 blitz crown. They had little difficulty in their opening game, getting the better of Donegal 6-5 to 1-0 in the 20 minute game. Next up were Kildare and the rebelettes scored another easy 4-4 to 1-0 against the Lilywhites. Ulster’s representatives Tyrone were next put to the sword on a comprehensive 2-6 to 0-0 verdict. The final game in the group was against much tougher opposition, Dublin, Cork appeared to be cruising to victory, but 2 quickfire goals, put the Dubs right back in the hunt and Cork were relieved to get through on a 3-5 to 4-0 score line. Galway destroyed all on sundry in the other group, and went through like Cork conceding just 1-1. Cork were pitted against surprise packets Wexford, who shocked Kerry and Monaghan en route again Cork appeared to be cruising, taking a 10 point cushion into he 2nd half but a few lapses in concentration, left Wexford in for 2 late goals which was too little too late, but was the wake up the girls needed as they faced the Galway showdown, in the final. The tribes women after drawing 4 points apiece with Dublin got through on penalties. The final was expected to be a cracker and it was. Cork playing with a very strong wind dominated the opening period and led 2-5 to 0-1 at the short whistle, the half for the final having been extended to 15 minutes. Galway roared back in the 2nd period and the Cork goal was breached, when keeper Meabh O’Sullivan appeared to have made a tremendous save, but the umpire adjudged that the ball had crossed the line, game on. Cork roared back with a goal their only score of the half and Galway attacked Cork on every front, some tremendous defending, kept them at bay for a while and they contained the comeback conceding just a point, but the incessant attacking broke down the Cork defense to narrow the gap to a single goal with a few minutes left on the clock. Cork were desperate at this stage and only for a few brilliant, almost length of the field runs, by Eimear Scally who had come back from the attack, saved Cork. Amid tremendous excitement Galway got the equalizer they had threatened, but Cork had one more chance of getting the verdict, after another tremendous run form Scally, they were awarded a free, thirty meter’s out, but Julie Dennehy’s effort dropped short, the game finished tied and it was off to the penalty spot again. On the spot Galway scored a point from the lst one, off the cross bar and then followed more drama after Kate Fitpatrick, Chelsea Noonan and Eimear Scally had expertly tucked away theirs in the corner and Galway had added 2, Maebh O’Sullivan to her eternal credit, stopped the next one and it was over to the capt Laura Fitgzgerald to seal the deal, which she did magnificently, firing the ball to the corner of the net to the delight of her teammate’s, mentors and a huge following of parents and family. Victory had been fashioned in the most dramatic circumstances. On a day when Chelsea and Portsmouth’s highly paid professionals missed 2 penalties in the English cup final shooting at much a bigger target, it speaks volumes for the skill, maturity and coolness under pressure of the young Cork girls. It was cruel on Galway to be denied in such a fashion, but they will ge the opportunity to exact revenge when the 2 sides meet on Saturday week, in the regular All-Ireland under 14 semifinal, make your plans now for this could be the game of the year. A delighted Laura Fitzgerald received the coveted trophy from Pat Quill a Corkman himself although domiciled in Wexford, the President of the ladies Football Association. It was party time and celebration all the way and especially for one young lady from Boherbue, Evie Casey who celebrated her 12th birthday on the day and to make it a great family occasion her sister Beatrice was also part of the successful squad. Esentially it was a team effort and every girl played her part, in this latest National success for Cork. Cork panel drawn from 18 different clubs. Maebh O’Sullivan, Mourneabbey, Elaine Carey Watergrasshill, Marie Ambrose St Vals, Eimear Meaney Mourneabbey, Sarah Fahy, Glanmire, Una Blcakburn Glanworth, Ciara O’Rourke Rosscarbery, Hannah Looney Aghada, Aine Cronin Eire Og, Mairead Corkery St Vals, Laura Fitzgerald Mourneabbey capt, Ailbhe Dowling Clonakilty, Eimear Scally Eire Og Julie Dennehy Boherbue, Kate Fitzpatrick Nemo Rangers, Chelsea Noonan Douglas, Irene Herlihy mallow, Maeve Donovan Grenagh, Aoife madden Rosscarbery, Amy O’Connor Douglas, Saoirse Moore Fermoy, Shannon Burke Midleton, Orlaith McAuliffe Boherbue, Leah McEvoy Midleton, Ruth Murphy Eire Og, Eimear Cummins valley Rovers, Megan Cionnolly Nemo Rangers, Evie Casey Boherbue, Kate Langan St Michael’s, Beatrice casey Boherbue. Team Management Charlie McLaughlin, Jerry O’Sullivan, Teresa Looney, Celeste Corrigan, John Fitzgerald, Derek Carroll. Share this Article 0 0