Dublin young Stars rule the roost

Dublin Young Stars Rule the Roost

Dublin 5-08 Donegal 4-07

As the coach rolled off from The Spa Hotel in Lucan with blue flags
flying last Saturday morning the Dublin U14 team were setting out
on their final journey in the quest to retain the All-Ireland U14
Ladies Football Championship title and bring the silver wear back
to the capital. Martina Farrell last years senior captain had some
encouraging words for the girls prior to their departure. They were
taking on Donegal in Sean McDermott Park, Carrick-on-Shannon (Leitrim).
The girls were really excited and couldn’t wait to get out on the
pitch. Suzanne Hughes and Patricia Gordon, captain and vice captain
of the Dublin Junior Team paid a visit to the dressing room prior
to the match to remind the girls of some of their great performances
throughout the season. What a finale it was to this competition
as both teams produced top class football.

Dublin had a half time score-line of 2-05 to Donegal’s 1-02. Half
way through the second half Donegal scored 3 goals in succession
to level the game. 5 minutes to go Dublin scored a point to put
them ahead, and a well-taken goal by Dublin ensured a 4-point victory
for them. The girls from Donegal opened the scoring with a well-taken
goal by Larissia Muldoon before Dublin settled and got their first
point by Kirsty Troy. Dublin dominated with scores from Aisling
Johnston, Olivia Leonard and Sinead Cullen, resulting in a half
time score-line of Dublin 2-05 Donegal 1-02. After the resumption
Dublin continued to tap on the scores from Aisling Johnston, Olivia
Leonard and Sinead Cullen. However Donegal made a dramatic come
back scoring a hat trick of goals. Dublin were determined to retain
their championship title and remained focused. A good ball in by
Samantha Stokes was collected by Olivia Leonard and slotted over
the bar. This ignited Dublin and they followed it up with a great
goal scored by Sinead Cullen ensuring the return of the cup to the
capital.

This was a great game played in a very sporting manner and both
teams deserve great credit for their performance. Dublin’s Aisling
Johnston was awarded Player of the match. There was great excitement
and jubilation as captain Amy Connolly gracefully accepted the cup
on behalf of the Dublin team. Congratulations to all concerned.

Dublin Line Out – Marie Moynihan (Lucan Sarsfields), Jill
Kinevane (Ballyboden St Endas), Kelly Morgan (Clann Mhuire), Kirstie
Mc Ardle (Foxrock-Cabinteely), Deirdre Duke (Kilmacud Crokes), Ciara
O Riordan (Foxrock-Cabinteely), Lisa Murphy (Croi Ro Naofa), Amy
Connolly (Foxrock-Cabinteely) (Captain), Philippa Greene (Kilmacud
Crokes), Sinead Loughran (Foxrock-Cabinteely), Orlagh Egan (Na Fianna),
Kirsty Troy (St Pereguines), Aisling Johnston (Croi Ro Naofa), Sinead
Cullen (Skerries Harps), Olivia Leonard (St Maurs).
Subs – Samantha Stokes (Castleknock) for Sinead Loughran
(Foxrock-Cabinteely), Enya Farrell (St. Bridgids) for Olivia Leonard
(St. Maurs). Panel -Rachel Staunton (Naomh Olaf), Nicole Owens (St
Sylvesters), Aoife Burke (Naomh Jude), Aoife O Leary (Ballyboden
St Endas), Caoimhe Rathbone (Naomh Jude), Kadee Morgan (Fingallians),
Sarah Murphy (Clontarf), Ciara Ryan (Scoil Ui Chonaill), Katie McCormack
(Lucan Sarsfields), Rachel Nugent (Ballyboden St Endas), Rebecca
Davey (Skerries Harps), Aideen Maguire (Foxrock-Cabinteely), Eadaoin
Walsh (Ballyboden St Endas).
Management Team – Pat Ring (Foxrock-Cabinteely), Dermot Connolly
(Foxrock-Cabinteely), Siobhan Walsh (Naomh Mearnog), Orla Colreavy
(Naomh Mearnog).

Pathway to All-Ireland Final
19-02-2005 Dublin (5-10) Meath (0-1) Round Robin (Portmarnock)
26-02-2005 Dublin (4-17) Laois (1-5) Round Robin (Laois)
05-03-2005 Dublin (8-18) Westmeath (0-2) Round Robin (Round Towers
Clondalkin)
12-03-2005 Dublin (9-17) Wexford (1-1) Round Robin (Wexford)
19-03-2005 Dublin (5-12) Kildare (0-6) Round Robin (Kildare)
30-04-2005 Dublin (5-11) Louth (6-06) Leinster Semi final (Clann
Mhuire)
14-05-2005 Dublin (4-14) Meath (3-02) Leinster Final (Ratoath)
05-06-2005 Dublin (2-15) Galway (3-10) All Ireland Semi Final (St.
Lomans Mullingar)