Gallant Naomh Abán no match for Donoughmore

DONOUGHMORE 3-19 NAOMH ABÁN 0-5

Despite losing by 23 points, this crushing score
line doesn’t justify the character Naomh Abán
displayed last evening in the Evening Echo senior
championship. It was the fluid support play of
the senior All-Ireland champions that illuminated
Carrigadrohid; however it was the determination
of the West Cork girls that won the hearts of
the sizable crowd who never gave up.

Donoughmore immediately took the game to their
opponents and within 55 seconds Louise Murphy
shook the back of the net with a cracking goal,
followed directly by two points from Ashling O’Connor.
Naomh Abán struggled to win any kick outs and
the ability of captain Juliet Murphy to field
the ball was truely damaging for the intermediate
All-Ireland champions. Siobhán Ni Buachalla and
Fiona Ni Shuilleabháin worked tirelessly to prevent
further scorers. This eventually led to O’Sullivan
dragging Ger Casey down in the square to prevent
an easy goal and the Cork captain capitalised
sticking the ball in the top right corner for
Donoughmore’s second of the night. Often underestimated,
playmaker Louise Murphy was the thorn in the side,
continuously winning and supplying ball for her
colleagues to finish. The burden of Naomh Abans
scoring fell to Caoimhe Creedon and she produced
what she could with three points before the half.
Donoughmore hit a purple patch in the 20minute
and points from Juliet Murphy, Mary O’Connor and
Ashling Barrett saw them lead comfortably 2-8
0-3 at the half.

Although the Mid Cork side continued their dominance,
Ballyvourney toughened, only to miss a number
of good opportunities that if taken could have
swung the tide. Once again Donoughmore epitomised
economic use of the ball with superb link play
and accurate passing. A second penalty however
wasn’t capitalised on and a great save from keeper
Cait Ni Chonchuir some what spurred her colleagues
on. A further point from Creedon however wasn’t
enough to tame the Donoughmore forward line where
Ashling O’Connor sparkled notching a total of
1-4 in the second. Driving out of defence Emer
O’Connell received a perfect pass from Cait Ni
Loinsigh on the 51minute to point but it was to
be the fifth and the last score for the blue and
white jerseys.

To lose by so much must be heartbreaking but the
sustained effort should be a positive factor for
Naomh Abán to take from this game. They now play
All-Ireland junior champions Gabriel Rangers which
will be a mouth watering contest. Donoughmore
have directly qualified for the semis but their
opponents are not yet confirmed. St Vals were
likely to meet them, however a shock defeat to
Rockchapel last night as many wondering who will
finally progress.

Scorers for Donoughmore: A O’Connor 1-6, M
O’Connor 0-6 (0-2f), J Murphy 1-3 (1-0 pen, 0-1f),
L Murphy 1-1, A Barrett, L Barrett and H Kelleher
0-1 each.
Scorers for Naomh Abán: C Creedon 0-4 (0-1f),
E O’Connell 0-1.
DONOUGHMORE: T Rodgers, E Walsh, E O’Sullivan,
S O’Connell, V Sheehan, R Buckley, R Cogan, H
Kelleher, J Murphy, A Barrett, A O’Connor, G Casey,
M O’Connor, L Murphy, L Barrett.

Subs: Ra Buckley for M O’Connor (60)
NAOMH ABAN: C Ni Chonchuir, N Ni Scanaill,
F Ni Shuilleabháin, A Ni Tomas, S Ni Buachalla,
C Ni Chartaigh, L Ni Suibhne, I Ni Suibhne, M
Ni Chorcora, G Ni Luasa, E Ni Chonaill, C Ni Loinsigh,
C Ni Chriodáin, J Ni Charthaigh, C Ni Chartaig.

Subs: S Ni Shuilleabháin for L Ni Suibhne (40inj),
M Ni Riordáin for C Ní Chartaig (47), M Ni Chorcora
for C Ni Chartaigh (57inj).
Referee: D Daly

Mary White (PRO, Cork Ladies Football)