Munster U-16 B Final Preview

A great deal was expected of this Clare U-16 squad and in fairness they have not disappointed.  A good win over Waterford in the first round of the Munster A Championship was achieved and this was followed by a sterling performance against holders Cork as the Clare girls pushed their vaunted rivals to their very limits.

Thus Clare enter this B Championship Final in a positive frame of mind not only hoping to overcome Tipperary but to progress nationally and secure the All Ireland B Championship title.  Backboned by several members of the Ennis Banner club’s All Ireland Féile winning teams this Clare side will not lack big match experience and one has high hopes for big performances from such players as Niamh Martin, Niamh O’Dea, Niamh Cavanagh, Louise Woods and Naomi Carroll to name but a few.  Similarly great things are expected from Kilmihil ace Emer Considine.  Emer had a star game against Cork when introduced as a first half substitute and she cracked home 2-3 against the rebels.  Emer is a prolific scorer both with her county and with her club Kilmihil for whom she plays U-16, Minor and Intermediate football.

Sally Glynn of Cooraclare is another young footballing star in the making and Sally should relish the challenge of playing midfield alongside the Banner’s Shonagh Enright.  Sally is very much part of Cooraclare’s senior team’s plans as they go in search of back to back Clare senior championships and she has already started in their win over the Banner this season. Her Cooraclare team mate Rachel Garry is also bang in form an scored two points against the Banner when introduced as a second half substitute in that match – Rachel could have a big game at corner forward.  Bang in form also is Coolmeen’s Sinéád Moloney who scored a terrific goal against Cork and also playing well is former Banner Féile captain and now Coolmeen player, Eimear O’Connor.

Catherine Danagher of Wolfe Tones did very well against Cork at centre back and another assured performance can be expected from Catherine against Tipperary.  Similarly full back Laurie Ryan and goalkeeper Rebecca Smyth had mighty games against Cork and Waterford and either player won’t be found wanting on Wednesday evening.Ciara Harvey reverts back to her favoured position of left wing back and she should do well here.

So a big night is awaited on Wednesday and I expect that Tipperary will give it everything but won’t spoil the Clare party.  Clare U-16’s to win by seven.

Dr. Paul McKenna,

PRO

Munster U-16B Final:

Clare:

(1) Rebecca Smyth (Cooraclare)

(2) Laurie Ryan (Banner)

(3) Niamh Martin (Capt) (Banner)

(4) Niamh Cavanagh (Banner)

(5) Louise Woods (Banner)

(6) Catherine Danaher (Wolfetones)

(7) Ciara Harvey (West Clare Gaels)

(8) Sally Glynn (Cooraclare)

(9) Shonagh Enright (Banner)

(10) Eimear O’Connor (Coolmeen)

(11) Sinead Maloney (Coolmeen)

(12) Niamh O’Dea (Banner)

(13) Rachel Garry (Cooraclare)

(14) Eimear Considine (Kilmihil)

(15) Niomi Carroll (Banner)

Subs:

(16) Siobhan Talty (Miltown)

(17) Roisin McMahon (Newmarket)

(18) Rebecca O’Regan (Liscannor)

(19) Laura Meaney (Fergus Rovers)

(20) Sinead Griffin (Miltown)

(21) Clionadh Falvey (Liscannor)

(22) Niamh O’Connell (Coolmeen)

(23) Carol O’Leary (Newmarket)

(24) Caoimhe O’Dea (Banner)

(25) Aoife Murphy (Doora-Barefield)

(26) Lisa Loughnane (Clooney-Quin)

(27) Rachel Ryan (Shannon Gaels)

(28) Aoife Davoren (Banner)

(29) Ailish Considine (Kilmihil)

(30) Megan Haugh (Banner)

(31) Clodagh McNeilis (Fergus Rovers)

Team Management:  James Lafferty, JJ O’Dea, Davie Browne, Diane Kelly, Michael Murphy, John Geraghty