Tammy Hehir returns as Clare reach Division 3 Final

24/04/2006 Clare 5 – 14 Wicklow 1 – 4 

Clare Ladies are through to the Suzuki Ladies National Football
League Division 111 Final after another commanding display against
a fancied Wicklow team on Sunday last. Played in ideal conditions
and on an excellent pitch in Mountmellick, Co. Laois, the game
failed to live up to pre match expectations as the Banner ladies
were simply too good on the day for a disappointing Wicklow. This
is not to take from the excellent performance by the Clare team
nor does it take from their great achievement of qualifying for
a national final.

As in their previous two games Clare set out their stall early
on and attacked Wicklow from the outset. Hardworking midfielder
Louise Henchy had Clare’s opening score, a point after two minutes
and from here on the girls in saffron and blue went on to produce
a scintillating first half performance. Clare’s forwards were
on fire for this first period and all six contributed to the team’s
half-time tally of 5 – 7. That Wicklow scored but a single first
half point also speaks volumes of the Clare defence. All through
the game the Clare rearguard were in great form. Goalkeeper Emma
O’Driscoll made two superb first half saves, full back Eithne
Morrissey again led by example in making sure that she commanded
the square and wing backs Sinéad Kelly and Grace Lynch
gave their Wicklow opponents a torrid time. Up front the Clare
full forward line were unstoppable and contributed 4 – 2 of Clare’s
first half total with Myra Daly bagging 2 – 1 and Helen Quinn
and Áine Kelly scoring a goal apiece. Aine Kelly also added
appoint to the total which also saw half forwards Majella Griffin
(0 – 1), Marie Kelly (1 – 1) and Olivia Lucas (0 – 1) get on the
scoresheet.

With an interval lead of 5 – 7 to 0 – 1 it was understandable
that Clare took the pedal off the gas somewhat in the second half.
Manager Deirdre Murphy wisely took the opportunity to introduce
as many substitutes as possible in an effort to gain important
match experience. A significant second half introduction was that
of Cooraclare’s Tammy Hehir who saw action for the first time
this season with the Clare outfit. Tammy’s return to Clare county
football will hopefully provide a major boost to the squad for
the championship action that lies ahead.

Without overextending themselves Clare continued to dominate
the second period and outscored Wicklow in this half by 0 – 8
to 1 – 3. The Clare scores came from Majella Griffin & Áine
Kelly (0 – 2) each and a point apiece from Louise Henchy, Marie
Kelly and substitute Majella Lillis. Clare now have a two week
break before meeting Leitrim in the Division 111 final and training
will be intensified in anticipation of this challenge. On their
previous meeting in this year’s league Leitrim had a comfortable
3 – 11 to 0 – 10 victory over the Clare girls so nothing will
be lost on either Deirdre Murphy or the team in the amount of
improvement that needs to happen if this scoreline is to be reversed.
Leitrim are undefeated to date in the competition and will be
very much favourites to lift the Suzuki trophy on Sunday week.

Clare will have other thoughts though and will hopefully be energised
by the outsiders tag and by their recent good performances. Here’s
wishing them well in their final against Leitrim.

Clare Team: Emma O’Driscoll, Carmel Considine, Eithne Morrissey,
Cliona talty, Grace Lynch, Lorraine Kelly, Sinéad Kelly,
Louise Henchy, Niamh Keane, marie Kelly, Majella Griffin, Olivia
Lucas, Helen Quinn, Myra Daly, Áine Kelly. Subs Introduced:Majella
Lillis, Tammy Hehir, Patricia Keane, Susan McNamara, Sinéad
Eustace. Scorers: Myra Daly 2 – 1, Áine Kelly 1 – 3, Marie
Kelly 1 – 3, Majella Griffin 0 – 3, Helen Quinn 1 – 0, Louise
Henchy 0 – 2, Olivia Lucas & Majella Lillis ) 0 – 1 each.

Referee: Declan Corcoran (Mayo).