TG4 International Rules Series 1st Test

TG4 International Rules Series 1st Test   Ireland show their class   Ireland 6-26-16 (130) Australia 1-2-3 (15)

Ireland romped home to a comprehensive 115-point
victory with a stunning performance in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan
as they all but secured the first ever International Rules Series.

 

The visitors from down Under had no answer to the skill, speed
and over all fitness of the Irish girls. The Irish were superb while
the Aussie’s looked on in amazement at such a talented bunch
of footballers.

 

Ireland won every quarter with ease and despite taking the foot
off the peddle in the second half, Australia could only add a single
point to their half time total. The home side had 18 different player
on the score sheet as they showed wonderful accuracy in front of
goal.

 

Led by a wonderful captain in Sarah O’Connor who finished
with a personal tally of 13 point, Ireland led 34-12 after the opening
quarter. It was a period that seen Cora Staunton and Geraldine Doherty
riffle in a goal a piece. The home side had 21 points on the board
when Kathy Zacharopoulos opened the Aussie’s account with a
goal from the penalty spot.

 

The second quarter was much of the same as the Irish continued
to dominate. The Australian girls could not handle the quick moving
ball and support play of the Irish girls. Mary Sheridan made her
mark on the game with a goal and 3 overs in the second quarter.
Limerick’s Dympna O’Brien was also in fine form and finished
beautifully for Ireland fourth major to open a 77 – 14 interval
lead.

 

The second half was to see numerous players find the range with
some very well taken overs. Aoibheann Daly had the honour of taking
her side to the 100 mark and as we entered the final quarter the
score read 1-05 – 15. Brianne Leahy netting during the third
quarter.

 

As the crowd began to depart Ireland eased off even more and wrapped
up the 1st test victory with a sixth major from Mairead Morrissey
and a victory of 130 to 15.

 

Winning captain Sarah O’Connor was as expected overjoyed with
the performance “ the team was unreal, we played as well as
we trained. Jarlath and the gang prepared us for everything and
we had to show we had the best players out there. We had to go out
there and show we are the best in Ireland and do our country proud”

 

IRELAND: Cliodhna O’Connor, Rena Buckley, Angela Walsh 0-0-1
(1), Caoimhe Marley, Aoibheann Daly 0-1-0 (3), Norita Kelly, Patricia
Fogarty, Patricia Gleeson 0-1-3 (6), Mary O’Donnell, Sarah
O’Connor 0-3-4 (13), Bronagh Sheridan (0-1-1 (4), Brianne Leahy
1-1-0 (9), Geraldine Doherty 1-3-0 (15), Mairead Morrissey (1-1-0
(9), Cora Staunton (1-2-3 (15)

Interchange players: Sinead Aherne 0-1-1 (4), Michaela Downey 0-2-1
(7), Christina Heffernan, Anne Marie McDonough 0-0-1 (1), Lorraine
Muckian 0-2-0 (6), Alma O’Donnell 0-0-1 (1), Dympna O’Brien
1-2-0 (12) Bronagh O’Donnell 0-1-0 (3), Caroline O’Hanlon
0-1-0 (3), Mary Sheridan 1-4-0 (18)

 

AUSTRALIA: Joanne Butland, Jane Clifton, Kerryn Stephens, Lauren
Tesoriero, Shannon McFerran 0-0-1 (1), Sarah Hammond, Pia Kilburn,
Shelly Matcham 0-1-0 (3), Belinda Blay, Katherine Pender, Meg Hutchins,
Lydia Padgett, Talei Owen 0-0-1 (1), Julia Boyle, Angela Doyle

Interchange players: Kathy Zacharopoulos 1-0-1 (7), Anna Haynes,
Moana Hope, Emma Hender, Renae Campbell, Anna McIlroy, Janine Milne,
Daisy Pearce, Michelle Dench 0-1-0 (3), Penny Cula Reid

 

Referee’s Eugene O’Hare and Cony Vardouniotis