U16 Championship Semi-Final; Dublin vs Tyrone

U16 Championship Semi-Final; Dublin vs Tyrone Sunday 8th August 2010

Dublin and Tyrone produced a tremendous match in the All Ireland Semi-Final in Ballymahon, Co. Longford on Sunday 8th August. Played in great conditions both teams displayed some excellent and at times, brilliant football but it was the Dublin team that prevailed on a score line of 3-11 to 2-10. 

Dublin had the aide of a slight breeze in the opening period and started well with an early point from Maria McGrath. Tyrone responded with a point and an excellent goal to lead by two points before Dublin hit back with a point from Emma McDonagh. Tyrone then upped the tempo and the Dublins backs were under considerable pressure to keep with them. Halfbacks Sarah McCaffrey, Aoife Nolan and Grainne Barrett and midfielders Emma McDonagh and Ciara Trant had to work extremely hard in this period to stop the strong running Tyrone half forwards. Tyrone scored a fine point before Dublins Lauren Ebbs hit a goal and Emma McDonagh a further point to edge Dublin in front.

 

Dublin brought on Sarah Hawkshaw in midfield and she immediately struck an excellent point to extend Dublins advantage. The Dublin midfield and half forward line were now starting to win more possession through Mollie Lamb, Maria McGrath and Siobhan Woods. Maria Kenny then scored a rocket of a goal before Tyrone hit back with a point of their own just before the break The game was extremely close at this stage and the score line at half time was 2-5 to 1-4 in Dublins favour.

 

Dublin started the second half extremely well and Oonagh Whyte fired in a well-taken goal and a point in quick succession. At this stage Dublin led by eight points but Tyrone rallied back brilliantly and scored four points without reply to reduce the deficit. At this stage the Dublin fullback line was under constant threat but Claire King, Deirdre Murphy and Leah Caffrey stood firm and didnt allow the Tyrone forwards any easy shots on goal. Another point from Sarah Hawkshaw eased Dublin nerves however Tyrones attacks finally paid off when they scored a goal and a point in quick succession.

 

At this stage the match was finely balanced with only a point separating the sides before Lauren Ebbs fired over two quick points to extend Dublins lead. Tyrone were then awarded a penalty and the Dublin goalkeeper, Norah Harney, pulled off a brilliant save to keep Tyrone at bay. Dublin brought on Shauna Garvin to assist the effort and the game was on a knife-edge with both sides playing some great attacking football. Dublin rallied again and a fine point from Maria McGrath extended Dublins lead to four points. Tyrone responded yet again before Dublin finally pulled away with a point from Maria McGrath.

 

Dublin and Tyrone played out a brilliant and nail biting encounter and it was the Dubs that just edged the contest on a score line of 3-10 to 2-11. Dublin, who produced a great team performance, now looks forward to an All Ireland Final against Kerry in a fortnights time.
Dublin Team

Norah Harney, Leah Caffrey, Deirdre Murphy, Claire King, Grainne Barrett, Sarah McCaffrey, Aoife Nolan, Ciara Trant, Emma McDonagh (0-2), Maria McGrath (0-3), Siobhan Woods, Mollie Lamb, Maria Kenny (1-0), Oonagh Whyte (1-2), Lauren Ebbs (1-2).
Substitutes

Sarah Hawkshaw (0-2) for Ciara Trant, Shauna Garvin for Maria Kenny

Roisin Meehan, Laura OCurry, Lorna Colgan, Sarah Burns, Aine Gilmore, Emily Carville, Therese OConnor, Stephanie Adams, Sophie Freeman.