2007 Clare Minor A Final Venue: Coolmeen Date: Friday, November 23rd Referee: Michael Talty Miltown 2 - 11 The Banner 1 - 0 The scoreline says it all - Miltown completed their three in a row of Clare minor A titles with a comprehensive and deserved victory over an out of sorts Banner side on Friday night in Coolmeen. In the first ever ladies football final in Clare to be played under lights the West Clare side were in an uncompromising mood and in devastating form as they taught their town rivals a harsh lesson in footballing skill. Apart from a brief spell early on the Banner were completely outplayed in this game and the wonder was that it took so long for Miltown to put their opponents to the sword. After a brisk opening when the town team looked most threatening, the Banner actually opened the scoring with a well worked goal from corner forward Naomi Carroll. This was as good as it got however for the Ennis team as Miltown completely dominated proceedings from here on in. Sandra Malone and Fiona Lafferty then came into their own commanding and orchestrating affairs from the middle of the park. Miltown launched wave after wave of attacks on the Ennis side's goals and would have been out of sight but for some wayward shooting and the absolute brilliance of the Banner's goalkeeper Marie Mc Mahon. Eventually the Miltown pressure began to tell and they whittled down the Banner lead with five unanswered points before the break with Lafferty, Sinéad Sexton, Niamh Coyne and Malone getting on the scoreboard. On the rare occasion the ball passed midfield the Miltown defence stood firm with Katie Curtin giving Banner ace Niamh O'Dea a torrid time and Lorraine Griffin clearing all before her. The amazing feature of the 0-5 to 1-0 halftime score was that the Banner were still in touch and this must have worried the Miltown team management. The Banner started brightly in the second half but try as they may they could not find a way through the resolute Miltown defence. Thereafter the town team wilted as the champions gained in confidence. Miltown went on to score an unanswered 2-6 in the half and the game was well and truly over as a contest long before referee Michael Talty blew the final whistle. Credit the Miltown club for their achievement of three Minor A titles in a row and credit also to their management for having such a well prepared and well drilled team. Each Miltown player was a heroine on the night and none more so than their excellent captain Fiona Lafferty. Others to shine were Sandra Malone, Lorraine Griffin, Katie Curtin, Niamh Coyne, Tara Glynn and Sinéad Sexton. Best for the losers were Marie McMahon, Naomi Carroll, Louise Woods and Marion Conway. Following the game Clare Ladies Chairman Johnny Hayes presented the trophy to winning captain Fiona Lafferty. Miltown team sponsor and former ladies board chairman James Lafferty was also a prominent spectator at the cup presentation and the on field celebrations afterwards. Credit to the Coolmeen GAA Club for having their grounds in perfect order on the night. It is a great achievement for such a small rural club to have such wonderful facilities at their disposal and for making them available not just to the ladies football board but also to many Clare county teams for winter training. Dr. Paul McKenna, Clare PRO www.bannerladiesfootball.com Tweet

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