Ladies SFC quarter final: O'Mahony's advance to last four

Lauren Woods keeps possession for Navan O'Mahony's during their SFC quarter final clash with Skryne at Paddy O'Brien Park

Navan O’Mahonys 4-8 Skryne 1-8

Navan O’Mahonys Ladies welcomed neighbours Skryne to Paddy O’Brien Park on Friday evening for their Meath Senior Football Championship quarter-final. A great crowd from both clubs gathered for the 7.30pm throw-in on a lovely evening, with conditions ideal for championship football.

Before the action got underway, a minute’s silence was observed in recognition of the late Mairead O’Brien.

The opening half was a cagey affair, with both sides creating chances but leaving opportunities behind them. Muireann Nelson opened the scoring for O’Mahonys before Orlaith Mallon doubled the advantage. Skryne responded well and drew level before Mallon converted a free to get O’Mahonys moving again.

One of the scores of the half came from Sarah Powderly, who drove forward from the full-back line on a great run before finishing with a fisted point. Nelson added a free soon afterwards, while Skryne registered the final score of the half to leave just one between the sides at the interval.

Half-Time Score: Navan O’Mahonys 0-5 Skryne 0-4

The second half initially remained just as tight. O’Mahonys had to work hard throughout the field, with Sophia Fitzherbert and Sarah Maguire part of a defence that was kept busy by the Skryne attack, while Hannah Heskin covered plenty of ground across the half-back line. Rebecca Reilly worked tirelessly around midfield, and Lauren Woods’ work rate from half-forward was increasingly important as O’Mahonys looked to put pressure on Skryne higher up the pitch.

Lilly Dwyer got forward to land a point from play, but Skryne responded before finding the net to move three clear. Isabel Thorpe reduced the deficit with a point as O’Mahonys stayed in touch.

The game then swung decisively in O’Mahonys’ favour. Orlaith Mallon struck the home side’s first goal with a superb finish into the corner to bring the sides level. After Skryne edged back in front, Isabel Thorpe produced another excellent finish, delicately chipping the goalkeeper and finding the side netting to put O’Mahonys ahead.

Ailbhe Leahy followed with an important point, before Lauren Woods’ tireless work was rewarded with two late goals. Her pressing and pressure caused problems for the Skryne defence throughout the closing stages, with one of the goals coming after she won possession directly from a Skryne kick-out before finishing the chance. 

Emma Sheridan was introduced for Muireann Nelson during the final ten minutes, while Amy Betson replaced Sarah Maguire in injury time. Skryne continued to push, but Robyn Murray produced a great save towards the end to help protect the lead and ensure O’Mahonys finished the game strongly.

The 4-8 to 1-8 victory sends Navan O’Mahonys through to the Meath Senior Championship semi-final, where they will face Dunshaughlin next week.

Navan O’Mahonys: Robyn Murray; Sophia Fitzherbert, Sarah Maguire, Sarah Powderly (0-1); Holly McKeigue, Hannah Heskin, Lilly Dwyer (0-1); Rebecca Reilly, Charlie Murray; Milly Clarke-Carolan, Muireann Nelson (0-2), Lauren Woods (2-0); Orlaith Mallon (1-2), Ailbhe Leahy (0-1), Isabel Thorpe (1-1).

Substitutions: Emma Sheridan for Muireann Nelson; Amy Betson for Sarah Maguire.