LGFA Jun B semi final: O'Mahony's bow out

Navan O'Mahony's Neasa McDermott

Navan O’Mahonys 2-11 Gaeil Colmcille 3-11

Navan O’Mahonys’ Junior B Championship campaign came to an end on Sunday afternoon following a closely contested semi-final against Gaeil Colmcille in Grangegodden. In an entertaining encounter filled with some excellent scores, determined defending and plenty of end-to-end action, Gaeil Colmcille eventually edged out O’Mahonys on a scoreline of 3-11 to 2-11.

O’Mahonys made a bright start to the game, with Genevieve Dorrigan opening the scoring before Aisling McElwaine and Alison O’Toole added further points to establish an early lead. Gaeil Colmcille responded well, and the sides exchanged scores as both teams battled for control. Ruby McDonald was also on target for O’Mahonys, but a strong spell from Gaeil Colmcille saw them edge ahead midway through the opening half.

O’Mahonys responded in impressive fashion, with Dorrigan finding the net to regain the lead before Alison O’Toole followed with a goal of her own shortly afterwards. O’Toole continued to keep the scoreboard moving, while Tara Fay worked tirelessly around midfield, competing strongly for possession and helping drive O’Mahonys forward. Gaeil Colmcille struck for a goal late in the half, but O’Mahonys went into the break holding a four-point advantage.

Navan O’Mahonys 2-6
Gaeil Colmcille 1-5

Gaeil Colmcille made the perfect start to the second half, finding the net almost immediately after the restart to reduce the deficit to a single point. O’Mahonys responded through points from Alison O’Toole and Genevieve Dorrigan, but the contest remained finely balanced, with both sides producing some excellent attacking football while working hard to limit opportunities at the other end.

The O’Mahonys defence was called upon repeatedly as Gaeil Colmcille pushed forward, with Eva Roe, Deirdre Forde and Aileen Falahee putting in strong defensive performances, battling for possession and working tirelessly to contain the opposition attack. Further up the field, Julia Collins worked hard in the forward line, helping to create opportunities and maintain pressure on the Gaeil Colmcille defence. With neither side able to establish a comfortable advantage, the teams eventually found themselves level at 2-9 apiece, setting up a tense finish.

O’Mahonys regained the initiative through two important frees from Alison O’Toole, whose personal tally of 1-7 was a standout contribution on the day. Chloe Duffy and Lauren Cooney were introduced for Cara Ratty and Eimear Fay, while Sadhbh Byrne later replaced Neasa McDermott as O’Mahonys looked to maintain their advantage heading into the closing stages.

Gaeil Colmcille refused to give in, however, and a late point was followed by a crucial goal and another point to turn the game in their favour. Despite the tremendous effort from O’Mahonys throughout the field, Gaeil Colmcille held on to secure a hard-fought three-point victory and progress to the Junior B Championship final.

It was a disappointing end to the championship campaign for O’Mahonys, but the Junior B ladies can take plenty of positives from their performances throughout the competition. Having battled through a tough quarter-final against Blackhall Gaels and pushed Gaeil Colmcille all the way in the semi-final, the team showed great determination, commitment and fighting spirit right to the end. Congratulations to Gaeil Colmcille on their victory, and we wish them the very best of luck in the Junior B Championship final.

Navan O’Mahonys: Ella Taaffe; Aileen Falahee, Deirdre Forde, Eva Roe; Ashley Kosturik, Jorja Keogh, Aisling McElwaine; Tara Fay, Eimear Fay; Cara Ratty, Genevieve Dorrigan, Julia Collins; Ruby McDonald, Alison O’Toole, Neasa McDermott.

Subs: Chloe Duffy for Cara Ratty; Lauren Cooney for Eimear Fay; Sadhbh Byrne for Neasa McDermott.