County Intermediate Final Mungret St Pauls v Ballylanders - Report

A large crowd turned up in Hospital on Sunday to see the final of Limerick's county Intermediate Championship. Last year's defeated finalists Mungret St Paul's were attempting to go one better this time around but a young Ballylanders team were to prove to be formidable opposition. Spectators were treated to a fine game of football with plenty of skill and passion on display from both teams.

Ballylanders opted to play with a strong wind and were soon on the scoresheet with points from Cathy Mee and Jackie Lynch.. Mungret's first score was a goal from the boot of county team player Martina Giltenane. Mungret's Katie Campbell converted a close in free before Jackie Lynch, playing at full forward, won a ball 40 yards from goal and bore down on goal before rifling the ball to the back of the net. This left the score 1-4 to 1-1 after 15 minutes in favour of Ballylanders. Two more frees were converted by Katie Campbell and Triona Bannon added a fine point from play to evel the sides 1-4 each after 20 minutes. Martina Giltenane, playing at centre forward, won a great overhead catch and with her left leg dispatched the ball to the roof of the net from 20 yards out. This was a great boost to Mungret as they went in at half time 2-5 to 1-4 ahead after playing against a stiff breeze.

The half time team talk seemed to galvanise Ballylanders and they scored the opener with a point from Edwina O Donnell. Ballylanders continued to press and only some resolute defence from the Mungret full back line kept their net intact during the early period of the second half. Ballylanders did win some frees but failed to convert enough of them. Edwina O Donnell converted from play during this period. However, Mungret broke from defence to set up a goal chance for Lisa Garvey now playing at full forward who duly despatched the ball to the back of the net. Mungret added a close in free to leave the score at 3-6 to 1-6 after 45 minutes. Ballylanders were handed a lifeline when the won a penalty which Mairead Kelly slammed to the back of the net. Ballylanders were inspired by this score and some great defensive work by wing back Johanna Kelly was rewarded when Kathy Mee broke clear for a goal chance but blasted the ball over the bar, when a goal looked more likely. Substitute and county under 16 Fiona Mangan scored a fine point from play and Mungret gave notice that they had weathered the storm when mid fielder Rosie Giltenane scored a great goal to leave the score at 4-8 to 2-8 with 7 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Orlaith O Neill added a point from play before Jackie Lynch got what was to prove to be a consolation goal for Ballylanders. The final whistle was met with joyous scenes from the Mungret St Paul's players and supporters as Captain Martina Giltenane accepted the Estuary Fuels Cup on behalf of her team. Final score : Mungret St Paul's 4-9 to Ballylanders 3-8.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable intermediate final and Ballylanders will know that they gave it their all and they came close to winning it. The more balanced and experienced Mungret St Paul's side and their valuable experience from last year's intermediate final proved to be the difference on the day. Ballylanders young side have given notice that they will be a force to be reckoned with in next year's intermediate championship. Mungret now represent Limerick in the 2011 Munster Junior Club championship in 3 weeks time.

Teams:

Mungret St Pauls:
1. Rebecca Kiely 2. Hillary Long 3. Aishling Dee 4. Karen Gibbs 5. Dearbhla O Reilly 6. Susan Fitzgerald 7. Niamh Foley 8. Rosie Giltenane 9. Yvette Moynihan 10. Merita O brien 11. Martina Giltenane
12. Megan O Malley 13. Lisa Garvey 14. Katie Campbell 15. Leisha Horgan 16. Triona Bannon 17. Orlaith O Neill 18. Jenni O Malley 19. Sarah O Dea 20. Sinead Kelly 21. Fiona Mangan 22. Caoimhe O Neill 23. Aine Ahern 24. Meave Barry 25. Niamh Quiligan 26. Niamh O Connor 27. Emma Nolan 28. Marie Fitzgibbon 29. Lisa Cahill

Ballylanders:
1) Karen Bailey 2) Aoife Gallahue 3) Siobhain O'Donnell 4) Louise Casey 5) Emma J. Kelly 6) Aine McGrath 7) Johanna Kelly 8) Mairead Kelly 9) Mairead Ryan 10) Lorna McCarthy 11) Cathy Mee
12) Triona O'Donnell 13) Maria Murphy 14) Jackie Lynch 15) Sarah Frewen 16) Edwina O'Donnell17) Grace Kelly 18) Kate O'Donnell 19) Claire Kelly 20) Sinead Luddy 21) Niamh Kelly 22) Orla Moriarty 24) Meadhbh O'Neill 25) Tahlia Fitzgerald 26) Grainne Cronnin 27) Laura Kelly 28) Emma D. Kelly 29) Elaine O'Mahony 30) Sinead O'Riordan

Notes
The county under 13 and under 15 development squads have now commenced. A large turn out travelled to Rathkeale last Sunday where the parents and players were introduced to the program. Please note that players can still join at the next session which takes place in Ahane GAA Club on Sunday evening at 6pm. It is the responsibility of clubs to select the players that they want to send to these development squads. A €20 contribution towards the costs of the program is requested.

A large turn out is expected in Croagh GAA Pitch for the mouth watering clash of Gerald Griffins and St Ailbe's for the senior county final next Saturday at 5pm. This final will see several of the county players on view with the Tom Madigan Cup as the prize. The winners will represent Limerick in the Munster intermediate club championship. This will be preceded by the novice final at 3pm between Bruree and Rathkeale. The half time mini game will see the U 10s from Monagea, Drom-Broadford, Gerald Griffins and St Ailbe's take the field (catch and kick). €5 admission for adults €3 for students and OAP's.
Some fixtures remain outstanding in the U16 and minor championships. All clubs are asked to complete their remaining fixtures as quickly as possible. Tweet

Most Read Stories