Garrycastle girls find a bit extra to edge out St Mary's

Garrycastle 2-9 St Mary’s Rochfortbridge 3-5

By Eamon A Donoghue

Erin McHugh kicked the winner for Garrycastle in extra time against St Mary’s Rochfortbridge in the Westmeath LGFA Division 2 Minor Championship final at Hogan Park, Moate last Sunday.

In a thrilling game that ebbed and flowed, back and forth, both sides looked to have the game won at various stages. But at the very end, Erin McHugh kicked the winning point to seal the title.

This game was something of a slow burner and, after 12 minutes, the scoreboard was still blank. Then Orla Collins of St Mary’s rattled the Garrycastle net. The goal gave off warning signs of where the Rochfortbridge side were at their best; they depended on running the ball in support.

Garrycastle typically showed resolve and a brace of frees from Aislinn Kelly and a point from McHugh had the game level by the 26th minute.

Just before the break, Elizabeth Carey scored St Mary’s second goal and immediately afterwards Lucy Brogan added a point. Again Garrycastle responded somewhat, with Kelly scoring from a free, and at half-time, it was St Mary’s 2-1 Garrycastle 0-4.

After the turnaround, Garrycastle were inspired by Amelie Henson, who had then moved to midfield. With Kacey Mulvihill and McHugh also to the fore, the Athlone team tore into the game.

First, McHugh scored and then after excellent work by Henson, substitute Ella Sweeney scored a crucial goal. Moments later, Kelly kicked another free and Garrycastle led 1-6 to 2-1.

Then St Mary’s did what they are best at, they ran the ball with players in support. Orla Collins was involved in the move which led to substitute Kiera Kelly scoring their third goal.

The game went to a period with no scores and both sides emptying their benches. With St Mary’s leading 3-2 to 1-6 in the 53rd minute, it had looked like a win for the Rochfortbridge girls. Garrycastle had struggled physically all game and time was running out on them.

Then Henson, a player with the potential for an enormous future in the game, took on the St Mary’s defence and was fouled for a penalty. McHugh scored the penalty to put Garrycastle in the ascendancy with the clock gone red. But the outstanding Carey scored the equaliser in added time and so extra time was needed to decide the outcome.

St Mary’s lost their influential Orla Collins to a red card just before the full time whistle. Although St Mary’s could play 15 players in extra time, they struggled without Collins.

The Rochfortbridge outfit was ahead by the bare minimum at half-time in extra time, Abbie Nugent and substitute Amelie Kelly their scorers, while McHugh was on target for Garrycastle.

There were just two more scores in the second half of extra time, one a free from Garrycastle's Aislinn Kelly. The two sides played out a tense, exciting 10 minutes, but it was the excellent McHugh that kicked the winning score and it was enough to secure the title for her side.

This was a humdinger of a game that was close throughout. St Mary’s have to be credited for their powerful running game that had looked to be decisive numerous times during the game. The Rochfortbridge side looked the better team for long stages, but that’s where Garrycastle have to be credited. They had outstanding individuals who played exceptionally well for their team and everyone worked their socks off for the jersey. And that was what won them the championship.

Player of the match: Erin McHugh (Garrycastle). Amelie Henson was the heartbeat of the team, but McHugh scored 1-4, covered so much ground and she also kicked the winning score. Kacey Mulvihill, team captain Jessica Frawley, Lilly McHugh and Aislinn Kelly all contributed hugely. Orla Collins, Elizabeth Carey and Eva McQuaid were best for St Mary’s.

Scorers - Garrycastle: E McHugh 1-4 (1-0pen); A Kelly 0-5 (5f); E Sweeney 1-0. St Mary’s: E Carey 1-1; O Collins and K Kelly 1-0 each; A Nugent 0-2; L Brogan and A Kelly 0-1 each.

Garrycastle: Ellen Parker, Amy Carter, Cadhla Kelly, Kaleigh Clyne, Rebecca Sleator, Jessica Frawley, Libby McHugh, Jane Byrne, Aislinn Kelly, Eve Murphy, Amelie Henson, Kacey Mulvihill, Roisin Ní Chluaid, Erin McHugh, Sallyann Joyce. Subs: Ella Sweeney for Ni Chluaid (h-t), Aoife Murray for Clyne (47 mins), Jola Kearney for Joyce (53).

St Mary’s Rochfortbridge: Molly Syron, Ama Maloney, Alice Moore, Kelsey McGreal, Grace Clarke, Lucy Brogan, Aoibhinn Berry, Eva McQuaid, Orla Collins, Keeley Gavin, Elizabeth Carey, Laoise Byrne, Mia Kelly, Sophie Collins, Abbie Nugent. Subs: Kiera Kelly for M Kelly (30 mins)), Caoimhe Darcy for Clarke (43), Louise Carey for Brogan (injured, 54), Grace Clarke for Nugent (57).

Referee: Kieran Daly (Kilbeggan Shamrocks).

*See more photos in this week's paper.