WATCH: Four goal hero Henson fires Tubberclare to victory

Cumann na mBunscol Girls Football Division 3

Tubberclare NS 6-12 St Michael's NS 5-03

Amelie Henson fired Tubberclare to a deserved victory over St Michael's NS, Castlepollard in a highly entertaining Girls Football Division 3 final in Cusack Park this evening.

Joint captain Henson finished the game with 4-2 and the player of the match award for her performance in her team's victory over a St Michael's team that was in contention right until late in the game. In fact, if it hadn't been for some superb saves from Tubberclare's keeper Maria Cronolly and indeed her St Michael's counterpart Mia McCarthy, the final scoreline would have been a lot different.

The game got off to a flying start with both teams opening their accounts in the first 40 seconds.

St Michael's captain Caoimhe Ginnell got things going with a point straight from the throw-in before Tubberclare's Isobel Staunton levelled things up seconds later.

Tubberclare enjoyed the better of the first half and thanks to their superior shooting went in at half time with a seven-point lead. Half time score: Tubberclare 3-5 St Michael's 2-1.

The girls from Castlepollard opened the scoring in the second with a point from the hardworking Jennifer O'Neill, who finished the match with 3-1. St Michael's were on top for much of the third quarter but failed to convert the chances they created.

The more clinical Tubberclare side secured victory with a seven-minute purple patch midway through the half when they scored 3-3.

However, to their credit the St Michael's players never let their heads drop and were rewarded for their efforts with two quick goals from O'Neill and captain Caoimhe Ginnell to leave eight points between the sides with less than five minutes of regulation time remaining.

However, four late points from Tubberclare [Hannah Ganly (2), Isobel Staunton and Christina Whittaker, one each] put the result beyond doubt and ensured that the Division 3 trophy was heading south this year.

St Michael's NS, Castlepollard

1. Mia McCarthy 2. Susan Daly 3. Aimee O'Neill 4. Caoimhe Clery 5. Amy Higgins 6.Caoimhe Ginnell (2-2) 7. Ciara Fay 9. Jennifer O'Neill (3-1) 10. Emma O'Reilly 13. Leah Kelleghan, 15. Sophie-Alice Dowdall 12. Roisin McCabe.

Tubberclare NS

1. Maria Cronolly 2. Chloe O'Connor 3. Christina Whittaker (0-1) 4. Laura Kennedy 5. Amelie Henson (4-2) 6. Isobel Staunton (0-3) 7. Hannah Ganly (0-4) 8. Chloe Madden (2-1) 9. Sophie O'Hara (0-1) 10. Kirstin So 11. Eimer Boyce 12. Fionnuala Dolan 13. Mae Byrne 14. Anna O'Shea 15. Aoife Kane 16. Lucy Owens 17. April McDermott 18. Aoibhinn O'Connor 19. Hannah Martin 20. Hannah Keegan 21. Annie Belle Marriott 22. Mollie McCormack 23 Kate Meaney.

Ref: Aisling Carey.

Player of the Match: Amelie Henson