Elliffe grabs two goals as St Joseph’s power past Caulry

Eoin Clarke & Co. Solicitors Westmeath LGFA Intermediate Championship semi-final

St Joseph’s 3-12 Caulry 1-3

In truly dreadful weather conditions in Rosemount last Saturday week, St Joseph’s proved far too strong for Caulry and duly booked their place in the Westmeath LGFA Intermediate Championship final.

Despite playing against the wind in the first half of this semi-final, St Joseph’s led at half-time by 1-4 to 1-3. In truth, this scoreline flattered Caulry as their goal was a highly fortuitous score.

In the second half, a disappointing Caulry outfit failed to score at all as an impressive St Joseph’s side went on to secure victory by a comprehensive margin.

Overall, St Joseph’s were the hungrier and more cohesive side, but such were the wet and windy conditions on the day that both sets of players deserve considerable credit for producing any sort of spectacle.

Junior champions last year, St Joseph’s now have the chance to build on that success at intermediate level and they will face Coralstown/Kinnegad in the final at TEG Cusack Park next Sunday (1pm).

The Kinnegad outfit overcame Loughnavalley in the other semi-final (6-10 to 3-8, after extra-time), played in Garrycastle at the same time.

St Joseph’s applied most of the early pressure but it took a while for the opening score to arrive - a pointed free from Sinead Robbins. Following a good move, Caoilinn Elliffe pointed off her left foot (15th minute) to extend the lead.

Caulry centre-forward Aine Gaynor was trying to make things happen by sending some long deliveries towards the St Joseph’s goalmouth but with a lack of players inside, it was bearing little fruit.

In the 16th minute, however, the Mount Temple ladies struck it lucky. Jasmine Maloney sent the ball goalwards with what seemed an overhit pass, but the flight of the ball deceived St Joseph’s goalkeeper Áine Maxwell and it ended up in the net.

The concession of this very soft goal could have derailed the momentum St Joseph’s had generated but they responded well. A terrific individual point from impressive midfielder Aoife Keegan levelled matters and then Robbins (a free) put Joseph’s back in front.

Better was to come on 24 minutes when Laura Conlon’s pass inside created a chance for Elliffe. Caulry goalie Jade Harney got a touch to Elliffe’s shot but couldn’t keep the ball out.

Towards the end of the half, Caulry showed signs of their true potential and put together some good moves, yielding points for the lively Leah Hallissy, Maloney and Gaynor (a free which was deflected over the bar).

Caulry emerged for the second half in new jerseys of navy with red trim and it was a good idea given the conditions. However, the change of jerseys did not bring any good luck as Caulry were unable to add to their scoring tally.

Four points within nine minutes of the resumption embellished the Horseleap/Streamstown side’s position. Aoife Keegan, influential substitute Karen Keegan and Robbins (two, one free) were the scorers.

Any doubt about the outcome seemed extinguished when Karen Keegan rifled the ball to the net, after St Joseph’s won the ball from a Caulry kickout (45th minute).

As the one way traffic continued, points followed from Aoife Keegan and Conlon.

St Joseph’s added more icing to their victory with their third goal (51st minute). Elliffe was the scorer with a composed finish after a pass inside from Robbins.

With Caulry unable to conjure a consolation goal, the scoreline was completed by points from Karen Keegan and Sinead Robbins as the St Joseph’s camp turned their attention to the upcoming county final.

Player of the match: Aoife Keegan (St Joseph's). When this game was a genuine contest, midfielder Keegan led the way with her ball carrying ability and she set up numerous chances for her team. There was no shortage of contenders for the winners, with Eleanor Conway, Roisin Killian, Joyce Conway, Síle Kearney, Caoilinn Elliffe (scorer of two goals) and sub Karen Keegan all catching the eye.

Scorers - St Joseph’s: C Elliffe 2-1; K Keegan 1-2; S Robbins 0-5 (3 frees), A Keegan 0-3; L Conlon 0-1. Caulry: J Maloney 1-1; L Hallissy and Gaynor (f) 0-1 each.

St Joseph’s: Áine Maxwell; Cliona McCormack, Orla Robbins, Eleanor Conway; Kayla McDonnell, Roisin Killian, Joyce Conway; Claire Conlon, Aoife Keegan; Niamh Kearney, Sinead Robbins, Síle Kearney; Lauryn McDonnell, Caoilinn Elliffe, Laura Conlon. Subs used: Karen Keegan, Keelin Robbins, Molly Russell, Aimee Slevin.

Caulry: Jade Harney; Ella Corcoran, Susan Duignan, Grace Shortall; Eunice David, Amy Murphy, Aoife Collins; Megan Clinton, Ruth Martin; Molly Connaughton, Aine Gaynor, Rachel Maguire; Jasmine Maloney, Aishling Gaynor, Leah Hallissy. Sub used: Lauren White.

Referee: Paul McCaughey (Milltown).