Terrific Tyrrellspass triumph in minor final

Tyrrellspass 3-9, The Downs 1-4

Goals from Ellen Arthur and Jemma Seery (two) propelled Tyrrellspass to victory over The Downs in the Westmeath Ladies Minor Football Division 3 final, at Lakepoint Park on Sunday December 17.

The Downs made a fine start and the impressive Niamh Keogh goaled as they established a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter. However, Tyrrellspass scored 1-5 without reply to lead by 1-6 to 1-1 at half-time, with a terrific goal from Allen Arthur in the closing stages providing a massive boost.

The Downs had the lively breeze at their backs for the second half, but Jemma Seery’s early goal set the tone as Tyrrellspass led by 2-8 to 1-1 at the three quarter stage. Niamh Keogh’s missed penalty on 38 minutes (her shot crashing off the crossbar) summed up a disappointing day for The Downs and Tyrrellspass sealed a deserved victory when Jemma Seery crashed home their third goal in the 59th minute.

Tyrrellspass played with a very useful breeze in the first half and took the lead through a Katie Hogg point after four minutes. The Downs had missed an earlier chance but got level through a well-worked Niamh Keogh minor in the sixth minute. After 13 minutes, Niamh Keogh played a one-two with Orla Rijksen and finished confidently to the net. It was another slick move, with Ella Murtagh playing a prominent part and The Downs appeared to have the edge at this stage.

However, a tenacious Tyrrellspass outfit had other ideas. Jemma Seery scored a neat point on the turn to reduce the leeway (1-1 to 0-2) and when Orla Rijksen had a potential opening at the opposite end, she was quickly crowded out.

The Downs then went through a ropey spell, struggling to get their kick-out away as Tyrrellspass applied strong pressure. Katie Hogg latched on to a kick-out and shot over: indeed, it could have been more had she taken it on.

Then a fine point by Rachel Murphy, under strong pressure from The Downs defence, had the sides level with 24 minutes played.

Tyrrellspass took the lead again a minute later when Katie Hogg set up Ellen Arthur for a point and it was clear the tide had turned. Katie Hogg, Jemma Seery, Ellen Arthur and Eabha Brennan all combined for the latter to point. On the half hour mark, Eabha Brennan’s pass sent Ellen Arthur clear and she found the net with a fine finish to leave Tyrrellspass five points clear at the interval.

Obviously boosted by that second quarter blitz, Tyrrellspass quickly asserted further control on the restart as Ellen Arthur set up Jemma Serry for her first goal. Their lead was further enhanced when Rachel Murphy’s free sailed over, making it 2-7 to 1-1.

The Downs had a golden opportunity to get back into the match when they were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute, following a foul on Niamh Keogh. She stepped up to take the kick, but her effort struck the crossbar and the danger was eventually cleared.

Tyrrellspass almost had a goal at the opposite end six minutes’ later but Rachel Murphy’s rasping shot came off the upright.

A point from Rachel Murphy (after Katie Hogg and Eabha Brennan combined) left it 2-8 to 1-1 in Tyrrellspass’ favour and barring a capitulation, they were likely winners. The Downs rallied and three unanswered points from Cliodhna Murray (free), Niamh Keogh and Annie Corcoran McDonald left seven points separating the teams (2-8 to 1-4) with 55 minutes played.

Tyrrellspass were still in control of their own destiny and worked a nice team score when Eabha Brennan, Rachel Murphy and Ellen Arthur combined - the ball eventually gathered again by Rachel Murphy, who shot over. In the final minute of normal time, Ellen Arthey set up Jemma Seery, who fired a powerful shot to the roof of the net to put the seal on a fine victory.

Afterwards, the excellent Anna Mai O’Brien and Eabha Brennan accepted the cup from Aoife O’Brien, Westmeath LGFA, and the celebrations began.

Scorers - Tyrrellspass: J Seery 2-1, E Arthur 1-1, R Murphy 0-4 (1f), K Hogg 0-2, E Brennan 0-1. The Downs: N Keogh 1-2, C Murray 0-1 (free), A Corcoran McDonald 0-1.

Tyrrellspass panel: Kate Mohan; Anna Gavigan, Amy Seery, Freya O’Reilly; Dawn Gill, Danielle O’Neill, Clodagh Foyle; Katie Foyle, Anna Mai O’Brien; Eabha Brennan, Jemma Seery, Alice Pierson; Ellen Arthur, Rachel Murphy, Katie Hogg, Marie Coyne, Rose O’Brien, Ava Flanagan, Abbie Brennan, Shannon Corroon, Treya Kiernan.

The Downs panel: Clodagh McGlynn; Aoibheann Flynn, Sarah Carthy, Katie Kearns; Áine Doyle, Ciara Dolan, Andrea Coleman; Holly Dowdall, Annie Corcoran McDonald; Molly Goldsberry, Niamh Keogh, Cliodhna Murray; Tori Nolan, Orla Rijksen, Ella Murtagh, Emma Dagg, Katie Nea, Ellen Carthy, Lily Reid.

Referee: Paul McCaughey (Milltown).