Banner Ladies retain title

Banner Ladies 2-8   West Clare Gaels 1-4

Banner Ladies sent out a clear signal on Sunday evening last when, at Kilmihil in wintry weather conditions, they claimed the Division 1 League title.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in a constant downpour, the winners were full value for their 11-point half-time lead. After two wides, Katie Cahill and Niamh Keane both pointed from play for the Ennis side. In the 11th minute luck was with them when a long-distance Niamh O’Dea free went all the way to the West Clare Gaels’ net for the Banner’s first goal. At the other end, Shauna Harvey kicked wide when an opening West Clare Gaels score looked to be on. Shortly afterwards, young Aoife Keane was on hand to soccer-style home Banner’s second goal. Banner finished off the half with three Niamh O’Dea points, two from frees and at half-time deservedly led 2-5 to no score.
On the turnover, aided by the strong wind, West Clare Gaels were expected to eat into Banner’s lead. Maria Kelly got the westerners off the mark inside the third minute but O’Dea responded with a like score. Then, in the 38th minute, luck was on the side of West Clare Gaels when, like the Banner’s opening goal, a long Katie Geoghegan free also sailed all the way to the net and at this stage it was Banner 2-6, West Clare Gaels 1-1. Two excellent points from Geoghegan narrowed the gap to six points with almost 20 minutes to play and West Clare Gaels seemed to be storming into the game.
However, that was as good as it got for them and it was Banner Ladies, despite the fact that they faced the elements, who finished stronger with points from Naomi Carroll and Aoife Keane. Wedged in between was a pointed Geoghegan free but it was Banner Ladies who took the title for the second year in a row and the fourth in five years.
While Laurie Ryan, Shona Enright, Louise Woods, Naomi Carroll, Louise Henchy and Niamh O’Dea were always prominent, Banner will be more than pleased with the performances of their U-16 players Ortlaith Lynch, Aoife Keane and Gráinne Nolan.
For West Clare Gaels, Megan McGrath, Sinéad Kelly, Marie Foran, Deirdre Troy, Maria Kelly, Shauna Harvey and Katie Geoghegan, in particular, did well.
After the game county board chairman, Alan Copley presented the Fawls Railway Bar Cup to Banner captain, Aoife Cavanagh.

Banner: Emma O’Driscoll; Eva O’Dea, Laurie Ryan, Rebecca Culligan; Shona Enright, Louise Woods, Orlaith Lynch; Naomi Carroll (0-1), Katie Cahill (0-1); Aoife Cavanagh (capt), Niamh Keane (0-1), Louise Henchy; Aoife Keane (1-1), Niamh O’Dea (1-4, 1-2f), Gráinne Nolan.
Subs: Michelle Delaney for A Cavanagh (half-time); Aoibhinn Malone for A Keane (61) and Niamh Cavanagh for O Lynch (61).
West Clare Gaels: Megan McGrath; Kathleen Foley, Fiona Troy, Ciara Harvey; Rita Boland, Sinéad Kelly, Marie Foran; Deirdre Troy, Michelle Downes (capt); Maria Kelly 0-1, Katie Geoghegan (1-3, 1-2f), Shauna Harvey; Niamh Lardner, Bríd Troy, Denise Geaney.
Referee: Barry Kelly.