Fergus Rovers edge thriller with Kilrush for U14A crown

U14A League final
Fergus Rovers 4-9 Kilrush 3-9 (AET)

Extra time was required to separate Fergus Rovers and Kilrush in the U-14A League Final at Kilmihil on Monday last before Fergus Rovers emerged to claim a thrilling contest by a goal.

In a first half that produced five goals it was Fergus Rovers that had the brighter start kicking the first three points, two from Sarah Hickey while dominating possession in the opening quarter.

Kilrush equalised with a goal from Avamay Broderick while Ali Talty put Fergus Rovers back in front with her first goal.

Kilrush goals from Jessica O’Sullivan and Caoimhe Griffin, a good save from Rovers goalie Kate Griffin and a second Ali Talty goal left the half time score Fergus Rovers 2-05 Kilrush 3-01.

In the second half Fergus Rovers Maeve Clancy kicked a goal and a point adding to her first half tally of two points while the impressive Kilrush full forward kicked five points and so at the end of normal time the sides were deadlocked at 3-07 each.

Kilrush took the lead in extra time when Aibhlinn Cotter pointed but Maeve Clancy replied with a like score.

Soon after Ali Talty won possession in her own full back line and worked it all the way up the field with Maeve Clancy before the latter pointed to put her side in front, 3-09 to 3-08 at half time in extra time.

Then, came the crucial score for Fergus Rovers when substitute Saoirse Conway goaled to put her side ahead by four, the biggest lead over the course of the game with the final score falling to the excellent Aibhlinn Cotter.

In addition to the scorers Naoise Talty, Saoirse Frawley, Nessa Meaney and Emma Kelly played well for Fergus Rovers as did Marie Purtill, Ania Aajas and Kara O’Shea for Kilrush.
After the game county secretary Monica Callinan presented the shield to Fergus Rovers captain Ali Talty.

Fergus Rovers: Kate Griffin, Lauren Feeney, Leah Leahy, Sienna Houston, Naoise Talty, Nicole Carmody, Saoirse Frawley, Ali Talty (captain), 2-0, Neasa Meaney, Emma Kelly, Maeve Clancy 1-06 (0-2f), Sarah Hickey 0-3 (0-1f), Hazel Conway, Ava Custy, Keelin McMahon. Subs: Saoirse Conway 1-0, Roisin Coughlan, Olivia Guinnane, Michelle Shannon, Jenny Williams, Roisin Garry, Ciara Spellissey.

Kilrush: Isabelle Blake, Kate Canny, Meabh Downes, Marie Purtill, Ania Aajas, Caoimhe Larkin, Caoimhe Griffin 1-1, Aine Bermingham, Leah Daly, Ella Dullaghan, Jessica O’Sullivan 1-0, Kara O’Shea, Rita McMahon, Aibhlinn Cotter, captain, 0-7 (0-2f), Avamay Broderick 1-0. Subs: Cassie Coleman 0-1, Grace Fennell, Michaela Kelly, Eimear O’Brien, Hollie Manning, Meabh Garrihy, Sarah Wallace, Realtin Lillis, Laura McGibney.

Referee: Michael Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane)