Historic first for Burren Gaels

Burren Gaels 2-6   West Clare Gaels 2-5

The prevailing weather conditions may not have been conducive to free-flowing football, but Burren Gaels were forced to batten down the defensive hatches to claim a historic first ever minor A ladies’ football title.

In a tremendously exciting final, played in Lahinch, the fledging North Clare club were on tenterhooks in the closing stages as they clung on to a slender lead, fashioned by a superbly taken goal from captain Leanne Flaherty.

Chasing a two-point deficit, West Clare Gaels launched one final attack. The ball was eventually worked through to Shauna Harvey but her effort had too much elevation and cleared the crossbar to trigger unbridled scenes of celebration for the Burren Gaels players and supporters as the final whistle sounded seconds later.

Played in a downpour, both teams made light of the conditions to serve up a very entertaining and competitive game. Little separated the teams either in general play or on the scoreboard and that was the story all through, culminating with the dramatic finish.

Burren Gaels opened the scoring with a goal from Leanne Flaherty, who played a captain’s part all through, quickly followed by a point from young Bronagh Considine.

West Clare Gales responded and with Niamh Carrucan and Leanne Flaherty tagging on points, the teams retired at the break on level terms, 1-4 apiece.

On the changeover, Katie Connole and Róisín Howley gained the upperhand at midfield for the North Clare side but despite this advantage, the sides exchanged points with Amy Maloney, Róisín Howely and Sarah Moloney on target for Burren Gaels.

West Clare Gaels looked to have struck a decisive blow 10 minutes from time when they managed to hit the front. With the conditions deteriorating, it looked as if they would see the game out and they would have but for Flaherty’s late, late intervention with that match winning goal.

Captain Leanne Flaherty, accompanied by Róisín Howley, accepted the cup amid great scenes of  euphoria.

Burren Gaels: Kanisha Flanagan, Amy Cassidy, Amy O’Brien, Róisín Kelly, Joanne Howley, Fiona Loughman, Kayleigh McCormack, Katie Connole, Róisín Howley (0-1), Shannon McCormack, Niamh Carrucan (0-1), Leanne Flaherty (2-1), Amy Moloney (0-1), Bronagh Considine (0-1), Sarah Moloney (0-1).
Subs: Caoimhe Cullinan, Blathnaid Sheedy, Caoilinn McCormack, Niamh Kelly and Lauren Crowe.