Ladies National Football League Division 2A round 2
Kerry 4-13
Clare 3-11

CLARE, following a shaky one point win over Wexford last weekend, travelled to Kerry in Round 2 of the league and gave one of the better performances of recent seasons despite going under by five points in the end against a competent Kerry outfit, reports Michael O’Connor.
The opening minute had the Clare entourage fearing a whitewash as the visitors to Austin Stack Park were down (1-1) with not even 90 seconds played with Hannah O Donoghue grabbing the Kerry goal.
The water break in the first half appeared to kill the Clare momentum after positive responses from Aisling Reidy, Lizzy Roche, Fidelma Marrinan and Cliona Blake. Strong words from the Kerry management saw Clare under the cosh at the resumption with Louise Galvin and Megan O’Connor on target to send Kerry four clear. Clare managed to stem this scoring spree but were unable to get on the scoreboard at the other end. Hannah O’Donoghue and Siofra O’Shea (free) in the 26th minute had Kerry stretching six points clear, (1-7) to (0-4). Yet, to the credit of Clare they regained their composure and Aisling Reidy finally got due reward for the constant workrate when she raced clear and gave no Ciara Butler at the stroke of half time to see Kerry ahead by just three points at the break.
The third quarter appear to decide the game as a contest as in the early stages Kerry hit Clare hard with (2-1) in the opening five minutes. Siofra O’Shea was on the money with both goals, one from a rebound after Michaela Glynn saved a Hannah O Donoghue penalty which sent Kerry (3-8) to (1-5) ahead. Clare did not flinch and should have scored at least one goal as Fidelma Marrinan forced a great save from Ciara Butler. Anna Galvin and Lizzy Roche swopped scores as both sides began to empty their benches. Rachel Dwyer who impressed when introduced for Kerry as did Anna Galvin stretched Kerry (3-11) to (1-9) clear. Interestingly the Clare replacements appeared to reignite the challenge of the visitors with Caitriona Callinan hitting the net. Evan Talty’s side went on all out attack leaving them open to counter attack as Lorraine Scanlon hit Kerry’s fourth goal. Yet, Clare had the final say on a promising day for the future when full back Siofra Ni Chonaill hit their third goal. Defeat was the lot but a lot to work on that should with others to come in could lead to a long season yet for Evan Talty’s charges.

Kerry: Ciara Butler, Julie O Sullivan, Aislinn Desmond, Ciara Murphy, Niamh Carmody, Cait Lynch, Kayleight Cronin, Louise Galvin (0-1), Megan O’Connell, Niamh O’Conchuir, Andrea Murphy, Emma Dineen, Megan O’Connor(0-1), Hannan O Donoghue (1-2). Siofra O’Shea (2-5, 1 f). Subs: Ava Doherty for Carmody (24min), Anna Galvin (1-2) for Dineen, Mary O’Connell for O’Connell, Rachel Dwyer (0-2) for O’Connor, Sarah Murphy for Cronin, Caoimhe Evans for Anna Clifford for Ni Chonchuir, for O’Shea
Clare: Micaela Glynn (Kilmihil), Ellie O’Gorman (Kilmihil), Siofra NiChonaill (Doora Barefield) (1-0), Orla Devitt (Eire-og, Ennis), Caoimhe Harvey (West Clare Gaels) (0-1), Tara Kelly (Cuil Gaels), Roisin Considine (Liscannor) (0-1), Aisling Reidy (Doora Barefield)(2-2), Roisin Looney (Cooraclare), Eimear Keane (Miltown Malbay), Ciara McCarthy (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Lauren Griffin (Fergus Rovers), Lizzy Roche (Burren Gaels)(0-3), Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels) (0-2), Cliona Blake (Doonbeg) (0-1). Subs: Chloe Moloney (Kilmurry Ibrickane) (0-1) for Griffin, Carl O’Leary (Newmarket on for Keane, for Johanna Doohan (Kilmurry Ibrickane) Looney, Caitriona Callinan (1-0) for Blake, Aisling Morrissey (Cooraclare) for Kelly, Ailish Kenny (Cuil Gaels) for Roche, Katie Connole (Burren Gaels) for Marrinan,
Referee: Austin O’Connell (Galway)