Kilmihil clinch senior league title

Kilmihil 3-12 The Banner 2-8

IN only their second season in senior football, Kilmihil ladies made club history last weekend when they captured their first-ever senior title.
In nearby Cooraclare on Sunday evening, they captured the Senior League overcoming a gallant Banner Ladies’ team.
There is no taking away from the fact that Kilmihil were the better team in a great game of football. Kilmihil’s defence was rock solid, their midfielders controlled the game and their forwards picked off excellent scores. Edel McMahon was excellent in goals while the full-back line of Linda Russell, Fiona O’Neill and Niamh Keane defended stoutly. The half-back line of Rosie Currane and Una Downes and, in particular, Sarah Cahill attacked every ball. Kilmihil totally dominated midfield where Dympna Walsh played a captain’s part and received great support from Maria Keane, who scored a great goal.
Eleanor O’Gorman and Orla Keane, who operated in sweeper roles were excellent and Eimear Considine, scoring 2-3, was in fine form .Ailish Considine scored some wonderful points both from play and placed balls bringing her tally on the evening to 0-7. Sisters Joan and Denise O’Halloran likewise worked tirelessly and were relentless in their efforts to prevent the Banner full-back line from stamping their authority on the game. Kilmihil introduced Yvonne Downes and Siobhán Egan during the course of the game.
Right from the start, Kilmihil showed their intent as they attacked the Banner goal and were rewarded with two converted frees from Ailish Considine and a point from play from Joan O’Halloran. Niamh O’Dea replied for the Banner with a point before Kilmihil had the first of their three goals when Ailish Considine flicked the ball to Maria Keane who finished to the net. In fairness to the Banner, they fought back and had a fortuitous goal when a deflection beat Kilmihil’s net minder, Edel McMahon. Ailish Considine added another point from play for Kilmihil asNiamh Keane replied for the Banner.  Ailish Considine pointed twice more while Niamh O’Dea converted a free for The Banner. Eimear Considine, who was roaming all over the forward line, added a point, which was to be the final score of the half leaving Kilmihil with a three-point lead.  
Kilmihil began the second half on the attack and Ailish Considine extended their lead before The Banner stormed up the field and took their second goal.
Kilmihil picked themselves up and Eimear Considine went on a solo run and made no mistake bagging a fine goal to put Kilmihil into a four-point lead. Niamh O’Dea pointed a free for the Banner before Kilmihil’s Orla Keane got her name on the scoreboard with a well-taken point, while Eimear Considine raised her second green flag. As the Banner threw everything at Kilmihil, Eimear Considine scored another great point. Sarah Hoey pointed for the Banner before Ailish Considine converted another free. Eimear Considine had Kilmihil’s last score when she fisted over a point.

Kilmihil: Edel McMahon, Linda Russell, Fiona O’Neill, Niamh Keane, Rosie Currane, Sarah Cahill, Una Downes, Dympna Walsh, Maria Keane (1-0), Eleanor O’Gorman, Orla Keane (0-1), Eimear Considine (2-3), Denise O’Halloran, Joan OHalloran (0-1), Ailish Considine (0-7, 4f). 
Subs: Yvonne Downes, Siobhán Egan.
Banner: Emma O’Driscoll, Laurie Ryan, Niamh Walsh, Naomi Carroll, Sarah Hoey, Rebecca Culligan, Aoife Martin, Louise Henchy (capt) (0-1), Emma Glynn, Mary Tierney, Niamh Keane (0-1), Sonya Maher, Megan Haugh, Niamh O’Dea (0-5, 3f), Susan McNamara. 
Subs: Aoife Cavanagh, Louise Woods.
Referee: Michael Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane).