McNamara and McMahon lead the way as Clare win title

Munster Under 14 ladies C football final
Clare 2-18 – Limerick 2-12

Clare’s second Under 14 ladies football side took the laurels in Mallow on Saturday afternoon with a six-point win that was far from comfortable despite the impression one may derive from the final scoreline. Irrespective of the scoreline or results the level of football training, preparation and games allied to a strong school’s competition at this age group within the county does suggest that the coming seasons will offer a strong level of playing staff for Clare underage development squads.

It was a surprise of some delight for those involved with the Under 14 squads that this team was to the fore at their level. It was Limerick who struck first courtesy of Ellie May Kelly before the game’s top scorer Ailish McNamara kicked (1-1) in two minutes to allow Clare to seize the lead. Limerick did not hold back and responded with (1-2) in the 6th minute as Clare were looking that it was not three goals they conceded as Medb Kiely was the goal scorer. Grace Whelan was the hero of Clare when she denied a Limerick goal just after another Ailish McNamara point. Limerick struck for another point before Clare were awarded a penalty that was sent to the net by McNamara after the initial effort was saved by Limerick netminder Kayla Lynch. Clare began to introduce replacements and over the hour used 23 players as the two sides slowed down their scoring rates for the final ten minutes of the first half with Emily Frawley (2) and Anna Dervan ensuring the sides were deadlocked (2-4) to (1-7) at half time as Clare could count themselves fortunate to not be in arrears despite playing well.

Five more Clare players were introduced at half time with Maeve Coughlan now in goal had to stop a strong goal effort by Limeick’s Aisling O’ Connor only to see O’ Connor point the rebound quickly added to by another Anna Dervan score. Limerick held a short term two-point lead before Clare rallied to draw the final once more.

The game did turn Clare’s way with four scores in as many minutes from Caoimhe McMahon (2), Katie Troy and Ailish McNamara as the winners went five ahead. Limerick struck for their second goal through the skill of Jade Coffey. Clare, nonetheless now rampant and four more scores allowed a three point to be engineered by the 55th minute as Limerick did also add two more scores but the game was turning the way of Clare in terms of possession and skill.

It was champagne football for the banner starlets in the final minutes as Caoimhe McMahon, Sinead Griffin (2) and the powerful Ailish McNamara sealed a six-point win. The scoring spree that led to nine points in the final 15 minutes overwhelmed Limerick and sealed the win

Clare scorers: Ailish McNamara (2-4), Caoimhe McMahon (0-6), Emily Frawley, Katie Troy (0-3) each Emily Frawley (0-2)

Clare: Grace Whelan (Burren Gaels), Kate O’ Looney (Liscannor), Laoise Moore (Doora Barefield), Kate Murphy (Miltown), Rachel Townsend (Cooraclare), Lily Ryan Phelan (Corofin), Clodagh Kelly (Fergus Rovers), Katie Troy (West Clare Gaels), Alicia Boyle (Doora Barefield), Emma Griffin (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Elke Downes (Kilmihil), Ella Ryan (Kilrush), Emily Frawley (Doora Barefield) Ailish McNamara (West Clare Gaels), Nikki Meade (Miltown). Subs: Maeve Coughlan (Fergus Rovers) for Whelan, Sinead Griffin (West Clare Gaels) for O’ Looney, Emma Liddane (West Clare Gaels) for Moore, Mary Kate McCarthy (Clooney/Quin) for Townsend, Rachel Clark (Cuil Gaels for Ryan, Katie Liddane (West Clare Gaels) for Meade. Caoimhe McMahon (Fergus Rovers) for Downes, Moore for Boyle, Micheala Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane) for Clark.

Limerick scorers: Medb Kiely (1-2), Jade Coffey (1-0), Aisling O’ Connor, Anna Dervan, Ellie May Kelly (0-3) each, Sarah Costello (0-1).

Limerick: Kayla Lynch, Robyn Tierney, Maeve Cussen, Ruth Kelly, Katie Dooley, Grace Burton, Eimear O’ Sullivan, Cushla O’ Sullivan, Aoibhinn Dore, Sarah Sheehan, Sarah Costello, Aisling O’ Connor Ellie May Kelly, Anna Dervan, Medb Kiely. Subs: Ava Murray, Jen O’ Brien, Liz Blackmore, Breifne Halton, Jade Coffey.