Spanish Point secure Clare senior ladies football crown

Clare Ladies’ Football Post-Primary A final
St Joseph’s Spanish Point 2-9 – Coláiste Muire 1-7

From one bus to another, from Mallow to Cusack Park for many of the girls in action Monday lunchtime. The Munster B minor final Sunday afternoon to Clare schools senior A final, the only difference was team mates became rivals once more when wearing the school kit.
The close on 40 girls who saw action on Monday are without question some of the busiest GAA players in the county representing both codes at minor plus U-16 as well as for school and county in
2024. Tired legs for all involved began to tell in the latter stages but indeed a physical encounter ended with success for St Joseph’s who also captured honours at provincial level.
Kayla Talty Darcy struck for a 5th minute goal for the opening score as she raced through to give the perfect start for the West Clare outfit. Ria Meaney responded with a Coláiste point before Aimee McNamara who worked hard for St Joseph’s did likewise in what was a very low scoring opening 20 minutes. Kayla Darcy was unlucky with a goal effort in the 21st minute before Spanish Point team captain Lucy Shanahan was on hand for her sides second goal that was quickly capitalised by Abi Kelly raiding down the wing and making no mistake with a well taken point. Coláiste had dominated the game from the 10th to 20th minute but could not score and it took a lot of energy from their first-half efforts. Eventually, as the game was nearing the end of the first-half Coláiste showed glimpses of their true potential with scores from Sophie Culleton and Eabha O’Driscoll that left the Ennis side (2-2) to (1-3) in arrears at the break.
Five minutes of the second-half was played before the first attack of intent led to a well taken Lucy Shanahan point as injuries and knocks were beginning to take their toll on both sides. Kayla Talty Darcy scored a great effort before going off with what appeared to be a nasty leg injury at the time and this stunted the Spanish Point attack for a number of minutes.
Eventually, Ellie Hanrahan decided it was time to ensure a result for her side and she kicked three in five minutes to stretch St Joseph’s (2-7) to (1-3) in front as Coláiste were on the backfoot. Coláiste substitute Caoimhe McDonnell made a great showing with two scores in a minute. Colaiste were now five behind and threatened on three occasions for goal but repelled on each occasion. Clodagh Mescall and Ellie Hanrahan sealed the day for Spanish Point despite two late tap overs for Sophie Culleton and Cliodhna Queally as St Joseph’s eased home to take the title by five points with Lucy Shanahan collecting the cup from LGFA county chairperson Sean Lenihan.

St Joseph’s Spanish Point: Aoife Martin (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Leah Darcy (Miltown), Eabha O’ Malley (Miltown Malbay), Niamh Miller (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Caitriona Byrne (Miltown Malbay), Rachael Tubridy (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Simone Considine (Cooraclare), Lauren Conway (Doonbeg), Aimee McNamara (Cooraclare), Abi Kelly (Miltown Malbay), Ellie Hanrahan (Kilmurry Ibrickane) Aoibheann Ryan (Doonbeg) Kayla Talty Darcy (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Lucy Shanahan (Doonbeg) Caitlyn O’ Connor Subs: Clodagh Mescall (Cooraclare) for Darcy (inj), Nell Walsh (Miltown) for McNamara, Alisha Ryan (Doonbeg) for Darcy (inj)

Scorers: Kayla Talty Darcy, Lucy Shanahan (1-1) each , Ellie Hanrahan (0-4), Aimee McNamara, Abi Kelly, Clodagh Mescall (0-1) each.

Colaiste Muire: Jane Quinn (Doora Barefield), Abbie Cahill (Fergus Rovers), Ellis O’ Flaherty (Doora Barefield) Andrea Moloney (Fergus Rovers), Lucy Power (Doora Barefield), Cliodhna Queally (Miltown), Caoimhe Ryan (Banner), Eimear Clune (Doora Barefield), Lynsday Clarke (Miltown Malbay), Sophie Culleton (Fergus Rovers), Eabha O’ Driscoll (Doora Barefield), Ria Meaney (Fergus Rovers) Evie Scanlon (Clarecastle), Sadbh Griffin (Fergus Rovers), Aoife Murphy (Clarecastle). Subs: Katie Jones (Newmarket on Fergus) for Murphy (inj), Aoife Hynes (Clooney/Quin) for Moloney, Caoimhe McDonnell (Clooney/Quin) for Scanlon, Sophie Leahy (Doora Barefield) for Clarke,

Scorers: Sadhb Griffin (1-0), Sophie Culleton, Caoimhe McDonnell (0-2) each, Ria Meaney, Cliodhna Queally, Eabha O’ Driscoll (0-1),

Referee: John McDonagh (Kinvara)