U-12 title for Doora-Barefield

Doora-Barefield 1-5   West Clare Gaels 0-2

In the Division 1 U-12 Ladies’ Football final replay played in a wet and windy Kilmihil on Saturday night, the girls from Doora-Barefield had the better of West Clare Gaels. Saturday’s match was a replay following a 3-5 apiece draw the previous Tuesday evening in Kilrush.

The first half was played in very wet conditions but this didn’t bother the Doora-Barefield girls, who got off to a flying start. Some great work in defence of the Parish by Laura McDonnell and Emma Purcell and in midfield by Aisling Reidy and Siofra Ní Chonaill kept the Gaels under a lot of pressure and it wasn’t long before Eimear Hanrahan goaled. The Gaels took their time adjusting to the pace of the game and a lot of forward possession was turned over, leading to additional points against them.
The first half ended 1-3 to 0-0. The conditions dried up for the second half, with both sides coming out full of renewed energy. It was a much tighter second half, with all the girls on both teams playing some super football. The Gaels scored two points, which were matched by two from the Parish girls. However, Doora-Barefield had enough done at that stage to finish the game on top. When the final whistle blew, the large attendance, who travelled west in support of Doora-Barefield, applauded their team for their victory in winning the Division 1 final for the second year in a row.
After the game, county board representative Trudy Davenport presented the JJ O’Dea Cup to the winning captain, Eimear Hanrahan, who graciously thanked the West Clare Gaels for a very competitive and sporting game. Then it was back to the Parish with flags flying and horns blaring to a rousing homecoming reception in Roslevan.

St Joseph’s Doora Barefield panel: Amy Lenihan; Laura McDonnell, Ciara Duggan, Shona Power; Áine Moloney, Emma Purcell, Aisling Reidy; Siofra Ni Chonaill, Niamh McDonagh; Niamh O’Keeffe, Edel Williams, Emer Hanrahan (captain); Ciara McGrath, Muireann Ní Chonaill, Gail Norton.
West Clare Gaels panel: Treasa Maloney; Róisín Brew, Gabrielle McMahon, Leah Daly; Sarah Marrinan, Ruth Ferguson, Fidelma Marrinan (capt); Michelle Marrinan, Sophie Corbett; Siobhan Brew, Lauren Lucy, Maeve Hanrahan; Aoife Lynch.
Referee: Linda Russell (Doonbeg).