You are Here: Home>Sections>Ladies Football>News & Events

Printer Friendly Version of this Page   Contact Us   SiteMap

Deirdre Murphy Captains Dublin U16 Footballers to Leinster Glory vs Laois - Mon, 19 Jul 2010

Congrats to Deidre Murphy who captained the Dublin Ladies U16 Footballers to Leinster Glory vs Laois. Congrats to mentors Ken & Judy Murphy along with players Sophie Freeman & Sarah Hawkshaw.

Dublin produced a tremendous second half display to overcome a spirited Laois side in the U16 Leinster Championship Final in Clane, Co Kildare, on Saturday 17th July. Both teams displayed some excellent football but it was the Dublin team that prevailed on a score line of 5-13 to 2-10.

Laois started well with an early point before pointed frees from Siobhan Woods and goals from Ciara Trant and Lauren Ebbs settled Dublin nerves. Laois hit back with goals of their own with Maria Kenny responding for Dublin with a point. With 20 minutes played the score was extremely close at 2-4 to 2-3. The Laois full forward line were causing trouble for the Dublin backs but Claire King, Leah Caffrey and Deirdre Murphy kept Laois at bay. The Dublin halfbacks Sarah McCaffrey, Aoife Nolan and Grainne Barrett worked extremely hard in this period to stop the strong running Laois half forwards. Dublin rallied again at the end of the half scoring 1-2 in a two-minute spell with a goal and a point from Siobhan Woods and a point from Maria McGrath.

The game was extremely close at this time and the scoreline at half time was 3-6 to 2-4 in Dublin's favour. The wind made an appearance at half time and was assisted Laois as they made a good start to the second half. Three quick Laois points and one for Dublin through Oonagh Whyte reduced the deficit to three points. The game was in the balance at this stage and could have gone either way. However Dublin got on top in the half forward line and midfield and started winning more possession.

Dublin's half forward line was working particularly well through Siobhan Woods, Maria McGrath and the tireless Mollie Lamb. Goalkeeper Norah Harney, who was secure throughout, provided accurate kick outs and midfielders Emma McDonagh and Ciara Trant were getting on top in the possession stakes. A well-taken goal from Siobhan Woods and another from Lauren Ebbs extended Dublin's lead.

At this stage the game was very close in general play but Dublin were getting the vital scores to keep them moving forward. Further points from Maria Kenny and Siobhan Woods extended Dublin's lead to nine points with 10 minutes to go. Dublin brought on Sarah Hawkshaw, Emma Lennon, Shauna Garvin and Maeve Shannon to assist in the final period. Laois were still battling hard at this time and added two points in quick succession. Roisin Meehan replaced the excellent Aoife Nolan as Dublin continued to work hard.

A final point from Emma McDonagh capped off a super display by Dublin in the second half. Both Dublin and Laois produced excellent performances on the day and the final score line ended up 5-13 to 2-10 in Dublin's favour. Captain Deirdre Murphy accepted the cup on behalf of the Dublin squad and Siobhan Woods was named player of the match. Dublin now look forward to an All Ireland semi final in early August.

Return To Previous Page