16s: Lillies Crowned Leinster Champions
16s: Lillies Crowned Leinster Champions
July 30, 2021
Lillies Crowned U16 Champions
Kildare 3-18
Meath 2-06
By Dónal Fitzpatrick
For only the third time in twenty years, Kildare annexed the Leinster U16 A title at the expense of Meath in Wednesday evening’s provincial final played at Coralstown Kinnegad. Previously won in 2002 and 2018, Seán Reynolds side added a third Leinster title at this grade with a commanding performance.
The sides met in the opening round in Manguard Plus Hawkfield COE and in dramatic fashion came from behind in injury time to secure victory. Late goals from Edwina Birchall and Grace Murtagh secured the opening round win, and both players were again to the fore in Wednesday’s final.
Player of the Match Edwina Birchall was a constant danger in the Lillies attack while the Lillies defence stood resolute.
The sides were evenly matched in the opening quarter with only two points separating the sides at the first half water break. Kildare led by 1-04 to 1-02. Meath’s goal came from the boot of Aideen Reilly and Alannah Prizeman added to her championship tally with a goal just before the water break.
Kildare players upped the tempo after the water break and kicked eight unanswered points. However, they could have been further ahead, Meath keeper Vicky Carry making some vital saves to keep the Lillies at bay. At half time, Kildare led by 1-12 to 1-02.
Kildare continued where they left off in the first half with Leah McGovern pointing a free on the resumption. However, things got worse for Meath when Edwina Birchall was fouled by the Meath keeper in the square and a penalty awarded. Meath were reduced to 14 and Alannah Prizeman netted the spot kick.
Kildare took full advantage of the numerical difference and held Meath scoreless until just before the second half water break with a fine effort from Rebecca Harney. Both managers made changes and it was Meath that finished the game stronger, outscoring Kildare by 1-03 to 0-01. However, it was too late for the Royals and the Lillies rejoiced at the full-time whistle.
Kildare: Lauren De Courcy, Sarah Mcgovern, Zara Hurley, Katie Halpin, Olivia Monaghan, Eimear Glancy captain, Meabh McGuire, Orlaith O Mahony 0.01, Siofra Galvin 0.02, Edwina Birchall 0.04, Mayah Doyle 0.02, Grace Murtagh, Niamh Farrelly 0.02, Alannah Prizeman 2.00 (1penalty), Leah Mcgovern 1.06 4fs.
Subs: Zara Beaty for Meabh McGuire, Teighan McGonagle for Edwina Birchall, Joanne Ryan for Leah Mcgovern, Erin Brearton Foley for Alannah Prizeman, Caoimhe Ni Bhuircheal 0.01 for Niamh Farrelly.
Caoimhe Smyth, Caoimhe Bagnall, Amy Nelson, Caoimhe O Sullivan, Grace Mountaine, Saoirse O Gorman, Julie Brannigan, Anna Price, Erin Healy, Eimear Tuohy.
Meath: Vicky Carry, Sarah Caulfield, Emma Lynch, Anna Foley, Serena Gavin, Lily Dwyer, Lucy Reynolds, Molly O Connor, Elena Kennedy, Aideen Reilly 1.00, Katie Twomey captain 0.02 1f, Sarah Jane Lyons 0.01, Rebecca Harney 0.01, Roisin McManus 1.01, Ciara Doherty 0.01
Subs: Samantha Clarke for Anna Foley, Alex Connor for Vicky Carry, Eabha Magee for Molly O Connor, Emily McCann for Lucy Reynolds.
Ellie Murphy, Julie Greene, Sinead Murphy, Alannah Brady, Jorja Keogh, Kate O Sullivan, Michelle Brien, Aoife Carey, Louise Craven, Laura Gavin, Megan Murray.
Referee Finbarr Shanahan (Dublin)
Photo Credit: Karl Gormley