Leinster U16s Round Two Wrap

Last Saturday, the U16 teams around the province got their second run out in their county colours in this year’s U16 Championship.

In Group A, Dublin got their second win of the competition as they saw off a resilient Kildare team. Dublin had a three goal advantage at half time, and although Kildare spent much of the second half attacking Dublin’s defence, they could not get back into contention and Dublin added two second half goals to their tally to ensure the win. Orla Keighran, Charlie Murphy, Rebecca McEvoy, Ciara Brogan and Gemma Connolly all raised green flags for Dublin in a bitterly cold TUD Blanchardstown.

In St. Anne’s, Wexford welcomed the Royal County. The visitors got off to a flying start scoring three first half goals of their own and leading by five at the break. However, Wexford worked hard in the second thirty and Meath managed just a further score to leave it 4-6 to 0-8 in their favour. Muireann Nelson hit the net twice for Meath while Ella McGlue and Tara Glennon also raised green flags.

In Group B, Laois’ second half performance was the difference as they defeated Wicklow at Bray Emmets. The sides were level at the break at 1-5 apiece, but the O’Moore County pulled out all the stops to find the net three times in the second half to ensure victory.

In the Groups’ other game, Longford travelled to take on Westmeath in St. Loman’s and they came away with a convincing result. Longford led 2-7 to no score at the break with Hannah Burke and Zara Drake both finding the net for the visitors. Westmeath upped the ante after the break and Kate Stuart found the net for Westmeath which boosted their confidence. However, Longford steadied the ship with three quick fire goals; two from the boot of Michaela Hand and one from Maria Hayden. Ava Finnernan struck a sixth goal late on to ensure the visitors a second win in this year’s competition.

In Group C, Louth overturned a first half deficit against Carlow to ensure a well-earned victory. Carlow led 1-4 to 0-3 at half time, but a resurgent Louth performance in the second half ensured a three point victory with Sophie Everett and Darcy Devlin finding the net for the Wee County. In Bretland Park, Offaly made it two wins from two when they accounted for Kilkenny.

RESULTS

Group A

Dublin 5-5, Kildare 1-8

Meath 4-6, Wexford 0-8

Group B

Laois 4-8, Wicklow 1-8

Longford 6-8, Westmeath 1-5

Group C

Louth 2-6, Carlow 1-6

Offaly 3-18, Kilkenny 2-3.

Photo Credit: Dónal Fitzpatrick