Dublin Ladies’ League Div 1A

Daire Walsh

ST BRIGID’S kick-started their Dublin Ladies’ Football League Division 1A campaign with a convincing 15-point victory over St Sylvester’s at Russell Park last Wednesday evening.

Courtesy of goals from Leah Mullins and Ciara Newell, the Navan Road-based outfit were firmly in control at the break and were never in danger of relinquishing their lead. Dublin SFC finalists in 2015, 2016 and 2018 – losing to the all-conquering Foxrock-Cabinteely on each occasion – Brigid’s appear hell-bent on leaving an indelible mark on the 2021 club season.

Central attackers Mullins and Louise O’Reilly contributed a combined tally of 1-6, while midfielder Ellen Gribben also chipped in with three points. When you consider Brigid’s lined up without Sky Blues stars Ciara Trant and Deirdre Murphy, as well as former county ace Noelle Healy and Cork full-back Róisín Phelan, Damien Smith’s side will certainly be one to watch for the remainder of the year.

Of course, Sylvester’s will also be formidable when they are able to call upon their inter-county contingent, which includes notable figures such as Sinéad Aherne, Niamh McEvoy and Nicole Owens. Goalscorer Katie O’Sullivan and midfielder Anne McDonnell did their best to keep Syls in contention, but it was Brigid’s who reigned supreme.

The visitors from Malahide deployed nominal corner-forward Kim White in a deep role as they looked to stifle their opponents’ attack. It was an effective strategy during the early exchanges with an O’Reilly point being the only Brigid’s score inside the opening five minutes of the action and Shauna Hinkson initially opting not to follow White out the field.

Centre-forward O’Reilly enhanced her personal haul with a fine point following an incision by Newell, but Syls came roaring into the contest on nine minutes. Finding space inside the opposition half, Sophie McGlynn passed inside to the raiding O’Sullivan.

She kept her composure to roll a coolly-struck shot beyond the reach of Tara Carolan. This was a significant morale boost for Syls, before Brigid’s rediscovered their rhythm in time for the first-half water break.

O’Reilly raised another white flag at the end of a fast-paced move and after cutting inside from the right wing, Mullins fired past Lisa Murphy at the near post to give Brigid’s a 1-3 to 1-0 lead. Previously a star for Dublin at a number of age grades, Mullins was recently involved with the Ireland women’s sevens rugby programme.

This goal bolstered her confidence levels and an additional point from the full-forward created further daylight on 23 minutes. Brigid’s did cough up some good opportunities as the half developed and an Emma Sullivan point got Syls back up and running as the interval approached.

Still, the home team remained the dominant force. Newell rattled the net off a Rachel Moran pass just shy of the half-hour mark and with Mullins and Gribben adding singles, Brigid’s were 2-6 to 1-1 ahead at the midway stage.

The game wasn’t necessarily beyond doubt then as a positive start to the second half could potentially have brought Syls back into the frame. However, it was Brigid’s who kicked on in the third-quarter, reeling off five points in quick succession to leave their Broomfield counterparts with a mountain to climb.

Midfielders Gribben (two) and Enya Farrell found the target in this sequence, supplementing points from Niamh O’Donovan (free) and centre half-back Caroline Brogan. McDonnell finally interrupted this blitz at the far end, but Brigid’s nonetheless held an insurmountable 2-11 to 1-2 advantage in advance of the tie’s second water break.

Without cutting loose in the final quarter, Brigid’s continued to pick off some fine scores. The Barretts – Colleen and Shauna – joined half-back colleague Brogan on the scoresheet, with O’Donovan and the excellent O’Reilly also finding the range.

A persistent McGlynn added a late point for Sylvester’s to ensure they finished the game in high spirits and with five games in total to be played in this league, there will be chances for them to build ahead of their forthcoming championship campaign.

Whereas Syls were due to back in action last night at home to Castleknock – Dublin Intermediate Ladies’ Football Championship finalists in 2020 – Brigid’s will face Na Fianna at St Mobhi Road tomorrow evening (throw-in 7.30pm).

MATCHFILE

ST BRIGID’S . . . . 2-15

ST SYLVESTER’S . . . . . 1-3

SCORERS – St Brigid’s: L Mullins 1-2, L O’Reilly 0-4, C Newell 1-0, E Gribben 0-3, N O’Donovan 0-2 (2f), C Barrett, C Brogan, S Barrett, E Farrell 0-1 each. St Sylvester’s: K O’Sullivan 1-0, A McDonnell, E Sullivan, S McGlynn 0-1 each.

ST BRIGID’S: T Carolan; S Hinkson, N Jacob, Z O’Brien; C Barrett, C Brogan, S Barrett; E Farrell, E Gribben; R Moran, L O’Reilly, A Ryan; N O’Donovan, L Mullins, C Newell. Subs: E Curtin for Farrell, E Connolly for Newell (both 39), K O’Neill for Moran (45), Moran for Mullins (55).

ST SYLVESTER’S: L Murphy; M Cowley, A Meaney, R Canning; C Bryan, D Lawless, C Fitzpatrick; A McDonnell, K Tanner; G Twomey, E Sullivan, L Ryan; K O’Sullivan, S McGlynn, K White. Sub: C Fox for O’Sullivan (h-t).

MENTORS – St Brigid’s: D Smith, J Brogan, K Murphy, B Carroll. St Sylvester’s: A Cooke, P Hickey.

REFEREE: G Donegan (Trinity Gaels).

WIDES – St Brigid’s: 15 (9+6). St Sylvester’s: 4 (3+1).

CONDITIONS: Bright and sunny.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Louise O’Reilly (St Brigid’s).