Young Rebels lose in capital
U21 LADIES FOOTBALL
Daire Walsh
DUBLIN……………………………………………… 3-17
CORK…………………………………………………. 0-10
THREE first half goals paved the way for Dublin’s success in Portmarnock yesterday afternoon, as Cork suffered a 16-point defeat in the Aisling McGing U21 Ladies’ Football Championship.
Joe Carroll’s charges still have a semi-final to look forward to in this competition next weekend, but following a surprising loss to Meath in their previous encounter, they will be need to produce a strong response when they renew acquaintances with the Royal County.
The Rebelettes squad was somewhat depleted for their trip to north Dublin, and with just five minutes gone on the clock, they were facing into a seven-point deficit. Eabha Rutledge found the net from close-range, and after Dublin skipper Carla Rowe converted a 30-metre free, full-forward Siobhan Woods secured a second goal for the hosts.
A fine point from Mourneabbey’s Maire O’Callaghan got Cork on the scoreboard but Dublin’s advantage was soon extended to nine points.
With inside forwards Laura Fitzgerald and Aine Terry O’Sullivan contributing a combined total of 0-5 to the cause, Cork managed to reduce the gap to six in the latter stages of the half but the Sky Blues held a commanding 3-6 to 0-7 lead at the interval.
Rowe moved the hosts in front after the break but another point by the athletic O’Callaghan did break this scoring sequence, and her club compatriot Fitzgerald was also on hand to swap scores with Dublin midfielder Sarah McCaffrey (sister of senior men’s star Jack).
Unfortunately, this was as close as Cork came to reining in the challenge of Dublin.
The industrious Fitzgerald did add her sixth point with 12 minutes remaining but that turned out to be their final score as Dublin progressed to the decider in style.
Scorers for Dublin: Eabha Rutledge, Niamh Ryan 1-2 each, Carla Rowe 0-4 (2f), Siobhan Woods 1-1, Oonagh White 0-4, Sarah McCaffrey 0-2, Niamh Rickard, Ciara McGuigan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Cork: Laura Fitzgerald 0-6 (4f), Maire O’Callaghan 0-2, Elaine Scally, Aine Terry O’Sullivan 0-1 each.
DUBLIN: Emer Ni Eafa; Aoife Curran, Muireann Ní Scanaill, Leah Caffrey; Martha Byrne, Deirdre Murphy, Olwen Carey; Molly Lamb, Sarah McCaffrey; Niamh Ryan, Leah Mullins, Niamh Rickard; Eabha Rutledge, Siobhan Woods, Carla Rowe.
Subs: Oonagh White for Mullins (37), Ciara McGuigan for Rutledge, Kate Fitzgibbon for Rickard (both 57), Katie Murray for Woods (61).
CORK: Seadna O’Sullivan; Aoife Walsh, Sinead Cotter, Marie Ambrose; Shauna Kelly, Roisin Phelan, Meabh Calahane; Maire O’Callaghan, Gemma Cashman; Claire Byrne, Laura Crowley, Elaine Scally; Elaine Crowley, Aine Terry O’Sullivan, Laura Fitzgerald.
Subs: Aoife O’Sullivan for E Crowley (half-time), Laura O’Brien for Byrne (55).
Referee: Colm McManus (Meath).