Ladies Senior Football Final

Roscommon 1-3 Tir na nOg 3-16

Tir na nOg retained the Ladies Senior Football title with little difficulty as they overpowered a Roscommon side that battled hard but were not a match for their opponents. Tir na nOg faced little opposition all year, and as overwhelming favourites delivered the goods in emphatic fashion. In fairness to Roscommon, there was doubt as to whether the club would field a team at the start of the year, so it was a victory of sorts to be there for the final game of the season.
















Roscommon parade behind the Artane Band before the game.

Roscommon opened the scoring with a Fiona Rochford free, but Tir na nOg responded with a goal and promptly went into overdrive. The Brighton side’s interpassing and running off the ball was impressive. Midfielder Claire O’Loughlin proved to be a valuable link to the forward line. The full forward line had all scored in the first 15minutes, and with Roscommon struggling to move the ball into opposition territory the writing was on the wall early on. Arlene Maguire goaled after 6 minutes, and Amanda Brosnan added a point after a lovely move. After Emma Conlon pointed from midfield, goal number two came from Calire Hehir after a breakaway move. The scores continued to flow and on the stroke of half time the third major was put away by Maguire. Niamh Daly,Aisling O’Gorman, and Niamh O’Neill played well on the half back line for the Brighton ladies. At the half the Tir na nOg lead was inassailable.

















Aisling O'Gorman comes out of defence with the ball for Tir na nOg.

With Roscommon trailing heavily at the break the second half was a formality of playing out the time. A consolation goal from Rochford came in the second half, and Aoife Waters, Liz McVeigh and Nicola Sweeney battled to the end for Roscommon, while Tir na nOg advance to the North American Finals in search of their first County Championship.

Roscommon: B. Kelly, A. McLoughlin, J. O’Connell, D. Murphy, A. Kerr, A. Waters, L. McVeigh, B. Hannon, E. McGirr, D. Fitzsimons, F. Rochford, N. Sweeney, R. Finnegan, M. Toner, L. Ott. Tir na nOg: F. Gohery, L. Gilmore, M. Moloney, A. Kelly, N. O’Neill, A. O’Gorman, N. Daly, E. Conlon, C. O;Loughlin, E. Conlon, C. O’Loughlin, L. Breathnach, C. Hehir, M. Keane, C. Treanor, A. Brosnan, A. McGuire.

By Rory O'Donell

Ladies Senior Football Semi Final: Shamrocks v Roscommon

Boston Shamrocks 0-4 Roscommon 2-8

Roscommon put together a fine display of football in the second half to knock the Shamrocks out of the Ladies senior football championship. Roscommon have earned the reward of facing a Tir na nOg team that have looked strong all summer, but will go into the game not having played in several weeks. The Shamrocks were unable to get motoring in the forward line, while Roscommon had Fiona Rochford to thank for putting them in the drivers seat in the first half, and in the second the rest of the forwards stepped up to make a contribution.

Roscommon's Aoife Waters and Ciara Murphy contest posession.

Playing at center forward, Fiona Rochford proved to be invaluable for Roscommon, netting two goals in the first half. The first came in the opening sequence of play, Rochford beat the keeper from close range as Roscommon opened up the Shamrocks defence. The Shamrocks answered with three points as they settled into the game. Shauna O’Connor put the opening point over the bar, and Emma Harris pointed twice from frees. Roscommon dominated the latter stages of the half and outscored their opponents by a goal and two points. Rochford again was the key to Roscommon’s success. After Maeve Toner put Roscommon a point to the good, Rochford goaled a second time. Emma Harris pulled a point back for the Shamrocks, but two points from Rochford before half time put Roscommon into a 2-3 to 0-4 lead. Rochford could have had a hat trick as on two occasions she came close to netting a third. Nicole Hayward tipped one shot onto the crossbar and the second whistled past the outside of the post.

Maeve Toner tries to put a stop to Ann Marie McDonnell.

In the opening stages of the second half each side vied for the advantage. The backs were in the ascendancy as the ball traveled up and down the field, but did not make it between the posts at either end for 21 minutes. Fifteen year old Aisling Kerr and Aoife Waters did well in the Roscommon half back line while Cara McCollough held the line well for the Shamrocks. It was Roscommon who got it together for the final 10 minutes. Maeve Toner pointed in the 21st minute for Roscommon, and the score of the game came 4 minutes later. Aoife McLoughlin won the ball in the corner back position for Roscommon and after seven or eight handpasses, corner forward, Aisling Regan, fired the ball over the bar. Roscommon now led by seven points. Barbara Hannon, Regan and Toner each pointed before all was said and done. Nicole Hayward saved a penalty in the dying minutes, but by that stage the result was not in doubt. Roscommon, whose participation at the beginning of the year was in doubt, now find themselves in another final, and a formidable foe awaits in Tir na nOg.

Shamrocks: N. Hayward, B. Richards, S. Fuller, M. Morris, C. McEleaney, C. McCollough, L. Corrigan, M. Allen, A. McDonnell, S. O’Connor (0-1), C. Murphy, T. Doherty, E. Harris (0-3), R. Lowrey, B. Costello. Roscommon: B. Kelly, A. McLoughlin, J. O’Connell, D. Murphy, A. Kerr, A. Waters, L. McVeigh, B. Hannon (0-1), E. McGirr, R. Finnegan, F. Rochford (2-2), N. Sweeney, L. Ott, M. Toner (0-3), A. Regan (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

The Cup

The Cup schedule carries on next week, Sunday May 10, with the semi-finals.

There will be a new name on the Pat O'Brien Cup as holders Donegal were knocked out the first hurdle this year. The footballers of Mayo and Galway meet at 2:00 in a battle of The West, while the Boston and North American champion McAnespies meet the Connemara Gaels at 4:00.

In hurling, Tipperary and holders Tom's meet at 3:00 in the Kieran Sheehan Cup semi final, while at 1:00 the Orla Benson Cup holders, the Boston Shamrocks meet fierce rivals Roscommon as the ladies begin to it their stride.

Incidentally, the last team to win a cup and the Boston championship in the same year were Aiden McAnespies in 2007. Last year Donegal won the Pat O'Brien Cup and were beaten in the championship final, Tom's won the Sheehan Cup and had a poor hurling championship, and the Shamrocks won the Orla Benson Cup and did not figure in the Ladies football final. Some argue that the cups are a distraction from focusing on the championship, others see them as an opportunity to get more competitive games in early in the year. Few will argue that getting into a winning habit is not a good thing.

Roscommon Take First Ever North American Trophy

Roscommon 1-17 Boston Shamrocks 1-8

The Roscommon senior ladies added another piece of silverware to this year’s haul by capturing their first North American Championship. Roscommon and the Boston Shamrocks contested the Ladies senior football final. Roscommon entered as Boston champions and the Shamrocks stepped in as the second home team, and both made the final. Roscommon displayed some lovely football over the course of the 60 minutes and fully deserved their win. Coming out of the back line there was almost always a player on the move looking for the ball, and once play moved into the forward line the Roscommon forwards displayed some nice inter-passing. It did not help the Shamrocks cause that stalwart Sinead Walsh had to leave the field mid-way through the first half with what looked like and injury to the ribs. Karen Maloney lit up the scoreboard with some brilliantly taken points for Roscommon, and there were some scenes of great joy as Roscommon Captain, Laura Burns accepted the first North American trophy on behalf of the club.

Roscommon recorded a formidable score of 1-11 in the first half. A Maggie Fox goal after 7 minutes settled the side. Aisling Jennings put the Shamrocks on the board with a point from a free soon afterwards. Roscommon displayed some great shooting, notably Sligo native, Karen Maloney. The Shamrocks struggled to lift the Roscommon siege in the first half and get the ball out of their own half. Roscommon capitalized on their wealth of possession and led at the half by a score of 1-11 to 0-5. Maloney put two wonderful scores over the bar, both from the right side of the field. One was a fantastic long distance strike from play and the other from a sideline ball. The Shamrocks showed some flashes of what they can do, setting up three scores in a row for Ann Doherty, Jennings, and Mary Cullen in the final 10 minutes of the half. Roscommon, however, held a strong advantage at the break, but the Shamrocks would have a breeze in their favour in the second half.

The Shamrocks' Mary Cullen is pursued byRoscommon captain Laura Burns.

The Shamrocks made some inroads into the Roscommon lead early in the second half as they lifted their game. With the backs digging in and scrapping for every ball to deny Roscommon possession, Ann Doherty won the ball on the 65 and ran directly for goal. Doherty pulled the trigger 14 yards out and the ball struck the back of the net; the Shamrocks were back in it. Roscommon kept the pressure on. After Jennings tagged on a point for the Shamrocks, Roscommon responded with three points on the trot. Caroline Benson scored the first, and again, Maloney kicked a sideline over the bar and almost immediately afterwards followed with a great score from play; Roscommon were now back in the ascendancy. The Shamrocks kept up the fight to try and turn the tables. Another goal chance came – and went. Doherty was fouled in the penalty area and Jennings’ placed shot came back off the post. The Shamrocks added a point from a Jennings 21-yard free, but Roscommon finished the game as strong as they started, with three points in a row and few could argue that the Rossies did not deserve their first North American championship.

Shamrocks: M. Harrison, S. Killeen, S. Boylan, C. Greir, J. Branigan, J. Rock, J. Donnelly, S. McHugh, C. McEleaney, S. Walsh, Ann Doherty (1-1), L. Purcell, K. Rohan, Aisling Jennings (0-6), Mary.Cullen (0-1). Roscommon: N. Kavanagh, L. Burns, J. O’Connell, P. Bourke, Kyla McManus (0-1), J. Rogers, Jackie Mulligan (0-1), E. McGirr, I. McNulty, Karen Maloney (0-11), Caroline Benson (0-1), Sharon McGovern (0-2), Maggie Fox (1-1), D. Murphy, F. Claffey. Sub: Saline Reynolds (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football Final - Roscommon Steal the Show

Tir na nOg 1-7 Roscommon 1-8

Roscommon pulled the rug from under Tir na nOg at the very last minute with a late goal to steal the Ladies senior football championship. With Tir na nOg leading by two points everything changed as Roscommon scored two minutes into injury time to claim the Ladies Junior Title.

Tir na nOg enjoyed a healthier dose of possession than their opponents in the first half and held a four point lead at the break. The forward line displayed some great passing and registered some fine scores. A goal from Lisa McAleer mid way though the half put Tir na nOg in the drivers seat. With Roscommon leading by three points to two, McAleer put an excellently placed shot inside the foot of the far post to put Tir na nOg ahead. Tir na nOg put the Roscommon back line under pressure and registered three more points before half time through Grainne McClean and McAleer. Karen Maloney got one back for Roscommon before the half time whistle to make it a Tir na nOg four point lead at the break.

The Tir na nOg back line shone in the early going as Roscommon endeavored to turn the tables. Winning high balls, blocking kicks, and competing well, Tir na nOg frustrated Roscommon’s forwards. There were a couple of stoppages for heavy challenges that required the intervention of the physio as neither side was willing to give an inch. Colleen Barrett put the Brighton side five to the good, and Claffey cancelled her point. After 17 minutes of play in the second half the difference between the sides was still four points until Karen Maloney put a fine free kick over the bar from 45 yards for Roscommon.

Maloney followed with a great point from play to reduce the deficit to two points with 10 minutes to go. It was Roscommon’s turn to show some steel at the back, Laura Burns made some timely interventions. Maloney further reduced the gap to a point with a free with just one minute to go. Right after Grainne McClean put Tir na nOg two points to the good with a free Roscommon delivered a hammer blow. Roscommon swept up the field and full forward Fiona Claffey rounded her marker to shoot into the back of the net. Tir na nOg had one final chance to equalize but Maria Keane’s long range free drifted wide of the far post. When the final whistle blew Tir na nOg could hardly believe what had transpired, while Roscommon celebrated.

Tir na nOg: F. Gohery, N. Daly, C. O’Higgins, S. Bourke, D. Murtagh, D. O’Sullivan, A. Molloy, J. Moran, A. McDaid, Colleen Barrett (0-1), K. Murphy, Grainne McClean (0-4), Lisa McAleer (1-1), M. Keane, Angie Monaghan (0-1). Roscommon: N. Kavanagh, L. Burns, J. O’Connell, P. Bourke, K. McManus, J. Rogers, J. Mulligan, E. McGirr, I. McNulty, Karen Maloney (0-7), C. Benson, S. McGovern, M. Fox, Fiona Claffey (1-1), L. Harte.

By Rory O'Donnell

Finals Previews

Sunday August 24, 1:30
Ladies Senior Football Final - Tir na nOg v Roscommon

Tir na nOg have looked like contenders for the championship all year. The Brighton side suffered only one defeat during the season to the Boston Shamrocks. Tir na nOg are a strong side and have some excellent forwards. Maria Keane would be the first name that comes to mind when mentioning the Tir na nOg forwards, but there are others that can make hay for Tir na nOg. Angela Monaghan at full forward, Colleen Barrett on the wing, and Katie Murphy at center forward. Roscommon won their first game of the season last week, and have reached the final by virtue of a fine overall performance against the Boston Shamrocks. Roscommon have some powerful weapons in their arsenal in Fiona Claffey, Karen Maloney and Caroline Benson, not to mention a solid keeper in Niamh Kavanagh - which can keep them in it even if the team is not playing well. Given Roscommon's record up to last weekend, the Shamrocks may have taken them a little lightly and fell into a big hole, however, when the Shamrocks dug in Roscommon found it difficult to keep up their momentum and escaped with a one-point win. The pressure will be on Tir na nOg since they carry the weight of expectation on their shoulders, not to mention that this would be the first senior championship for the club - the first one is the hardest to win. If the Brighton side start off in top gear Roscommon could find it tough going. I'd have to favour Tir na nOg to win their first senior football championship.

Sunday August 24, 4:30
Senior Hurling Final - Wexford v Tipperary
Referee: Alan Kelly (Galway)

Wexford are going for three-in-a-row for Boston championships on Sunday afternoon. The Slaneysiders have been a mixed bag this year, starting off well, going off the boil for a couple of games, and then putting in a great performance against Brighton rivals, Galway. Wexford have some players to turn a game. Shane Hennessy in the forward line, Austin Murphy in the middle, and Joe Clarke in the half back line will be key. One name that featured prominently early on was Richie Kehoe, the Wexford county hurler who decided to spend a year in Boston, started off the season well, and even last week his performance seemed to be lacking some spark. Tipp have grown into the season and made the final with their last game of year. Some may argue that Tipp should start games a man down since twice this year they have lifted their performance following a sending off of one of their own. Tipp have some solid players in Richie Hennessy, John Coughlin, and Cronan Dempsey. Then there is the Dublin county hurler who decided to came to Boston this year, Alan McCrabbe. Like the team as a whole McCrabbe has looked more comfortable as the season has progressed and a good performance from him will be vital to Tipp's cause. With last weekend off, Tipp could get off to a slow start, and falling behind in the early going could prove fatal. Wexford would seem to have the horses to claim their third Boston championship in a row, and I'd have to say I'd expect to see the Slaneysiders ahead when the final whistle blows.

Sunday August 24 3:00
Senior Football Final - Donegal v Aiden McAnespies
Referee: Paddy Russell (Tipperary).

A contrast in styles. McAnespies have been the pace-setters this year, and at times have looked far ahead of any of their nearest rivals. In their last couple of games McAnespies have looked mortal. The return to Ireland of players of the caliber of Mark Goettsche, David Conway, and Johnny Laverty has brought the side down a peg or two, while Donegal have seen Dualtach Molloy return after a hand injury. McAnespies are the more physical of the two sides, their back line played the Shannon Blues tough and did a good job keeping the Blues forwards in check. Colm McCrory seems to have found himself in the forward line again, and last week Benny McGettigan probably had his best outing in at least 2 years. Of course there are also Declan Lally and Conor McGourty. The St. Bridgets, Dublin, clubman who is spending the summer in Boston has been an important cog in the McAnespies machine, while McGourty is a forward of the highest class. Keeping the Dublin and Antrim county players in check will be important for Donegal's chances. Donegal are a finesse team and are capable of playing some lovely football. The northerners have a good midfield pairing in Donal McNulty and Ronan McNeilis. The side's fortunes have revolved around these two and they will need to be on form for Donegal to have a chance. The question is whether Donegal's forwards will be able to cope with the McAnespies backs. Molloy, Gareth Concar, and Eamonn Murphy have been to the fore in that area of the field but may be at a physical disadvantage. The Donegal backs will also have to cope with the likes of Lally, McCrory and McGourty - a tough assignment. Donegal will need to control posession from kickouts and make McAnespies chase them in order to win. McAnespies are the safe bet if the game becomes a grind it our affair, and I'd have to go with them to make it four in a row.

Ladies Senior Football Semi-Final: Boston Shamrocks v Roscommon

Roscommon 3-11 Shamrocks 2-13

Roscommon barely made it in the end, and have their goalkeeper, Niamh Kavanagh, to thank for a superb penalty save in the dying seconds to deny the Shamrocks what would have been another famous comeback to add to their list of comebacks down the years. For most of the game it looked like Roscommon would win comfortably, but the Shamrocks staged a second half comeback with two goals in as many minutes and five points in a row to push Roscommon to the very end. The comeback fell one point short of forcing extra time and Roscommon, who won their first game of the season, make it to the final against Tir na nOg.


















Roscommon clear as the Shamrocks stage a late rally.


Roscommon got off to a great start to the game. Two goals in the first quarter put Roscommon in the drivers seat. While the Shamrocks were trying to find their footing Roscommon put on a fine display of football. Fiona Claffey and Caroline Benson each goaled in the opening period, while Maggie Fox and Karen Maloney pointed. Chances for the Shamrocks were few and far between. Aisling Jennings’ free taking got the Shamrocks on the scoreboard. By half time Roscommon led by 10 points, 2-8 to 0-4 and raised some eyebrows with their performance.

Roscommon opened the second half in full flow, and played some excellent football. Some great passing moves resulted in fine scores, a point from Karen Maloney was followed by a superb goal. Maloney fired the ball into the roof of the net after she was found running through. The result seemed inevitable. The Shamrocks began fighting back with about 20 minutes left in the game. The back line lifted their game and fought with determination for every ball; some great championship football. A goal came from Sinead Walsh, who netted following a great double save from Roscommon keeper, Niamh Kavanagh. Almost immediately afterwards Jennings added a second goal and Roscommon’s led was cut to six points. The Shamrocks now had belief, and began sending ball after ball in the direction of Roscommon’s goal. Leah Purcell pointed and four frees in a row from Jennings cut Roscommon’s lead to a point with five minutes left.

Sharon McGovern tried to rally her side to hold off the Shamrocks and won some great ball in the Roscommon forward line. Roscommon had a chance to extend their lead back to four points with the clock winding down after Erin McGirr was tripped in the box. McGirr’s shot hit the post and the rebound was sent wide. The excitement was building as the game reached it’s climax. Maloney added a point to Roscommon’s tally, the lead was now two points and in the last second the Shamrocks won a penalty, and a chance to win the game. Kavanagh made a fantastic save, diving to her left to put a well placed shot by Tara Kealy out for a ’45. Sinead Walsh got the Shamrocks back within a point, but her score proved to be the last kick of the game.


The Shamrocks almost made it back, but not quite.

As in many times past the ladies provided a great game of football, and it is Roscommon who will face Brighton’s Tir na nOg in the final next Sunday.

Roscommon: N. Kavanagh, L. Burns, J. O’Connell, P. Bourke, K. McManus, J. Rogers, J. Mulligan, E. McGirr, I. McNulty, Karen Maloney (1-5), Caroline Benson (1-1), S. McGovern (0-1), Maggie Fox (0-2), Fiona Claffey (1-2), L. Harte. Shamrocks: M. Harrisson, S. Killeen, J. Rock, S. Boylan, M. Cullen, S. McHugh, J. Branighan, M. Moolick, C. McEleaney, A. Doherty, Leah Purcell (0-1), J. Donnelly, T. Kealey, Aisling Jennings (1-11), Sinead Walsh (1-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Roscommon v Tir na nOg - July 20

Tir na nOg wing forward Colleen Barrett shoots.

Tir na nOg 2-10 Roscommon 2-5

Tir na nOg dominated the game for almost all of the 60 minutes, with a brief exception in the middle of the second half. In spite of a great start, Roscommon played second fiddle to Tir na nOg who were on top in most areas of the field. When Roscommon saw a glimmer of hope late in the second half, Tir na nOg shut the door in clinical fashion, underlining their championship credentials.
The first half was all Tir na nOg. The Brighton side put together some great passing moves and played the ball well out of defence to shut Roscommon out of it for the first 30 minutes. Maria Keane notched three points from frees and four others came from Colleen Barrett, Kate Murphy, Lisa McAleer and Angela Monaghan. Roscommon got off to a dream start with a point followed right away with a goal. However, the Rossies would go blank for the remaining 28 minutes of the half. The Tir na nOg back line were on top of their opposite numbers, and forwards looked threatening with almost every attack. Roscommon struggled to make anything happen in their favour. The brightest spot of the first half was two saves in close succession from Roscommon goalkeeper, Niamh Kavanagh, but when your keeper is producing the highlights, the signs are not good. At the half it was 1-1 to 0-7 in favour of the Brighton side.

The second half continued the way of the first with Tir na nOg looking likely winners and took their foot off the gas a little. Center forward, Katie Murphy, was in control of the forward line for Tir na nOg. Murphy goaled after two minutes of the restart to put Tir na nOg ahead by seven, Maria Keane pointed and mid-way through the half substitute Colleen Jordan made it a ten point game. It looked very much a done deal at this stage. But Rosommon hit back with a flurry of scores. Corner forward, Fiona Claffey finished the best Roscommon move of the day with a point, their first score in almost 40 minutes of play, and soon afterwards shot low into the corner of the net to pull Roscommon closer. Roscommon enjoyed a brief period of pressure, and Karen Maloney pointed twice from frees to bring Roscommon within four points, and with five minutes still on the clock there was a chance for Roscommon. Tir na nOg, however, were not in the mood for a tense finale and upped their performance. Two points dispelled any notions of a sensational finish. Colleen Barrett expertly fisted over the bar and Aimee Molloy pointed having made a run from her half-back position with time almost out. Tir na nOg had been guilty of letting opponents back into the game, not so this time as they maintained concentration until the end.

Tir na nOg: F. Gohery, B. Durkan, S. Crampsie, L. Brick, Aimee Molloy (0-1), D. O’Sullivan, S. Bourke, J. Moran, A. McDaid, Colleen Barrett (0-2), Katie Murphy (1-2), G. McClean, L. McAleer, Angela Monaghan (0-1), Maria Keane (0-4). Sub Colleen Jordan (1-0). Roscommon: N. Kavanagh, P. Bourke, J. O’Connell, L. Burns, J. McCavana, J. Rogers, C. Melia, K. McManus, C. Benson, Sharon McGovern (0-1), Karen Maloney (1-2), M. Fox, R. Finnegan, J. Reynolds, Fiona Claffey (1-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

Boston Shamrocks v Roscommon - July 13

Shamrocks 3-9 Roscommon 2-11

The Boston Shamrocks continued on their winning ways with a close victory over Roscommon in an extremely exciting game of football. The Shamrocks went in at half time down by 7 points, and replicated their performance of last week against Tir na nOg by staging a tremendous second half comeback to win by a single point.

The first half was tight in the early going with neither side getting the better of the other. After 15 minutes the Shamrocks were ahead by five points to three. Kildare’s Aisling Jennings accounted for three of the Shamrocks points, and Maria Modrick two. Belcoo’s own Sharon McGovern was in top form in the Roscommon forward line and put two over the bar, and Karen Maloney the third. Roscommon netted twice in the second quarter to take a lead going into half time. Geraldine Reynolds put both goals away, and put Roscommon into a commanding lead. Sharon McGovern pointed twice and Karen Maloney once to give Roscommon a comfortable cushion to sit on going into the second period.

Like the week before, an early second half goal brought the Shamrocks back into it, and raised some doubts amongst the Roscommon players. Aisling Jennings, who is proving to be a star on the Boston stage, was the one to put the ball away, and with one kick of the ball there were only four points in it. Maria Modrick and Jennings each pointed again, and were followed by Louise Collins, which left one point between the teams. Roscommon pulled away again through points from Fiona Claffey, Maggie Fox, and Karen Maloney, but there were still a couple of goals left in the Shamrocks. Jennings goaled to bring the Shamrocks within two points, and Reynolds scored the winner just before the final whistle. The last few weeks have shown that there is nothing between the teams in the ladies football championship. Though the Shamrocks are on top of the table and Roscommon have yet to win a game, it is all to play for.

Shamrocks: M. Harrison, S. Boylan, J. Rock, S. Killeen, L. Stephenson, S. McHugh, M. Cullen, C. McEleaney, M. Modrick, S. Walsh, A. Jennings, L. Collins, S. Kelly, T. Kealy, O. McGuirke. Roscommon: N. Kavanagh, P. Bourke, J. O’Connell, L. Burns, J. McCarron, J. Rogers, C. Melia, K. McManus, C. Benson, S. McGovern, K. Moloney, M. Fox, R. Finnegan, G. Reynolds, F. Claffey.

By Rory O'Donnell

Tir na nOg v Roscommon - June 22

Roscommon's Erin McGirr gets tied up by the Tir na nOg defenders.

Tir na nOg 2-15 Roscommon 0-10

With the rain threatening to come down Roscommon and Tir na nOg met on a humid Sunday afternoon. Tir na nOg held a four point advantage at the end of the first half, but the way the game was going, it seemed like it would be all to play for in the second period. Tir na nOg, however, took control of the game after the restart thanks to some excellent play at both ends of the field. In defence and in attack the Brighton side outplayed their opponents and deservedly ran out winners.

The game opened with a flurry of scores from both teams. Within 5 minutes Tir na nOg held a two point edge over their opponents. A goal from Ciara O’Higgins separated the sides in the early going. Roscommon played some good football to get back into the game and even things up. Points from Caroline Benson, Imelda McNulty, and Karen Maloney evened the scores. Towards the end of the half Tir na nOg reestablished their lead. Starting with some sound defence, the Brighton side ended the half with a goal and two points to put themselves in good position for the second. The goal came courtesy of Lisa McAleer. Maria Keane’d free dropped short and McAleer was on hand to fist the rebound home. Grainne McClean and Colleen Barrett each pointed to give their side the advantage going into the second 30.

Tir na nOg took over in the second half and scored seven points on the trot. Roscommon could not find their way past a resolute Tir na nOg back line, and the Tir na nOg forwards put some lovely scores over the bar. Maria Keane scored what was probably the best score of the day. Colleen Barrett made a great run down the wing, found center forward Katie Murphy inside her, who in turn passed to the open Keane who slotted over from 25 yards. At the other end of the field Fiona Gohery denied Roscommon on two occasions with point blank saves. Angie Monaghan also put in a great display in the full forward line for Tir na nOg and rounded out the scoring for the game. Roscommon did have the two goal chances and also hit the crossbar, but had they pulled anything from the game would consider themselves to have stolen it. Roscommon are zero for two, but also got off to a bad start last year and ended up champions.

Tir na nOg: F. Gohery, B. Dunkan, L. Brick, G. Treanor, S. Bourke, S. Crampsie, A. Molloy, J. Moran, Andrea. McDaid (0-1), Colleen Barrett (0-3), Katie Murphy (0-1), Ciara O’Higgins (1-0), Lisa McAleer (1-0), Angie Monaghan (0-3), Maria Keane (0-6). Subs: Grainne McClean (0-1) Ros: N. Kavanagh, P. Bourke, L. Burns, G. Halloran, J. Mulligan, J. Rogers, M. Fox, R. Finnegan, Erin McGirr (0-1), Sharon McGovern (0-2), Karen Maloney (0-2), L. Morris, Caroline Benson (0-1), Imel;da McNulty (0-2), Fiona Claffey (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell