Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg

Boston Shamrocks 3-6 Tir na nOg 0-9

Boston Shamrocks are continuing from where they left off after winning the Orla Benson Cup in June and made it two wins from two games in the Ladies senior football championship last Sunday.  The Cup winners tallied three goals, and could afford to miss a penalty, to propel themselves to victory.  

The Shamrocks took another step in the quest for their first senior championship since 2010.

The first half was well contested and at the break the Shamrocks held a two point lead, though truth be told it should have been more.  The Shamrocks took some time to find their shooting touch and several chances went awry.  Points did come from Mairead O’Driscoll, Rebecca Mongan, and Sharon McGovern, and a goal from Caoimhe Murray ensured that the Shamrocks took the break with the lead.  Tir na nOg kept themselves very much in the game thanks in large part to the accurate free taking of Chloe Ryan.
  
The second half saw Tir na nOg dig in and batten down the hatches.  Maggie Sayers and Christine O’Neill did well in the half back line, and Tir na nOg pulled within a point after Niamh Crowe and Ryan had pointed.  However, with things beginning to look like there would be a close finish in store, the Shamrocks hit with a goal from Maria Bannon who came on as a sub, and the score took some of the wind out of the sails of the Brighton team.  A penalty could have provided the Shamrocks with a sure victory well before the final whistle, but Niamh Hynes was up to the shot and saved well.

The Shamrocks, however, gained in confidence and took control of affairs.  The back line did well to stop Tir na nOg attacking forays, with Brittany Maguire, Cathy McEleaney and Ciara McCormack doing particularly well.  Points were added from Aisling Cunningham and Kiernan to see the Shamrocks to the top of the table.

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football Final: Connacht Ladies v Tir na nOg

Connacht Ladies 2-15 Tir na nOg 1-6

Connacht Ladies reclaimed the senior football championship in a surprisingly one sided game against champions Tir na nOg.  The Brighton side were without a defensive leader with Lisa Brick out injured, as well as dangerous forward Shauna Jackson.  The high point for Tir na nOg was an early Maggie Sayers goal, however from that point on it was all Connacht Ladies.  Dominant in the middle of the field and with all forwards firing on all cylinders it was pretty much all over early in the second half. 

Connacht Ladies Captain, Jane Ward, presented with the
Mickey Coyne Cup.

The game started with a bang, two in fact.  First came a goal from Maggie Sayers who finished low to the near corner, and it was answered almost immediately with a Catriona Foley goal.  Connacht Ladies held the advantage thereafter.  Midfielders Tori McLaughlin and Clara Fitzpatrick caused no end of problems for their opponents, while up front the forwards feasted on a healthy supply of ball.  Jane Ward, Aimee McGuckin, Ruth Cox, and Nicola Donnelly each accounted for scores.  Niamh Hynes was called upon to make two fantastic saves to prevent the distance between the teams from growing.

Tir na nOg ran into issues when trying to move the ball into the opposition danger zone and promising looking developments tended to come to naught.  Fiona Morrissey accounted for a point, and Niamh Daly, Sayers, and Caroline Nee tried hard to turn the tables and change momentum, but it was all with Connacht Ladies.  At the break there was a 10 point gap, 1-11 to 1-1 for the Connacht Ladies.

Celebration Time!

Tir na nOg made a better first of it in the second half, though the 10 point difference was a big ask to make up.  Chloe Ryan and Shelly Walsh pointed, however, the Brighton side labored while Connacht Ladies looked comfortable in seeing out the game.  A second goal with less than 10 minutes to go put the cap on the win, and it is Connacht Ladies reclaiming the senior football championship and going for a crack at a first North American.

Connacht:  J. McDonagh, J. Conroy, C. McNabbb, K. Lynch, C. McMahon, H. Poff, E. Hannon, T. McLoughlin, C. Fitzpatrick, A. McGuckin, N. Donnelly, R. Cox, J. Ward, C. Foley, M. Mullan.  Tir na nOg:  N. Hynes, J. Davoran, R. Stapleton, C. Kelly, N. Daly, A. Taylor, F. Ni Bhriain, F. Morissey, R. Stapleton, M. Sayers, C. Nee, S. Bannon, C. Ryan, L. Bergin, S. Walsh.

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football Semi-Final: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg

Boston Shamrocks 1-11 Tir na nOg 2-9

The Boston Shamrocks and Tir na nOg played a very exciting semi-final, a game in which either side could have won, each side gave everything, and in the end it was the narrowest of margins that separated the teams.  Tir na nOg had a seven point advantage after the first half, and the Shamrocks stormed back in the second only to fall short at the very end.

Two goals and a point separated the teams at the half time break, and each team suffered a loss in personnel to injury.  Towards the end of the half the Shamrocks’ Rebecca Kelly had to leave the field and Shauna Jackson also suffered a game ending injury, both appeared to be knee related.  Jackson had opened the scoring with a goal from a long range effort that floated into the far corner of the net, Tir na nOg off to a flying start.  Caroline Nee netted the second after getting on the end of a ball put across the face of goal by Fiona Morrissey and the Shamrocks had a lot of ground to make up. 

The Shamrocks' Sara Delahunt faces Louise Bergin.

Tir na nOg held the edge in play for most of the half, driving forward through Louise Bergin, Nee, and Morrrissey.  At the other end of the field Niamh Daly did well at wing back, while the full back line held their opponents in check.  Points came from Jackson, Chloe Ryan, Morrissey, and Rebecca Stapleton.  The Shamrocks pointed through Rebeccca Mongan, and Lisa Flynn as they generated chances, but often overplayed the ball.  At the half it was a 2-6 to 0-5 lead in favour of the Brighton side.

The second half saw the Shamrocks come back into it.  This time it was Tir na nOg who were breaking down in the opposing half of the field as Sinead Woods and Sarah Delahunt carried the game from midfield for the Shamrocks.  Four points in the trot from Brid Devlin, Delahunt, and Leanne McCrystal brought the Shamrocks within a goal of their opponents as the clock ticked away.

Alison Taylor breaks away from Ciara McCormack.

Each side defended with immense determination in the critical last 10 minutes with the game in the balance.  Lisa Brick held the fort for Tir na nOg and Bernadette Murray did likewise for the Shamrocks; either side wanted to be the one that let up.  It was up and down the field as each side went looking for that critical score, legs tired and passes went astray and the closer the final whistle came, the more it felt that either side could win it, Shamroks with a winning score or Tir na nOg with an insurance. 

It was Tir na nOg that made the breakthrough after Daly returned to the action following a spell in the sin bin.  A pointed Chloe Ryan free was followed by a hard earned Shelly Walsh point to put two scores between the teams.  Ryan’s would prove to be a critical score as in injury time Delahunt hit a goal for the Shamrocks – it came a few minutes too late.  With the kickout the final whistle sounded and it will be Tir na nOg versus Connacht Ladies in a repeat of last year’s final.

Shamrocks:  L. Burke, B. Devlin, S. McLaughlin, C. McEleaney, C. McCormack, B. Murray, A. McDonnell, S. Woods, S. Delahunt, L. Flavin, R. Mongan, L. McCrystal, S. O’Dowd, L. Flynn, R. Kelly.  Tir na nOg:  N. Hynes, J. Davoran, R. Stapleton, L. Brick, N. Daly, A. Taylor, F. NiBhriain, F. Morissey, C. Nee, R. Stapleton, C. Ryan, S. Truarsk, S. Walsh, L. Bergin, S. Jackson.

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football: Connacht Ladies v Tir na nOg

Tir na nOg 2-8 Connacht Ladies 3-8

There was a place in the final to play for when Tir na nOg faced Connacht Ladies in the Ladies Senior Football championship, though the losers would have a date with Boston Shamrocks in a semi final in two weeks time.  Connacht Ladies rode a 3 goal start to the game all the way to the end and emerged winners after a tremendously exciting second half.  Each side battled with all the determination that could be mustered, and although the gap was narrowed to a single goal, Tir na nOg could not get over that final hurdle.

Connacht Ladies Tori McLaughlin in full stride.

Connacht Ladies started the game at a blistering place and had banged in three goals before Tir na nOg had had a chance to gather themselves.  Ruth Cox netted twice, for the first Cox leaped high to slam a floated ball across the box into the net.  A second came from a high ball that dropped into the back of the net, while Jane Ward added a third to leave their opponents reeling. 

After recovering from the 3 goal salvo, Tir na nOg had the better of things in the latter stages of the half.  Lisa Brick, who lined out at full forward, netted and points went over from the boot of Shauna Jackson and Chloe Ryan.  Louise Bergin and Maggie Sayers battled hard in defence as Tir na nOg came to grips with the Connacht forward line and the Brighton side had had reduced the difference to 5 points  by half time.  The teams took the break with a score of 3-4 to 1-5.

McLaughlin chases Tir na nOg's Lisa Brick as referee Michael Dennehy keeps up with the play.

The intensity of the game picked up in the second half.  After Ward had added a point for Connacht ladies, Tir na nOg hit with a superbly taken goal.  Ryan found Jackson with just the keeper to beat and the Dubliner’s finish was stylishly curled into the bottom corner with all the aplomb of an accomplished pro.

As each defence dug in the game flowed up and down the field.  Every score would be critical at this point.  Cox and Nicola Donnelly each pointed to restore the 5 point gap between the sides, and Jackson pulled one back with a pointed free.  There was excitement aplenty as each side’s players and supporters urged each other on, and through busting veins and gritted teeth each player dug deep to try to gain the advantage over the other.  

Both teams had chances, for Connacht to put the game away and for Tir na nOg set up a grandstand finish.  Another Jackson free with a point from Fiona Morissey brought Tir na nOg within a goal, however their efforts at a equalizing goal were thwarted by some tough, uncomprimising Connacht Defending. Connacht hung on to the final whistle and have a place in the final, while Tir na nOg will face the Shamrocks in the semi final two weeks from now.

Tir na nOg: N. Hynes, R. Stapleton, M. Sayers, N. Daly, A. Taylor, L. Bergin, F. Morissey, F. NiBhriain, R. Stapleton, C. Nee, S. Bannon, C. Ryan, L. Brick, S. Jackon.   Connacht Ladies:  J. McDonagh, J. Conroy, C. McNabb, J. McDonnell, T. McLaughlin, H. Poff, K. Lynch, C. Fitzpatrick, A. Kerr, J. O’Grady, N. Donnelly, R. Cox, J. Ward, A. McGuckin, C. McManaman. 

By Rory O'Donnell 

Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg

Tir na nOg 3-9 Boston Shamrocks 3-7

Tir na nOg and the Boston Shamrocks played a very exciting game with the Shamrocks looking for their first win of the season.  They almost got it and in hindsight will look back at some wayward shooting as being their Achilles heel.  The key to the win for Tir na Nog was some great play from the half back line, as well as some great running from Louise Bergin and Rebecca Stapleton.  Tir na nOg tallied 2-6 to 2 points over the first 20 minutes of the second half during a period that was key to the game, and a great comeback effort in the latter stages from the Shamrocks fell just short.

Shauna Jackson was a driving force for Tir na nOg.

It was a competitive first half, with each side generating plenty of chances to score, and each side pulling off some timely defensive stops.  With 15 minutes played it was all square at 1-2 each before Chloe Ryan put the Brighton side ahead with a rasping shot that barely cleared the crossbar.  Shamrocks fired a warning shot shortly after, however Niamh Hynes was alert to Ciara McCormick’s close range shot. 

A goal did come a minute later when McCormick made no mistake and fired home.  Each side had chances to add another in the goals column, however Shauna Jackson’s well struck penalty shot was a shade too high and came back off the crossbar, and on the stroke of half time Anna Finnegan shot just wide.  At the break it was a 1-3 to 2-2 Shamrocks lead.

Sinead Woods tries to turn the tables in the Shamrocks favour.

The second half saw the Shamrocks go 2 for 8 with their shooting.  There were plenty of chances generated in the early part of the half, however, the Shamrocks failed to add to their advantage.  When Tir na nOg had their period on top, they made it count.  The Brighton based side started to drive through the Shamrocks defence.  Louise Bergin led a charge that resulted in a goal after a give and go with Fiona Morissey.  Bergin then followed with a point and the Brighton side were on top.  The Shamrocks struggled to clear the ball from their own half as Tir na nOg were first to the kickouts, and had their opponents pinned inside their own half.

The game took another swing as the Shamrocks took the initiative for the final stretch.  Behind by seven points the green and gold pointed through Rebecca Mongan and then won a penalty following a foot black in the penalty box.   Rebecca Kelly made no mistake and the excitement grew as there were now just 3 points in it time almost up.  Bernie Murray made it a two point game, and a final chance that fell to the Shamrocks drifted wide.

Tir na nOg: N. Hynes, R. Stapleton, L. Brick, J. Davoran, N. Daly, A. Taylor, F. Ni Bhriain, F. Morrissey, L. Bergin, R. Stapleton, C. Nee, R. Flanagan, C. Ryan, N. Horan, S. Jackson.  Shamrocks:  L. Brick, L. Larkin, S. McLaughlin, B. Devlin, G. Kelly, B. Murray, A. Finnegan, S. Delahunt, S. Woods, R. Mongan, A. Montague, L. Lavin, C. McCormick, L. Flynn, L. McCrystal.

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football: Connacht Ladies v Tir na nOg

Connacht Ladies 4-8 Tir na nOg 1-6

Connacht ladies broke the game wide open with four goals early in the second half having come up against a solid defensive wall in the first.  The first half was tight with each side playing some excellent running football, however, the westerners had banged in three goals within the first five minutes of the second half to turn the game on its head, and see them through to the win.

Tir na nOg' defended well in the first half.

Superb defending was the hallmark of Tir na nOg’s first half performance.  The full back line of Jenna Davoran, Alison Taylor, and Rachel Stapleton was outstanding, and the steady hands of Niamh Hynes also kept Connacht Ladies from netting in spite of having worked the ball inside the 21 on several occasions.  At the other end, Nicola Horan stole in behind her marker to slip the ball past Jackie McDonagh and into the net after about 10 minutes as Tir na nOg delivered the goods at each end of the field.  The teams matched each other in the points column, Connacht eventually figured out the effort from range was more likely to produce results.  Jane Ward, Catriona Foley and Tori McLaughlin on the mark for Connacht, while for Tir na nOg it was Louise Bergin, Fiona Morrissey, Sinead Bannon and Horan pointing.  The goal was all that stood between the teams at the break.

Emily Hannon tries to win possession for Connacht Ladies.

Within 5 minutes of the restart Connacht Ladies had turned the game on its head with 3 quick goals.  Aimee McGuckin stole in behind her defender and collected the ball over the top to fire home for the first, Jane Ward reached highest to punch the second one home, and Nicola Donnelly’s floated effort drifted into the far corner of the net – with an added air of good fortune.  With points added from Foley and Donnelly, all of a sudden, Tir na nOg found themselves behind by eight points.

Shauna Jackson, who entered the game as a substitute, pointed from a free after 20 minutes, Tir na nOg’s first score of the second half.  The Brighton based side had failed to take advantage of a decent handful of chances to score, both from play and from free kicks up to that point.  The result was sealed with a fantastic Connacht goal after Tori McLaughlin and Ruth Cox combined to see Foley in with just the keeper to beat, and with just minutes to do there was 11 points in it.  Tir na nOg spirits flagged, and the result was in the bag for Connacht Ladies.  Connacht ladies on top of the table, while Tir na nOg will be figuring out how to maintain form for the full 60 minutes.

Tir na nOg:  N. Hynes, J. Davoran, A. Taylor, R. Stapleton, F. Ni Bhriain, N. Daly, S. Trusiak, F. Morissey, J. Hyland, S. Bannon, C. Nee, L. Bergin, C. Ryan, R. Stapleton, N. Horan.  Connacht Ladies:  J. McDonagh, J. O’Grady, J. McDonald, K. Lynch, T. McLaughlin, H. Potts, A. Griffin, C. McMahon, C. Fitzpatrick, C. Foley, N. Donnelly, R. Cox, E. Hannon, A. McLaughlin, J. Ward.

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football Final: Connacht Ladies v Tir na nOg

Tir na nOg 3-10 Connacht Ladies 1-13

Back on Top - Tir na nOg Senior Football Champs

Tir na nOg and Connacht Ladies played a tremendous senior final.  Unbeaten this year, Tir na nOg were pushed all the way by the defending champions, who looked out of contention a few short weeks ago.  Each side dug deep when the chips were down in the second half, and it was late second half goal by Roisin Leonard that proved to be the difference between the teams in the end.

Intense Stuff in the Ladies Senior Football Final

Two Shauna Jackson goals in the opening period had Tir na nOg ahead of Connacht Ladies.  Playing at corner forward Jackson stole behind the defence on two occasions to finish well.  The first came mid-way through the half, and the second just after back to back points for the reigning champions drew them within two points.  Jenny Byrne punished fouls by the Connacht back line with five points from frees. 

Connacht were a match for their unbeaten opponents and played their best football of the season.  Catriona Smith at wing forward was especially effective, and Jane Ward showed some of the form of the past two years to keep their side in the game.  Catriona Foley at full forward showed well for the ball and when in possession looked dangerous.  Foley answered Jackson’s second goal with a well taken effort right from the kickout and at the break it was a two point lead for the challengers.

The second half saw each side fight for every ball and inch of space in an effort to gain the upper hand.  With fifteen minutes to go it was all square.  A Byrne free had put three points between the teams, but Connacht answered with three in a row.  The leveling score came from Joanne Conroy who was also found to be helping her defence soon afterwards.  Each set of defenders made enormous efforts to deny the opposing forward lines room to move the ball, full back Ellen Healy came out with the ball on a number of occasions for the Brighton side, and Connacht Ladies Siobhan Polly denied Tir na nOg scoring chances several times. Tir na nOg goalkeeper Niamh Hynes made two brilliant saves to prevent the defending champions from netting what would be a go ahead goal early in the second period.

A breakthrough came for Tir na nOg when substitute Roisin Leonard came up with a goal.  Leonard looked dangerous at times, and a high ball found her behind the defenders and the corner forward finished well.  Byrne followed with a pointed free and there was five points between the teams with five minutes to go.  Connacht attacked in force as the clock ticked towards the final whistle.  Aisling Kerr had a half chance that she got under and put over the bar and Tir na nOg held on to win their first senior championship since 2011.  That year the Brighton side fell to Mairead Farrell’s of Philly after a brave comeback in the final that fell just short.  Best of luck next weekend at the finals in Canton!

Tir na nOg:  Niamh Hynes, Niamh O’Neill, Ellen Healy, Amy Potts, Niamh Daly, Alison Taylor, Louise Bergin, Jane Moore, Ciara O’Connor, Lisa Leonard, Tessa Mullen, Sinead Bannon, Lisa Brick, Jenny Byrne, Shauna Byrne.  Connacht Ladies:  Caroline Heraty, Kelly Cunningham, Aisling Egan, Hazel Poff, Sinead Greene, Siobhan Polly, Emma Mulgrew, Claire McDonald, Joanne Conroy, Catriona Smith, Caoimhe Moran, Aisling Kerr, Jane Ward, Catriona Foley, Nora Morgan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Barley House Wolves win Junior C Hurling, Tir na nOg win Orla Benson Cup

Barley House Wolves 2-6 Portland 1-4

Barley House Wolves Captain Ray Valas.

The storied Barley House Wolves of Concord New Hampshire won the first Junior C Hurling championship held in the Northeast.  The team was formed by a unit of the New Hampshire National Guard following a tour of duty in Afghanistan five years ago.  There were some great performances for the boys from Concord. Denis Trainor pulled off some great saves in goals, and the at the other end the goals came from Rory O’Mahony. Eddie Clements literally came off the plane from Kuwait to line out at center back, and there were strong performances from Darragh Madden, Sean McCarty, and Ryan Brown. 


Tir na nOg 3-14 Boston Shamrocks 1-6

Tir na nOg completed a sweep of trophies in the ladies competiton by winning the Orla Benson Cup on Saturday.  The Boston Shamrocks put up a brave performance but were unable to match their rivals.  The Brighton ladies will be heading to San Francisco to represent the Boston division at Senior Football level and to hopefully bring a championship back to the North East.

Tir na nOg with the Orla Benson Cup.

A big Thank You to Tom Cummings for his support of the Boston GAA. You can catch Tom at WUNR 1600 AM Thursday nights from 8:00 to 10:00pm.

Tir na nOg Boston Champions Again

Boston Shamrocks 3-4 Tir na nOg 4-15

Tir na nOg were proved to be too much for the Boston Shamrocks
as they wrapped up the Ladies Senior Football Championship.

Tir na nOg wrapped up the Ladies Senior Football Championship with little fuss on Sunday. The champions hit the back of the net three times before the mid-point of the first half. Points flew over the bar from all angles. Try as they might, the Shamrocks were unable to make an impression on their opponents and the celebrations began early before heading back to Brighton for the evening.

Tir na nOg opened with a goal from Natalia Hyland, the tall center forward made and early statement of intent with the goal as she tormented the Shamrocks defence for the rest of the half. Hannah Noonan followed with a point, and the Shamrocks then pointed to make get themselves on the board. Tir na nOg took off from there. A plethora of scores over the ensuing 20 minutes signaled that the senior football championship would be destined to return to Tir na nOg. Paula McGrath and Katie Murphy each netted before half time. Tir na nOg were stronger in almost all areas of the field. Shamrocks keeper, Doreen O’Connor, had a busy afternoon and pulled off some excellent saves. The Tir na nOg half back line got in on the act with scores coming from Mairead Luttrel and Norah Kirby each stole forward for points. The one bright spot for the Shamrocks was a goal that came from Shannon Loughran following a pass from Sharon McGovern. At the half it was 1-2 to 4-9 for the champions.

Boston North East Board Chairman John Farrell presents

The Ladies Senior Football Championship Cup to

Tir na nOg captain Sinead Bannon.  Bannon is a graduate of the

Irish Sports Youth League.

The Shamrocks scored first in the second half from Trish Hasset, but then their opponents turned it on again. The gap between the sides continued to grow, Niamh McEvoy, Paula McGrath, substitute Eimear Gallagher, and Sinead Bannon pointed. The Shamrocks generated several good scoring chances in the second half, but did not meet with success converting. Center forward Karen Keenie gave the Shamrocks some reason to cheer with a goal towards the end of the half, but by that stage the Ladies in green were playing for pride. Where once Ladies Football in Boston more or less meant the Boston Shamrocks, the pendulum has swung and now it is Tir na nOg who are firm kingpins in the Northeast. The sides will meet again in the Orla Benson Cup Final at the end of August. Next up for the Ladies is the 7-a-side on Saturday afternoon. The Brighton girls will represent the North East Board at the NACB Finals on Labor Day weekend and best of luck!


Shamrocks: D. O’Connor, K. Moore, C. McGinley, J. O’Connell, J. McNulty, G. Byrne, E. Brick, E. Sherwood, S. MacKessey, D. Ward, K. Keenie, T. Hassett, S. Loughran, A McDonnell, S. McGovern. Tir na nOg: L. Brick, T. Moran, N. Keane, H. Murray, M. Luttrell, N. Kirby, S. Delahunty, H. Noonan, N. McEvoy, K. Murphy, N. Hyland, P. McGrath, C. McConnell, J. Murphy, S. Bannon.


By Rory O'Donnell

June 12 - Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg

Boston Shamrocks 4-16 Tir na nOg 1-2


Tir na nOg look set to repeat as Ladies senior football champions.  The first match of the season was very much a one sided affair. Tir na nOg were far too strong for the Shamrocks who tried hard for the duration but were no match for their rampant opponents. By the time the game had reached half time Tir na nOg had a double digit lead with no hope for the Shamrocks of coming back.

The Shamrocks put up a better second half show against
a much stronger Tir na nOg.

The Tir na nOg back line had a quiet time of it with Shamrocks attacks few and far between, while the forwards had a wealth of possession with which to do some damage. Jane Dolan, Sinead Bannon and Jenny Murphy had their pick of chances. Dolan and Murphy each found the back of the net, while points came from almost all of the forwards in the opening period. Catriona McConnell at wing forward looked impressive with some blistering runs at the Shamrocks defence. The Shamrocks had success in the second half in getting themselves on the scoreboard. Tricia Hassett and Aisling Kerr each pointed, while a goal came from Catriona McGinley at full forward. Tir na nOg win the first game on the best of five for the Ladies championship, the Shamrocks will be looking to make a better fist of it next time out.

Shamrocks: N. Hayward, S. Mulkerrin, J. McNulty, T. Doherty, A. Kerr, J. O’Connell, C. McEleaney, A. McDonnell, D. Ward, T. Hassett, S. McGovern, S. Loughran, K. Keane, C. McGinley, G. Bailey. Tir na nOg: S. Glynn, T. Moran, N. Keane, H. Murray, N. Kirby, M. Lattrell, N. Daly, N. McEvoy, N. Hyland, C. McConnell, K. Murphy, J. Dolan, P. McGrath, J. Murphy, S. Bannon.

Orla Benson Cup Final: Tir na nOg no Match for Shamrocks

Boston Shamrocks 5-13 Tir na nOg 1-4



The Boston ladies teams play each year for the Orla Benson Cup. The cup is named in memory of a young girl from county Kerry who, like so many thousands of students before and since, had spent the summer in Boston.  Orla was murdered in a playground in Allston having spent the night out with friends just before she was due to return to Ireland. This year is the 15th anniversary of her death.

The Boston Shamrocks did not give Tir na nOg
much space on Sunday.

The game itself did not come close to living up to the excitement generated by ladies finals of years past. After a one sided first 20 minutes the Shamrocks had established a 7 point lead. Tir na nOg got on the scoreboard with a Sinead Bannon free followed by a point from Emer Power. Tir na nOg could not cope with Shamrocks center forward Catriona Treanor who registered some beautifully taken points. The Shamrocks combined well on several occasions, Cathy McEleaney finished one good move, Shannon Guarge another, and Nicola Hust popped a free over the bar. Tir na nOg had a couple of wides and struck the post high on one occasion, and had these chances been taken the half-time deficit would have been much closer than the 0-7 to 0-2 in the Shamrocks favour.


After Guare and Treasa Doherty extended the Shamrocks lead, Michelle Walsh goaled for Tir na nOg. Walsh won the break from a hop ball on the 21 and fired home to reduce the deficit to four points and there was hope for the Brighton side. Unfortunately for them, the remainder of the game featured 5 Shamrocks goals as the Shamrocks shelled their opponents into submission. Ciara Murphy, Guare, Hurst, and two from Doherty near the end of the game made sure Tir na nOg would not be harboring any comeback notions. Bannon and Michelle Walsh did manage late consolation scores for the Brighton side. Shamrocks captain, Stacy O’Dowd, graciously accepted the cup and put things in perspective by reminding everybody present of the purpose of playing for the trophy, and called for a moment of silence to be observed in memory of Orla Benson.



Shamrocks: N. Hayward, N. Nugent, J. O’Connell, S. O’Dowd, A. McDonnell, N. Hurst, T. Doherty, E. Burns, C. McEleaney, T. Doherty, C. Treanor, S. Guare, G. Bailey, B. Kelly, C. Murphy. Tir na nOg: C. Kelly, E. Kelly, L. Brick, L. Gilmore, J. Davoren, T. Moran, B. Matti, A. Creegan, N. Daly, N. O’Neill, C. Hanley, S. Moran, E. Power, M. Walsh, S. Bannon.


By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football: Tir na nOg v Boston Shamrocks - Aug 8

Tir na nOg took the Boston Ladies Senior Football crown with a third win over the Boston Shamrocks.

Boston Shamrocks 1-9 Tir na nOg 4-11
 Tir na nOg retained the Boston Ladies championship in convincing style on Sunday. Any hopes that the Shamrocks had of bringing the series to a fifth game were quickly extinguished as Tir na nOg put three goals up on the scoreboard inside the first 30 minutes. The Shamrocks netted early in the second half, but notions of a comeback by the aristocrats of Boston ladies football faded with Tir na nOg’s response of five straight points.


Tir na nOg made their intentions clear in the first half. There was no evidence of complacency setting in with the Brighton side, having the comfort of knowing that there was another bite at the cherry should the day’s efforts not result in a victory. Grainne Collery, along with Aoife Waters and Andrea Bowie netted in the first 30 minutes, while Emma Conlon and the invaluable Laurie Ahern pointed three times between them. The Shamrocks mustered four points in the first period, Niamh Woods with two from play and Charlotte Delaney with two from frees.

Tir na nOg's Emma Conlon goes past Niamh Woods

With defeat staring them in the face, and an eight point deficit to overcome, the Shamrocks lifted their efforts in the second period. Laurie Ahern extended Tir na nOg’s lead with a point after the restart but the Shamrocks hit with a goal. Sinead Fadden made the breakthrough and a sliver of light shone on the hopes of the Shamrocks. Ann Marie McDonnell, Woods, and Delaney expended every effort to try and lead their side out of the hole. Delaney tallied another point, reducing the deficit to five points, and the Shamrocks had some decent chances to further reduce the deficit, but the shots drifted off the mark. Tir na nOg then choked the life out of their opponents with a five point barrage. With the back line closing off all avenues for the Shamrocks forwards, and Ahern motoring in midfield, Waters, Conlon, captain Niamh Daly, and Ahern picked off the scores. At this stage it was as good as over. Collery netted her second goal, and Tir na nOg’s fourth, in the late stages. For the second year in a row, Tir na nOg blow by the local opposition in winning the Boston crown. Next stop for the Brighton side, a return to Chicago, and the North American County Board finals. Best of luck to the girls in red and black in the windy city Labor Day weekend!


Shamrocks: K. Rosedale, J. O’Connell, C. Dolan, N. Nugent, A. McDonnell, N. Hurst, J. O’Donoghue, N. Woods (0-2), E. Burns, T. Doherty (0-1), C. Treanor (0-1), S. Fadden (1-1), G. Coyle, S. Maloney, C. Delaney (0-4). Tir na nOg: D. Kelliher, T. Moran, L. Brick, L. Gilmore, A. Waters (1-1), A. Kelly, S. Patterson, L. Ahern (0-5), L. Nerney, N. Daly (0-1), E. Conlon (0-3), A. Bowie (1-0), G. Collery (2-1), S. Bannon, C. Kelly.

By Rory O'Donnell

July 25 - Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg

Boston Shamrocks 1-4 Tir na nOg 2-17


Tir na nOg took a 2-1 lead with a fine second half performance in this best of five series for the Ladies Senior Football Championship. Leading by three points at the end of one, the Brighton based side opened the second half with seven straight points before the Shamrocks tallied a score. The Tir na nOg back line put in a superb performance in the second half, with Lisa Brick and Aisling Kelly leading the way, while up front Laurie Ahern put in a great performance.

Niamh Woods bursts upfield for the Shamrocks.

The Shamrocks played well in the opening period, but their challenge faded early in the second half. Had their finishing touch been sharper, it could very well have been the eventual losers of the game that led at half time. Treasa Doherty worked hard in corner forward, while Niamh Woods looked to be commanding the half back line. Deirdre Kelliher was a busy goalkeeper in the first half and was called on to make at least two great saves. Once from Charlotte Delaney, who never really got going all game long, and another from a well worked effort that Catriona Treanor tried to finish off. Tir na nOg proved more adept at capitalizing on their first half chances. The champions clipped three points, one from Ahern and two from Emma Conlon, while at the opposite end the Shamrocks hit two very scoreablef rees wide and another chance from play. The Shamrocks eventually got on the scoreboard thanks to a Mairead Doherty point, and Sinead Fadden brought them within a point with another well taken score. Conlon put two more frees over the bar for Tir na nOg and Niamh Coleman one, while Treanor pointed the Shamrocks last score of the half. After a closely contested first thirty minutes there was nothing to hint at the complete Tir na nOg takeover to come.

Tir na nOg took over on the second half of their encounter with the Boston Shamrocks.


It was a great second half from a Tir na nOg standpoint. Tir na nOg moved the ball well in the second half. From Brick at full back, through Kelly at center back and Laura Nerney in midfield and Conlon at center forward, Tir na nOg took complete control of the game. Tir na nOg put seven unanswered points over the bar, and after 17 minutes led by 10 points with the Shamrocks yet to score. The first half form deserted the Shamrocks, and some tight play from the Tir na nOg backs and aggressive blocking and tackling held the Shamrocks forwards in check. A point from Grainne Collery highlighted the way Tir na nOg were playing. The ball passed through four sets of forwards hands as they patiently moved the ball until finally Collery had the opening and took her score. There was a glimmer of hope for the Shamrocks after Charlotte Delaney latched on to a breaking ball to slot a goal home, but that was quickly extinguished. With the Shamrocks needing goals, it was Tir na nOg who scored them. Two goals in the final 10 minutes, one from Collery and the other from Niamh Coleman, underlined a comprehensive win for Tir na nOg. The first 3 games of the series have ended with one sided scorelines, however, I will not be surprised if the Shamrocks bounce back for the next one and we see a winner take all game later in August.


Shamrocks: K. Rosedale, J. O’Connell, C. Dolan, J. O’Donoghue, A. McDonnell, N. Woods, N. Hurst, M. Kavanagh (0-1), E. Burns, C. Treanor (0-1), S. Maloney, S. Fadden (0-1), C. Delaney (1-0), J. Norman, T. Doherty. Sub: G. Coyle (0-1). Tir na nOg: D. Kelliher, L. Gilmore, L. Brick, N. Daly (0-1), S. Patterson, A. Kelly, A. Waters, L. Ahern (0-5), L. Nerney, C. Kelly (0-1), E. Conlon (0-3), A. Cregan, G. Collery (1-4), N. Coleman (1-2), A. Bowie. Sub: T. Moran (0-1).


By Rory O'Donnell

July 11 - Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg

Shamrocks 3-12 Tir na nÓg 0-7

A blistering performance on a hot day in Canton propelled the Boston Shamrocks to a comprehensive victory over Tir na nÓg in the ladies senior football. The Shamrocks played some good passing football and controlled all but a period of the first half. Charlotte Delaney at corner forward tallied a second half hat trick as the Shamrocks ran out 14 point victors over their Brighton based rivals.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laurie Ahern gets a shot in despite Jane O'Donoghue's attempt to block.
 
 
The Shamrocks dominated the first 15minutes of the game. In spite of their best efforts, Tir na nÓg could not make any inroads getting the ball past the half way line. After Sinead Fadden and Sarah Maloney each pointed for the Shamrocks, the Dorchester side booted some good chances wide of the posts. After 15 minutes Charlotte Delaney put the Shamrocks three points to no score ahead, but in truth there should have been more points registered for the ladies in green. Tir na nÓg managed to lift the siege in the second 15 minutes of the half. Andrea Bowie made some runs down the wing and Emma Conlon came into the game more. Niamh Coleman and Conlon each pointed, and Laurie Ahern put two nice points over the bar in succession. Delaney responded for the Shamrocks and at the break the sides were level at four points each.

Andrea Bowie makes a foray down the wing for Tir na nOg.

The Shamrocks were too much for their opponents to handle in the second half. Delaney scored a hat trick of goals, one of which had an air of good fortune. After Tir na nÓg put three early chances wide, one of which could have been a goal, the Shamrocks took over the game. Catriona Dolan and Joanne O’Connell dominated the back line, and up front Delaney was on in form. Delaney finished a close range effort, Catriona Treanor pointed, and Delaney’s second goal came after an effort at a point dropped into the net. Treanor put a great individual effort over the bar, and Delaney added her third point of the day. The half was 15 minutes old before the Brighton ladies added a score, and it came from Laurie Ahern. Niamh Coleman put another over from the kickout, but the Shamrocks juggernaut would not be stopped. Delaney finished her hat trick in style with a blast to the far post from 20 yards, while subs Deirdre Kelleher and Ciara Murphy added to the points column. It was a great performance from the Shamrocks and some work will be required on the training field in Brighton if Tir na nÓg are to retain the senior championship.

Shamrocks: K. Rosedale, J. O’Connell, C. Dolan, J. O’Donoghue, A. McDonnell, N. Woods, N. Hurst, E. Burns, M. Kavanagh, J. Sloane, C. Treanor (0-3), S. Maloney (0-1), C. Delaney (3-3), S. Fadden (0-2), T. Doherty. Sub, M. Corrigan (0-2), C. Murphy (0-1). Tir na nÓg: D. Kelleher, L. Gilmore, L. Brick, A. Waters, A. Bowie, A. Kelly, N. Daly, E. Conlon (0-2), L. Nerney, A. Creegan, L. Ahern (0-3), T. Moran, C. Kelly, N. Coleman (0-2), G. Collary.

By Rory O'Donnell

Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg

Tír na nÓg 2-14 Boston Shamrocks 3-5

Tír na nÓg took up from where they left off last year and drew first blood in this Ladies senior football encounter. The Shamrocks struggled to match the Tír na nÓg midfield. Emma Conlon exerted enormous influence on the game with much of the play going through her, and showed that she is also capable of taking her own score. In the second half Laurie Ahern lifted things for Tír na nÓg and helped prevent a Shamrocks comeback.

Shamrocks full back Joanne O'Connell tries to block Niamh Coleman's shot. 

Tír na nÓg went into an early 0-3 to 0-1 lead, and after Conlon extended the lead with a well taken point the midfielder got on the end of a ball played across the face of goal to put the Brighton based side into a nine point lead. Charlotte Delaney pointed for the Shamrocks as they battled to get back into the game. Tír na nÓg however continued to motor and extended their lead further. Conlon and Grainne Collery put three points over the bar between them. The current Boston champions did not have it all their own way however. Center forward Charlotte Delaney looked dangerous when in possession and the Shamrocks struck back with a goal from Sinead Fadden who finished from a tight angle to narrow the gap. Teresa Doherty added a point from corner forward to make it a five point game. Conlon extended the Tír na nÓg lead to six with a point just before half time, and Tír na nÓg keeper Deirdre Kelliher saved well from Gillian Coyle to prevent the Shamrocks from getting any closer before the break.

Coyle did better with another goal chance just after the restart and finished a sweeping downfield move to bring the Shamrocks within two points, but some stout defending from Andrea Bowie at wing back and Lisa Brick at full back held off an early second half Shamrocks assault. Laurie Ahern, partnering Conlon in midfield for Tír na nÓg, lifted the siege with a point and followed with a second and the day looked like it would belong to the girls in red and black. After Sinead Fadden put one over for the Shamrocks, Conlon hit with a second goal. Ahern added another point. Jennifer Norman put a consolation goal away for the Shamrocks. A good win for Tír na nÓg, but based on the Shamrocks fighting display the Brighton side will not have it as easy a run at it this year.

Tír na nÓg: D. Kelleher, L. Gilmore, L. Brick, C. Donovan, A. Bowie, A. Kelly, A. Waters, E. Conlon, L. Ahern, C. Hanley, N. Daly, N. O’Neill, C. Kelly, N. Coleman, G. Collery. Shamrocks: C. Dolan, N. Nugent, J. O’Connell, J. O’Doneghue, N. Hurst, A. McDonnell, M. Corrigan, C. McGinley, J. Norman, S. Moloney, C. Delaney, J. Sloan, G. Coyle, S. Fadden, T. Doherty.

By Rory O'Donnell

NACB Ladies Senior Football Final: Tir na nOg v Fog City Harps (SF)

Tir na nOg 0-7 Fog City Harps (SF) 2-14

The Fog City Harps turned it on in the second half to claim the ladies senior North American Football championship. There was a point between the sides at the end of the first half, but a goal from the throw-in at the restart followed by a flurry of points put the west coast ladies in control, with the local side playing catch-up for most of the second half.

Tir na nOg's Niamh Daly tried to put the shackles on Gemma O'Sullivan.

Sinead Bunyan opened the scoring for the San Francisco side with a well taken point. Tir na nOg answered with back to back scores from Laura Breathnach and Emma Conlan. Harps answered in kind. It was to and fro as each side put together some good passing moves. Claire Hehir pointed in fine fashion for Tir na nOg and was followed by Sheila Moran as the scoring was spread out between the home forwards. Fog City were a match however, and Sinead Bunyan at full forward was proving to be particularly effective, pointing twice more before half time. After an evenly contested half, Harps led by a point.

The second half was a different story. Jillian Joyce was introduced and the Galway county footballer proved effective in spite of being somewhat hobbled by a knee injury. The west coast side netted right from the restart through Siobhan Dolan and followed with some quick fire points as Tir na nOg were caught off guard. The visitors kept the squeeze on and did not let their opponents free from the chokehold that they held on the game. Joyce, Dolan, and Gemma O’ Sullivan added points as the game got away from the home team. Tir na nOg eventually found their feet, but by the time they managed to put some scores over the bar it was too late. Emma Conlan, Claire Hehir, and Catriona Traynor pointed, but another goal came for Harps from the boot of Joyce. Disappointment for Tir na nOg, and a well deserved victory for a good San Francisco side.

Fog City: C. Fay, J. Lynch, C. Prendergast, K. Janiak, E. Griffen, T. Lynch, R. Fox, K. Gordon, C. Burke, G. O’Sullivan, S. Edgecomb, E. Cornelan, S. Dolan, S. Bunyan, U. Creegan. Tir na nOg: F. Gohery, A. Snee, M. Moloney, C. Kelly, N. O’Neill, N. Daly, L. Brick, E. Conlon, S. Moran, L. Breathnach, C. Hehir, M. Keane, C. Treanor, S. Bannon, A. Maguire.

By Rory O'Donnell

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: Tir na nOg v Boston Shamrocks - June 28

Tir na nOg 6-17 Boston Shamrocks 1-5

The Tir na nOg ladies senior footballers put in an impressive hour of football as they brushed aside the challenge of the Boston Shamrocks. With superior fitness and an impressive display of passing, Tir na nOg controlled the game from start to finish. A first half hat trick from Catriona Traynor put the in the driver’s seat. The Shamrocks tried hard, but struggled to compete as the game was really as good as over by half time.

Tir na nOg's Aisling Colfer in posession

Tir na nOg opened with a goal from Catriona Traynor, which was answered by the Shamrocks with two points, Jillian McGrath and Emma Harris the scorers. Tir na nOg then took off and left their opponents in the dust. Three points on the trot from the impressive Amanda Brosnan, who plays her football back home with Dr. Crokes, followed by a second Traynor goal put some daylight between the sides. When the corner forward completed her hat trick, all in the first 20 minutes, the game was over as a competition. All that was left to do was admire the Tir na nOg display and wonder whether the Shamrocks can improve enough by the end of August to catch them, or even Roscommon. Stranger things have happened on the ladies front over the years. In any case, Tir na nOg continued to put the points over the bar. The Shamrocks cause was not helped with the loss of Kathleen Rohan to an injury.

Catriona Traynor bears down on goal

Traynor, Brosnan, and Tyrone native, Emma Conlon, impressed for Tir na nOg and each brought something different to the table. Brosnan’s strength and determination made her hard for the Shamrocks to contain, Traynor’s scoring prowess makes her a huge asset, while much of Tir na nOg’s play was through Conlon in the middle of the field who showed some great passing ability. The second half continued as the first did. Arlene Maguire, Emma Conolon, and Claire Hehir also got their share of the feast of points on offer for the ravenous Tir na nOg forwards. The Shamrocks mounted several attacks, and had their shooting been better would have softened the look on the scoreboard, not to mention that the Tir na nOg back line formed a solid barrier for the Shamrocks to surmount. Jennifer Maginnis netted a consolation goal late in the second half for the Shamrocks, but at on the day, there was no way for them to contain Tir na nOg. It might be too early to be crowning champions, but it’s hard to see how Tir na nOg will be beaten unless some serious help comes their opponents way.

Tir na nOg: F. Gohery, A. Kelly, M. Moloney, S. O’Brien, N. O’Neill, A. O’Gorman, N. Daly, E. Conlon (0-3), C. O’Loughlin, A. Colfer, A. Brosnan (1-6), L. Breathnach (1-0), C. Traynor (3-1), C. Hehir (1-4), A. Maguire (0-3). Shamrocks: M. Harrison, C. McCollough, R. Lowrey, M. Lyons, S. McGrath, S. Ahern, L. Corrigan, A. Maguire, A. McDonnell, J. McGrath (0-2), E. Harris (0-2), M. Allen, J. Maginnis (1-0), S. O’Connor (0-1), K. Rohan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Championship begins

The championship starts this Sunday, May 24.

The first game of the day (1:15) features The Boston Shamrocks and Tir na nOg in the Orla Benson Cup Final, and at 2:30 the hurlers of Tipperary and Wexford contest the Kieran Sheehan Cup Final.

Christopher's and Armagh-Notre Dame open the senior football championship at 3:45 and Kerry and the Wolfe Tones play at 5:00.

Unfortunately I cannot post reports for the next 2 weeks. However, I will be back on track 2 weeks from now.

Cup Finalists Decided

Galway and Aiden McAnespies will contest the Pat O'Brien Cup Final next Sunday, May 17 at 3:00. Galway defeated western rivals, Mayo, while a strong McAnespies side defeated the Connemara Gaels 1-20 to 3-4.

Tipperary had a good win over cup holders Fr. Tom's and will face current Boston champions Wexford in the Kieran Sheehan Cup final. The Boston Shamrocks will defend the Orla Benson cup title against challengers Tir na nOg. Both games take place on Sunday, May 24 at 1:15 and 2:30.

Senior Football Championship play also begins Sunday week, May 24. At 3:45 Christopher's play Armagh-Notre Dame, and at 5:00 Kerry will open their season versus The Wolfe Tones.