February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Na Fianna 2-8, Rockland 0-3
Conditions were excellent at the Rockland Pysch Center field last Sunday for the Sean Faherty Championship quarterfinals.
In the first game Na Fianna emerged victors over Rockland. Both teams took a while to settle into the game, which remained scoreless for the first 10 minutes before Na Fianna put the first one over. From then on Na Fianna dominated the game, showing their determination to win a place in next week’s semifinal against Cavan.
While Rockland tried hard, they were out played on this occasion.
For the winners, best were Ann Ryan, Alison Leyden, Helena Campion, Orla Doyle and Mags Ryan.
For Rockland, best were Colleen McElroy, Ann Marie Maye, Pauline O’Connor, Sharon Aiello, Jen Miami and KerryAnn Galvin.
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Na Fianna scorers: Ann Ryan 1-1, Jeanine Rynne 1-0, Orla Doyle 0-3, Alison Leyden 0-1, Michelle Davis 0-1, Helena Campion 0-1, Yvonne Rabbit 0-1.
Rockland: Sharon Aiello 0-2, AnnMarie Maye 0-1.
Players of the game: Mags Ryan (Na Fianna), AnnMarie Maye (Rockland).
Leitrim 1-15 Monaghan 1-3
There was little doubt that Leitrim were the favorites for this quarterfinal challenge against Monaghan and they didn’t disappoint. Monaghan have shown great improvement this season and had a wonderful opportunity to set the stage for an interesting game when they were awared a penalty early in the first half. But things didn’t go as planned as Sandra Swinburne’s shot went to the right and wide. Several further attems at scores were unsuccessful. Leitrim, on the other hand, made use of their possession, chalking up points by the impressive trio Moira Grogan, Maureen O’Driscoll and Clare Tracey.
They were soon in the lead by 5 points. Monaghan held their composure thanks to some excellent play from their backline and soon got back two well-earned points from Norma McCarthy and newcomer Honor O’Brien to end the half.
A Siobhan Donovan point opened the scoring in the second half to put four between them and renewed hope for Monaghan. However, there comes a time when a game appears surely to be lost and this came when Teresa Meade put the ball in the back of the net. From that score it was a walk in the park for Leitrim with a continuation of points that left the game clearly in their hands. Monaghan fought to the final whistle and were rewarded with a goal from Varina Carey who found the top corner of the net.
A couple of other scoring chances in the final couple of minutes were missed.
Best for Leitrim were Clare Tracey and Maureen O’Driscoll, who had a strong all-round effort in the forward line. Moira Grogan commanded the middle of the field and Paula Burke had a excellent hour in the backline.
Monaghan can finish their season with the heads high. They have some fine players in Catherine Flood, Marie Flood, Siobhan Donovan, Sandra Swinburne, Maudy Lynn and Honor O’Brien and with some continued effort can see their status improve next year.
Leitrim scorers: Clare Tracey 0-4, Pat Meade 0-2, Teresa Meade 1-1, Maureen Driscoll 0-4, Moira Grogan 0-2, Eibhlish Dineen 0-2.
Monaghan: Norma McCarthy, Honor O’Brien, Siobhan Donovan 0-1 each, Varina Carey 1-0.
Players of the Game: Clare Tracey (Leitrim), Catherine Flood (Monaghan).
Previews
The New York women head to Rockland Psych Center field on Sunday, July 23, for semifinals of the Sean Fahety championship. Anyone making the trip will certainly
be rewared with plenty of action as the teams battle for a coveted places in the final, which will be held Aug. 6 in Gaelic Park.
Cavan and Na Fianna open the action at 1:30 p.m. Cavan have remained unbeaten this season and already have the Ann Kearney Cup in their possession. The double is on the cards. Although their panel of players this year is not the biggest, they put on a terrific display of football each time they step on the field. Sharpshooters Rosie O’Reilly, Catherine McAteer and Gillian Bennett have been in top scoring form and will hope for this to continue through the remainder games.
Na Fianna have their work cut out in this one. However, they have been playing well together and will hope for things to go their way on this occasion looking to continued good performances from Alison Leyden, Ann Ryan, Orla Doyle, Helena Campion, Caroline Conway-Bogue, Marie Curran and Cathy Galvin.
Mayo have yet to put their name on a cup and are hungrier than ever this year when they take on Leitrim at 3 p.m. They have built a strong panel, with great performances from veterans Ellen McGrail, Fiona Ward, Joanne McKenna, Sharon Gallagher, Collette McGoldrick, Mary Toolan and newcomers to the side Denise Dunion, Nollaig Cleary and Shauna McGirr. They will hope to take their place in the Sean Faherty Championship final for the first time.
Leitrim, however, will have other ideas, hoping to put their name on the Sean Faherty Cup for the first time also. They have been a close second on a few occasions with Cavan putting a damper on their attempts. They made the Ann Kearney Cup final earlier this year and will hope to overcome Mayo on Sunday to make it to a second one. They look impressive with great performances from Ann Holland, Joanne Hoenninger, Moira Grogan, Clare Tracey, Maureen Driscoll and Eibhlis Dineen and, hopfully, will have Colette McElligot and Mags Dineen back from injuries to strengthen their forces.