Moate CS Girls go Goal Crazy

Senior A Lidl PPS Championship

By: Alexandra Roche

It was a game of two halves in Rochfortbridge today, October 20^th as Moate CS took home a well-deserved victory in their first game of Senior A Championship.

Moate had a rocky first half, as they struggled to execute scores against St Joseph’s, missing numerous goal and point chances. The teams were level at half time (3-1 to 2-4), leaving Moate very dissatisfied, as they had not demonstrated the potential of their team. However, after a stern talk at half time, Moate came out all guns blazing in the second half. The collaborative mid field duo, Megan Clinton and Anna Sheerin won the throw-up, a portent of the total domination to come. The gallant captain, Áine Gaynor pulled the team together, supporting them physically and giving encouragement throughout the match. Vice-captain, Shannon Mulvihill, shook the Rochfortbridge defence as she amassed five goals while also playing the final assist for another two. This persistent scoring was continued by her fellow teammates, Ava Cornally and Ella Grennan. Cornally set up a goal and three points as well as scoring two goals herself and Grennan set up a point. There were excellent performances from the half-back line, Hannah Doolan, Chloe Moran and Rebecca Finley as they made strong blocks while also supporting mid field and advancing play into the safe hands of Hazel Kelly and Holly Keenan. Outstanding wing-forward, Saoirse McGuinness created the illusion as if there were three of her as she covered the whole pitch for the entire game, popping up in all the necessary places at all the right times. Full back line, Clíona McCormack, Joyce Conway and Amy Murphy were tenacious and tight marking in defence, letting no easy scores past. The young u16 girls, Claire O’Donohoe, Kate Whyte, Rebecca Monaghan and Sinead Lynam made a seamless adjustment to the senior grade and showed no fear in putting up a fight.

Today’s result and team performance, when it finally clicked, leaves Moate well-positioned for their next round of championship against St Mercy’s of Ballymahon.