Silvermines claim League success

Silvermines Under 17 Ladies Football team travelled to Monroe on Saturday to take on Sliabhnamban in the County League Division 2 Final.

The girls got off to a bright start playing with the aid of a stiff wind. The midfield duo of Emer Tuohy and Emma Coleman were impressive from the off and pushed forward to pile the pressure on the opposition goals. With an obvious hunger to win, the girls dominated possession, however the shooting boots weren’t firing on all cylinders. Overpassing, loss of possession in key areas and delayed shots, led to the girls leading by a mere point after ten minutes.

This point seemed a turning point as forwards Ellen & Niamh Cunneen, Sarah Madden, Eileen Gleeson, Katie Costello and Rachel Shanahan turned the screw to help Silvermines lead 2-3 to 0-2 heading towards half time when they conceded a late goal.

With just a four point lead turning to face the wind in the second half, concerns may have risen for the desired result. Yet again the girls were first to react and scored the first point of the half.

 

The opposition then took charge for the next 15 minutes and reduced the lead to just two points.

Kiara Harty as always produced another stand out performance in goals, with some great saves in the dying minutes and accurate kickouts throughout the game. In front of Kiara, Kate Cavanagh, Katie Grace and Michelle Sage were showing their excellence with tenacious tackling and spirited defending. Their efforts were aided by captain of the side Annie Ryan who led the team from the back.

One of the highlights of the game was the Silvermines’ defensive skills shown to its true potential by full back Leanne Ryan and centre back Katie Murphy. The introduction of Isabell Farnan swung the tide in our favour with one of her first touches finding the back of the net. The attacking prowess of the midfield duo and forwards was another delight to watch with swift passing and movement of the ball absolutely jaw dropping.

Mary O’Brien and Naoise Hoolahan entered the game to bolster the side for the last push towards the line.

Emma Coleman converted a penalty and should have had one or two more to convert but the referee didn’t reward the girls for their efforts. Orla Maher came from the bench to add fresh legs to the attack, before the Silvermines girls ran out comfortable winners in the end, 4-6 to 1-6.

Silvermines have a bright future as dual players and are worthy champions at such a high grade after just three years in the club with some of these girls only starting this year.