Ladies Football Final v Sarsfields
Ladies Football Final v Sarsfields
October 10, 2019
Division 2 Final October 2019
Naas 2-05
Sarsfields 2-09
On Saturday 5th October ,Hawkfield was the venue for an enthralling game which was witnessed by all the enthusiastic Naas and Sarsfields supporters, who braved the elements. This division 2 final was played in very inclement conditions but credit to both teams, this did not detract from a very determined and spirited performance by all the players. It was a very keenly contested encounter with the more experienced team emerging victorious on the day and deservedly winning the Division 2 League Title.
Naas enjoyed the best of the exchanges in the opening few minutes. Two goals were scored in quick s succession courtesy of Elena Prendergast and Lisa Shaw. This dramatic start was the dream start for the young Naas team, affording them a six points advantage but Sarsfields summoned up all the experience as a Senior team and Molly Price contributed two points to cut the deficit to four points. Naas duly responded with points from Laoise Dunne and Niamh Bergin to restore the Naas advantage to six points but a Jessica Nolan goal left only three points separating the two teams at half-time on a score line of Naas 2-04 and Sarsfields 1-04.
The second half was eagerly awaited by all those in attendance and Sarsfields opened the scoring with a superb long range free converted by Orlagh Judge to reduce the Naas lead. The play was end to end with great commitment from both sides but another Sarsfield goal gave them the lead which they refused to relinquish in spite of the pressure exerted by the Naas forwards who registered further scores. In the closing stages of the game, Sarsfields consolidated their lead but this gallant Naas team continued to compete in every position to the final whistle. On this occasion, Sarsfields were worthy winners as their experience and accuracy contributed to their victory. The young Naas team can take many positives from this match as they were very competitive and showed immense determination and maturity throughout the match. This has been their second consecutive league final and this experience will certainly stand them in good stead for next season. Sarsfields will ably compete in Division 1 next year while Naas will make a determined bid to win the Division 2 Title. This match certainly encapsulated all the positive aspects of Ladies’ Gaelic Football ; sporting spirit, skill and pride in the club.
Naas: Aisling Kelly, Aisling Archibold, Maria Doyle, Kate Coffey, Leah Mc Cormack, Rachael Corrigan, Kelly Perkins, Deirdre Doyle, Niamh Bergin, Caoimhe Maher, Lisa Shaw, Áine Conway, Elena Prendergast, Laoise Dunne, Bríona Hoban, Caitlín Hayes, Fiona Trant, Aoibheann Woods, Aoife Mc Carthy, Sadbh Farrell, Kelly Riordan, Ellen Lynch, Louise Murphy, Shannon Doheny, Ciara Breslin, Roisín Gallagher, Amy Balfe, Aisling Dempsey and Alex Antolovi. Aoibheann Woods for Elena Prendergast, Fiona Trant for Áine Conway and Aoife Mc Carthy for Leah Mc Cormack.
Sarsfields: Orlaith Dempsey,Anna Lawless, Brooke Dunne, Fran Mc Ghee, Gemma Hartnett, Aishling Browne, Jessica Nolan, Ciara Morris, Shauna Kendrick, Molly Price, Claire Fox, Elaine Keogh, Emily Aulsberry, Noelle Earley, Orlagh Judge, Eimear Dempsey, Emma Lyons, Katie Betts Symonds, Molly Cassidy, Sadbh Mc Donnell, Emma O’ Reilly, Roisín Dempsey and Clodagh Clancy.