This article is from page 75 of the 2011-08-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 75 JPG
Shannon Gaels 6-12 – Clooney/Quin 2-05 at Coolmeen
OUSTANDING performances from Susan Neylon and Carmel Bohannon were instrumental as Shannon Gaels eventually captured the county intermediate title on Saturday when they defeated Clooney/Quin at windy Coolmeen.
Clooney/Quin, playing against the elements, dominated the opening twenty minutes and thanks to goals from Marie Halpin and Nicole O’Riordan as well as a pointed free from Jessica O’Neill in between, they led by 2-1 to Ger Corry’s point, the opening score of the game. But Shannon Gaels, who had lost the last three finals in this grade, didn’t panic and three points in quick succession from Sarah Bohannon (free), Croidhe Glynn and Ger Corry saw them narrow the gap to three before there was a few minutes stoppage to treat the injured Deirdre Murphy and Helena Flanagan following a collision.
When play resumed the Gaels got going and had four unanswered sores in a matter of a few minutes. First Sarah Bohannon pointed her second free before Michelle Madigan had an opportunity to rattle the Clooney/ Quin net when she soloed through but kicked her shot straight at Meghan Kitson. Next came the crucial score of the game. A goal from fullforward Carmel Bohannon who had received the assist from her daughter Sarah and this score put Shannon Gaels in front for the first time 1-5 to 2-1. And when Ger Corry added another soon after, it stretched the lead to four. Before the break, Carmel Bohannon and Jessica O’Neill from a free traded points and so it was the Shannonsiders who went in with a four point advantage at 2-6 to 2-2 when Michael Fitzgerald blew the half-time whistle. The lead could have been more had the winners been sharper in front of goals shooting seven wides in the opening half.
Given the strength of the breeze, the lead was small but credit to the winners, they played the better football in the second half. Their backs as a unit played very well particularly Mary Ruth Neylon, Helena Flanagan and the outstanding Susan Neylon at centre-back while Serena Carmody, who was unlucky to lose her footing for a goal in the first half, found her teammates well from kick-outs.
Shannon Gaels had the title in the bag with just over ten minutes of the second half played. The experienced Carmel Bohannon, holder of nine senior championships with Fergus Rovers, blocked down a Gemma Hassett clearance and made no mistake when she banged home her second goal. Orlaith Duggan who had a fine hour replied with a point. Five minutes later Bohannon completed a hat-trick and now her side led by 46 to 2-2. An injury to Clooney/Quin goalkeeper Meghan Kitson forced her off. Team captain Gemma Hassett reverted to guard the goals with Gemma McEvoy coming into the team. Next it was the turn of Croidhe Glynn to raise a green flag for the winners with still almost 20 minutes to play.
From here to the finish Shannon Gaels dominated. County underage star Carla Behan, who was introduced for Edel Dillon, chipped in with 1-1 while further points from Croidhe Glynn, the Bohannons and substitute Charlotte O’Shea sealed a fine win.
Deirdre Murphy, who pointed twice in the second half, and Aisling Corbett played well at midfield for Clooney/Quin but it was Shannon Gaels who deservedly claimed the title.
After the game County Board Chairman Johnny Hayes presented the cup to Shannon Gaels captain Carmel Bohannon much to the delight of all involved and the large crowd of supporters. She thanked the panel for their commitment to training and thanked all who had been involved with the team over the last four years with special mention for this years management of Brian Bermingham, Marie Moloney and Enda Coughlan. Carmel, who was the game’s top scorer with 3-3 from play, was also presented with the playerof-the-match award.
Shannon Gaels now go on to play the Waterford champions in the Munster Club Quarter Final on Saturday, Sept 10 the same day that Doonbeg will be in Munster Junior Club action against a Kerry side.
Shannon Gaels
Serena Carmody, Eilis Moran, Maryruth Neylon, Imelda Kennedy, Helena Flanagan, Susan Neylon,Adrienne Nugent, Colette Corry, Kate Curtin, Croidhe Glynn (1-2) , Sarah Bohannon (0-3 2f), Michelle Madigan, Edel Dillon, Carmel Bohannon (3-3), Ger Corry (1-2)
Subs
Carla Beehan (1-1) for Dillon, Hazel Baumann for Nugent, Emer Nugent for G. Corry, Grainne Howard for Glynn, Charlotte O’Shea (0-1) for Madigan
Clooney/ Quin
Meghan Kitson, Marie Hehir, Gemma Hassett, Marie Begley, Emma Sheehy, Aishling Hannon, Siobhan Lee,Aisling Corbett, Deirdre Murphy (0-1), Mary Kate Moloney, Jessica O’Neill (0-2f), Orlaith Duggan (0-2), Nicole O’Riordan (1-0), Rebecca Kennedy, Marie Halpin (1-0)
Subs
Gemma McEvoy for Kitson (inj), Hannah O’Brien for Kennedy, Michelle Canny for Hehir, Cora O’Grady for O’Riordan
Referee
Michael Fitzgerald (Clondegad/Ballyea)