Eire Óg and Boyle Semi-Final
On the Saturday afternoon, 14th of September, Eire Óg faced Boyle in the intermediate semi-final played in Western Gaels pitch, Frenchpark.
The match began at 5pm, with Boyle winning the first throw in. Boyle got off to the better start, holding possession for the first five minutes which gave them a three point lead. Eire Óg’s number 4, Sinead Groarke got an early injury so Niamh Flannery was introduced to the game, wearing the number 24 shirt. It took Eire Óg ten minutes to get their first score which was scored by number 13, Rebecca Finan. Boyles defence started to struggle and Eire Óg broke away and got four more scores from Niamh Ward, Emma Hannon and Ann Marie Scally, which left the score 0-05 to 0-03 at half time.
Eire Óg won the throw in and got off to a great start with a point from number 14 Ann Marie Scally and a goal from Rebecca Finan. Boyle’s number 8, Catriona Hannmore and Eire Óg’s number 8, Rebecca Madden got sin binned for 10 minutes. Boyle showed a great work rate with a result of a goal and a point from play. The score was now 1-06 to 1-04 to Eire Óg. Eire Óg didn’t let the side down however and got through Boyle’s tough defence gaining another two points. Boyle showed that they weren’t finished with 1 more point from play, just as the two girls who were sin binned returned to the field. In the final minutes Eire Óg thought they had it but Boyle won a free 13 metres from goal and number 10 scored the final point which levelled the sides and sent the game into extra time.
Eire Óg showed their fitness from the throw in, in succession and Rebecca Finan went up the field and got a goal and point, quickly followed by a point from Meaveen Greene. Boyle never backed down and soon were right behind again when they scored 3 more points. Half time came and the score was 2-10 to 1-12 to the Eire Óg side.
The game quickly got underway again with a point for Boyle. But Boyle was a player down once again when number 8, Catriona Hannmore got sin binned for the second time. But Eire Óg finally pulled away with points from Niamh Ward and Meaveen Greene. The final kick of the game was from Eire Óg’s centre half back, Denise Ward which resulted in a goal, ending the game 3-12 to 1-12. Eire Óg was through to the intermediate County Final against Kilbride.
We wish them the best of luck in the Final from all of us in TY at St. Nathy’s College.
