98's claim U11 D1 Shield with gritty performance against Clontarf

Sat 9th Nov 2009 1998 U11 D1 Football Shield Final vs. Clontarf ( Scoil Ui Chonaill)
It was a second title in three weeks for the Cuala juvenile girls section with a determined performance from the battling 98s against Clontarf to win the U11 D1 Shield. This time last year, the girls experienced how cruel sport can be, when a last minute goal by Naomh Maur depriving them of the U10 title. This year however things couldn't have been more different with the girls resolute in their efforts not to be beaten again and putting in one of their toughest performances of the season. On a showery afternoon with the Scoil Ui Chonaill pitch looking the worse for wear after hosting a number of finals earlier that morning it was a day when character and determination were the decisive factors rather than skill.

Scheduled for 2.00pm, the start of the game was delayed due to earlier matches and it eventually got underway at 2.30pm with dark rain clouds overhead. The Cuala 98s were renewing acquaintances with recent rivals Clontarf against whom we've had a number of 'robust' encounters this year. There was a cagey start to the game with both sides testing each other out and trying to get used to the slippery underfoot conditions. Clontarf drew first blood from a free, setting the tone for the remainder of the game with a sometimes over enthusiastic referee awarding a number of frees, particularly to Clontarf in this reporters view (but I would think that wouldn't I).
Clontarf definitely seemed to settle quicker but the Cuala defence was rock solid with Catherine Garner dominant in the heart of the Cuala defence. Slowly Cuala got into the game with Saoirse Gallagher taking control at centreback and it wasn't long before Cuala were level with a great point from dynamo Clara Ahern. Clontarf replied quickly with a point but just as the rain started Clara Ahern popped up for her second score to tie it all up again.

With a steady drizzle of rain, it was turning into a tough struggle with both teams tackling hard and conditions weren't conducive to a fast attacking game. Most of the play was around the middle third of the field and both defences were very much in the ascendancy. Mid way through the half however came one of the turning points of the game when Cuala scored 3 unanswered points in a 5 minute spell to put them in the driving seat, 2 great scores from full forward Clodagh Sheehan and another from ace markswoman Blaithin Lane. Clontarf did pull a point back in the closing minutes however leaving it a 2 point game at half time, Cuala ahead by 5 points to 3.

The rain stopped as the girls took the field for the second half in determined mood. It was Clontarf however who again started the brighter with a point from another dubious free 5 minutes in. The score seemed to lift Clontarf who now started to dominate possession. 10 minutes in and it was all square and there were worried looks among the large Cuala support. The game was now in the melting pot and both sides had chances before the second turning point of the match when Siobhan Ni Chuill settled Cuala's nerves with a magnificent point from well out the field. The score seemed to energise the Cuala girls who now seemed to sense victory was within their grasp and they piled on the pressure. Anna Moran came close with a good effort and then Blaithin Lane coolly slotted over a free to put Cuala 2 ahead. For a moment there was a flashback to last year's final and a sense that we were in for a long closing few minutes but the Cuala supporters needn't have worried as the girls really took the game by the scruff of the neck and there was no way there were going to be beaten by any last minute goal this year. With Hannah O'Dea out of goal and bolstering the full back line Cuala kept their nerve and if anything grew in confidence, highlighted by an audacious back heel flick from Blaithin Lane to set up another Cuala attack. Clodagh Sheehan further eased the Cuala supporters nerves with her third point of the day in the dying minutes to put us 3 in front and the finishing line in sight. For the final few minutes the girls played like their lives depended on it and there was no way they were going to let it slip now. At the final whistle the scoreline read Cuala 0-8, Clontarf 0-5, a relatively low scoring encounter but an exciting and full blooded encounter all the same.

The girls were noble in victory showing what good winners they are. There were no noisy scenes of wild celebration from the Cuala girls as team captain for the day Saoirse Gallagher lifted the trophy in front of the large Cuala contingent and some probably reflected back on last year when we were on the losing side. There were plenty of photos afterwards however and the girls were in celebratory mood by the time they returned home to Cuala for pizzas and refreshments.

On the day all 24 girls played their part. Hannah O'Dea, playing in the unusual position of goalkeeper for most of the game was as reliable as ever pulling off a number of good stops to prevent any goals. She also steadied the full back line when she moved out of goals at a critical time during the second half. Eleanor Moore and Alice Eaton were brilliant in the corners marking the Clontarf forwards out of the game while, Catherine Garner was solid as a rock with a number of her trademark clearances, bursting out from defence to launch the ball up the field. Niamh Collopy was having a storming game at half back before she had to unfortunately leave the field with a shoulder injury. Julia Healy and Sorcha Barron also impressed with tenacious displays in the Cuala defence. Saoirse Gallagher played a captains role at centreback where she dominated throughout and helped launch a number of Cuala attacks. Eve Martin and Sinead Murphy did likewise at centrefield and centreforward showing great determination and energy. The Huggard twins, Lasariona and Billie Kate (thankfully wearing different coloured shorts to distinguish them!) were fantastic at half back and centrefield where they never stopped running all day. Up front Holly Heffernan showed why she is one of the most improved players this season with a great performance where she was ably assisted by Blaithin Lane (whose Brazillian soccer style backflick late in the game was one of the highlights for this reporter!) and Cuala's own human dynamo Clara Ahern who certainly had her Weetabix before the game as she never tired or slowed down for the full 60 minutes. Full forward Clodagh Sheehan was once again our top scorer with 3 great points and with her up front Roisin Ni Chroidheain, Grace Hazley and Leah Brady all gave totally committed performances for the team playing great games. Siobhan Ni Chuill was another to impress up front with another display of total commitment to the Cuala cause and she rounded off her performance with a magnificent point from well out the field at a crucial stage in the game. Anna Moran didn't let a recurring injury keep her out of the action and she played very well when coming on and was unlucky not to have got on the scoresheet in the second half. Cliona Dorman and Derval Madden also didn't disappoint when coming on and again impressed with their efforts and 'new girl' Aoife Galligan also played her part coming in during the second half and showing that she is settling in very well to this Cuala team. As usual a brilliant team effort all around.
Cuala 0-8 vs. 0-5 Clontarf (HT 0-5 vs. 0-3)
Cuala Scorers: Clodagh Sheehan (0-3), Clara Ahern (0-2), Blaithin Lane (0-2) (1F), Siobhan Ni Chuill (0-1)
Team: Hannah O'Dea, Eleanor Moore, Catherine Garner, Alice Eaton, Lasariona Huggard, Saoirse Gallagher, Niamh Collopy, Eve Martin, Billie Kate Huggard, Holly Heffernan, Sinead Murphy, Blaithin Lane, Clara Ahern, Clodagh Sheehan, Roisin Ni Chroidheain, Siobhan Ni Chuill, Julia Healy, Grace Hazley, Sorcha Barron, Leah Brady, Anna Moran, Cliona Dorman, Dervla Madden, Aoife Galligan

Finally, well done again to Barbara, Donal and all the 98 parents who have helped with the team during the year. Hopefully this win helps make all the effort worthwhile.................................