Watergrasshill 6-7 Erin’s Own 5-9
On Bank Holiday Monday we travelled to Caherlag to take on Erins Own in the East Cork final. A large crowd of Watergrasshill supporters were present to witness a great game of football served up by two very talented and sporting teams who were willing to run themselves to a standstill in their quest for victory, with goals galore, end to end football and a nail biting finish where we were victorious by a single point.
From the throw in it was obvious both sets of forwards were on top. We were coming under serious pressure conceding a few early goals, twenty mins into the game we were eleven points in arrears. Things were certainly not looking good for us at this stage.
However this team who were hurting bad from a one point defeat in the quarter final of the county earlier in the season were not going down without a huge fight. With a rearranged defence which saw Avril Heffernan drafted from corner forward to defence where she excelled for remainder of the game.
Ellen Fitzgerald had an outstanding hour at no six cutting out numerous attacks and clever distribution of the ball. She was flanked by Olivia Lehane and Niamh Sweeney who both had excellent games also distributing the ball very intelligently.
From here on we held a very tight reign on the Erin’s Own forwards only conceding five points for the remainder of the game. Emily O’Shea reliable as ever in goal grew in stature as the game went on, picking out her team mates with kick outs. Niamh Sheehan, Hannah Fitzgerald and Mary Sheehan were now winning their battles in the full back line. We also now started to show our potential in the forward line putting their defence under pressure.
Ciara Sheehan soloed through the Erin’s Own defence to score a cracking goal. Claire Murphy was hauled down for a penalty. Jayne Fitzgerald and Cliona Cronin scored goals to leave six points separating the teams at the interval.
There was no sense of panic in the team talk at half-time with mentors having confidence in the girls’ ability to make a comeback. Shortly after the throw in Jayne Fitzgerald raised another green flag and now only three point separated the teams and game definitely on again.
The remaining twenty five mins were played at a frantic pace. Captain Arlene Fouhy must have covered every blade of grass in Caherlag in limiting Erin’s Own most dangerous player Niamh Murphy who had won an All-Ireland medal with Cork earlier in the year. Her midfield partner Katie Hegarty as usual had a very influential game working tirelessly for the hour helping out in defence and setting up many attacks.
With our forwards now on top Cliona Cronin tapped over a few lovely points. Maeve Sheehan was making probing runs through their defence. With ten mins remaining Jayne Fitzgerald showed coolness way beyond her years stepping up with her fourth goal of the game. Leanne Loftus kicked over a point to bring us level.
Two mins later Erin’s Own went one up again. With six minutes remaining Cliona Cronin levelled the game with a free from an acute angle. With the game in the melting pot entering the last five mins the girls’ greater fitness told. Katie Hegarty kicked over what proved to be the winning point still three minutes to endure.
If ever a defining moment came in this game with two mins left Niamh Murphy was bearing down on goal, Hannah Fitzgerald sensed the danger and made what can only be described as a perfectly timed match winning block down.
From this we transferred the ball up field and retained possession to the final whistle. The referee’s final whistle was met with scenes of great joy by players, mentors and supporters alike. The cup was presented to our outstanding captain Arlene Fouhy.
Team: Emily O’Shea, Rebecca Ryall, Hannah Fitzgerald, Mary Sheehan, Olivia Lehane, Ellen Fitzgerald, Niamh Sweeney, Arlene Fouhy (captain), Katie Hegarty, Maeve Sheehan, Cliona Cronin, Ciara Sheehan, Avril Heffernan, Jayne Fitzgerald, Claire Murphy, Niamh Sheehan, Leanne Loftus, Annie Cummins, Christine O’Flynn, Ciara Collins, Alison Bergin and Chloe O’Connell.
Mentors: Coach Ger Sweeney, indoor trainer Norma Buckley, Angela Fitzgerald, Dinny O’Leary and Sean Hegarty.
We would like to thank Watergrasshill Hurling Club for the use of the pitch throughout the year and Calor Gas for their generous sponsorship.
