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Mitchels hold nerve to take title A four-point margin
was enough for John Mitchels as they defeated Holloway Gaels in an absorbing
Ladies Club Final at Pairc na hÉireann on Saturday.
A first-half goal from Anne-Marie Creegan sent Mitchels on their way but
a second-half onslaught from Holloway almost brought about parity.
Mitchels hit the ground running with a free from half-forward Naomi O’Hagan
before Fiona Magee’s strong run was rewarded with the midfielder’s
first score of the game.
Holloway signalled their intentions with a good score from Aisling Clifford
before a Ciara O’Malley free levelled matters. Mitchels benefitted
from some slick passing skills and midway through the first-half the opening
goal came when a strong run from Creegan was ended by a thumping shot
past Bridget Browne.
O’Hagan landed another score with the outside of the foot. Two Helen
Salmon frees brought some much-needed respite for Holloway before the
break but with the gap at four points the Gaels had it all to do.
They set about that task in reasonable fashion through O’Malley’s
good score from distance but Mitchels had one hand on the trophy as they
were awarded a penalty five minutes into the half.
Unfortunately for O’Hagan her strike landed the wrong side of Browne’s
crossbar. O’Hagan made amends with a dynamic run and finish to stretch
the lead to six before two superb Joanne Hackett points cemented the margin.
Yet Holloway came back through Clifford’s well-taken strike. Two
further points from Anne Marie Dargan reduced the deficit to three points
but with time running out Mitchels etched out one more score from Creegan
to record a four-point victory securing the Championship in the process. |
