Laois U16s have reached this year’s Leinster B Final following a convincing win over Carlow today in Park Ratheniska GAA.
Laois started off well with Laura Malone opening the scoring for Laois after 5 mins. Malone converted a penalty which was won by Kate Dowling to give Laois an early three point lead. Orlaith McEvoy followed this up with another point from play after 10 mins after Mia Delaney’s free dropped short and Dowling’s rebound shot was blocked.
Jessica Horan caught the ball cleanly from the Carlow kick out, Dowling ran towards goal to set Horan up to put another point on the scorebaord for Laois. At the 15 min mark, Delaney convereted her first score after Hanna Luttrell made a direct run through the Carlow defense. Laois kept the pressure on Carlow, with Luttrell’s shot saved after a big hand from Carlow’s #1. Laois failed to score for the remainder of the half, but Aoife Mullins made a huge save and Aine Conroy pulled off a superb block to keep Laois ahead at half-time. Carlow’s only score of the first half came from their wing back Laura Mahon. The half-time score didnt flatter Laois for their brilliant effort – HT Laois 1-4 Carlow 0-1.
At the start of the second half, Delaney continued Laois’ scoring and Conroy made a run up the wing to score a brilliant point. Half-way through the second half, Malone scored two points in a row – one from close range followed by an excellent long range shot. Delaney continued the scoring flurry with another point. McEvoy added another point from Laois following great link-up play from Dowling and Delaney. Delaney then added her fourth point of the game.
Laois made five subtitutions in the second half in quick succession – Molly Fitzpatrick, Clíona O’Flanagan, Sarah Cunningham, Molly O’Reilly and Aifric Hennessy entered the fray. Fitzpatrick, O’Flanagan and Cunningham were very strong in their running going forward, bringing energy for their side at a crucial point in this game. Molly O’Reilly and Aifric Hennessy scored the next two points in quick succession, with two well-taken scores. Carlow’s Ella Corcoran got her side’s second point of the game shortly after. Malone rounded off an excellent Laois performance with her final point. FT Score Laois 1-14 Carlow 0-2.
Often in reports like this, the defensive contributions are missed and Laois’ defense has to be acknowledged today. Lily Brophy was tenacious in her tackling, out in front of her player on every occassion. Sarah Burke and Lucy Whelan solidified that full back line and made every Carlow attack difficult for the visitors. Mullins in goals was calm and flawless in her kickouts and pulled off some excellent saves in the first half. The half-back line including Samanta Stalbe and Aine Conroy was immense – they fought for every ball that came their way. The two Kara’s – Phelan and Powders were absolutely phenomenal today. They made countless blocks, tackles and supporting runs for their team. Chelsey Dooley’s defensive contributions from wing forward were admirable and her ability to link play from defense to attack was incredible.
Laois now advance to an U16 B Leinster final in two weeks time.
Team: A Mullins (Killeshin), L Brophy (St. Joseph’s), L Whelan (C) (St. Brigid’s), S Burke (Sarsfields), S Stalbe (Portlaoise), K Phelan (Portlaoise), A Conroy (Clonaslee St. Manman’s), K Powders (Portlaoise), J Horan (Ballyfin), H Luttrell (St. Conleths), M Delaney (Park Ratheniska), C Dooley (Killeshin), K Dowling (St. Paul’s), O McEvoy (Sarsfields), L Malone (Killeshin). Substitutions: M Fitzpatrick for J Horan, C O’Flanagan for C Dooley, S Cunningham for A Conroy, M O’Reilly for O McEvoy, A Hennessy for M Delaney.
By Aoife Langford Sat 18th Apr
