Downey’s goal the difference as Roscommon U-16s reach All Ireland final

Roscommon 2-16 

Armagh 1-16 

And breathe!

Roscommon’s U-16 LGFA team have managed to defeat Armagh and secure the county’s first All Ireland final berth at this age grade since 2015 following a sensational three point win over an Armagh side chasing a third successive All Ireland U-16B title.

In the end, Roscommon were full value for their triumph. An heroic defence and a razor sharp attack meshed beautifully for them to stage a famous ambush. There were heroes all over the field in primrose and blue but ultimately it was Isabella Downey’s 74th minute goal that proved the difference maker.

The Pádraig Pearses clubwoman had seen goal chances go abegging, but when the tireless Clodagh Finneran played her through in the final period of extra time, Downey produced a rocket of a finish to the back of the net.

A Katie Conroy free put Roscommon four up and even though Gemma Marsden cut the gap to three in injury time, Tommy Keane’s side didn’t allow their foes to touch the football again as they secured an All Ireland final showdown with Laois.

Armagh quickly went about showing their threat as after just five minutes, Eabha Loughran’s piercing run ended with her being upended for a penalty.

Abigail McMahon stepped up and saw her penalty kiss the inside of the post before crossing the line. However, Roscommon responded impressively as a tap over Aisling Kennedy free helped Tommy Keane’s side ease themselves into the contest.

Anna Kelly and Katie Conroy helped Roscommon restore parity at 0-3 to 1-0 before the water break. Armagh almost netted seconds after the resumption of play as Grace Barron’s restart was cut out but excellent scramble defence by Saoirse Scott and Ciara Carroll helped ensure McMahon’s fierce drive travelled just wide.

Roscommon continued to frustrate their foes as Armagh kicked seven opening half wides and converted just three of their 14 scoring chances. Meanwhile, Tommy Keane’s side were much more economical.

Conroy (free), Éabhanna Sheridan and Kelly arrowed over while Kennedy was denied a goal following an excellent team move but she had been dragged back and tapped over a routine free to help Roscommon lead 0-7 to 1-2 at half time.

Armagh started the second half in blistering fashion as four points in a nine minute spell, three by Cara O’Hanlon saw Armagh surge in front. Roscommon answered back through Éabhanna Sheridan and Kennedy (free) but a Gemma Marsden effort left Armagh 1-7 to 0-9 ahead at the water break.

Grace Barron produced a tremendous stop to push Aimee Reid’s effort over the top and Roscommon made use of their keeper’s action as Katie Conroy bundled the ball over the line for a Roscommon goal in the next attack.

The two sides continued to trade blows as Kerrin Darby appeared to kick the winner for Armagh. However, Roscommon responded and Isabella Downey fired over on the hour mark when played through by Conroy.

There was further drama as Katie Canning was sin binned but Brianna Magee’s long range free dropped wide as the sides were deadlocked at 1-11 apiece at the sound of Maggie Farrelly’s whistle.

Roscommon returned to the full compliment at the start of extra time with sin binnings not carrying over to extra time. However, Armagh continued to push the pace as they led 1-15 to 1-14 at half time.

There were encouraging signs for Roscommon with Downey seeing a goal chance flying over in the first period. Next time she would punish Armagh to the maximum.

A Finneran score tied the game before the Four Roads woman teed up Downey for a brilliantly taken goal. Finneran was felled for a Conroy free and even though Marsden hit back, Roscommon kept their cool on a hot and humid evening to secure a sensational triumph.

*Full report in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald*