Rampant Roscommon crowned All Ireland champions
The Roscommon U-16 LGFA team that have won the All Ireland U16B final
Roscommon were crowned AirNav Ireland All-Ireland U-16 ‘B’ champions as they produced a sensational display to defeat Laois at Coralstown Kinnegad GAA Grounds.
A run of 2-8 without reply in the opening half laid the platform for Roscommon to secure their first ever All Ireland title at underage level. The second half saw Laois fight back but Player of the Match Grace Barron produced three top drawer saves before late goals from captain Éabhanna Sheridan and Clodagh Finneran helped Roscommon to a seismic triumph.
Roscommon showed their early threat from deep as Aisling Kennedy tap over a free after the fleet footed Clodagh Finneran was hauled back. However, Laois carried a firm threat every time they attacked in the first quarter as they powered 0-4 to 0-1 in front.
Kate Dowling enjoyed an entertaining duel with Roscommon corner back Sophie Cox as the Laois attacker bagged two points in the opening quarter. But Roscommon gradually began to gain a grip around the middle third before completely dominating this sector of the field, which laid the platform for them to kick 2-8 without reply.
Two Katie Conroy frees and an effort from play by the Boyle clubwoman drew Roscommon level and when Cox came storming out with possession in the 17th minute, it set in motion a flowing move that ended with Kennedy slamming to the net. Roscommon were now rampant as they continued to press home their advantage with Kennedy and Conroy carrying a heavy scoring threat while Isabella Downey’s hold up play was causing Laois untold problems.
Roscommon’s second major came in the 28th minute as Anna Kelly’s point effort hit the post before Kennedy grabbed the rebound and rifled an unstoppable effort to the net. A Kennedy free rounded out Roscommon’s scoring surge and even though Mia Delaney ended her side’s 21 minute scoreless spell, Roscommon were in firm control, leading 2-9 to 0-5 at half time.
Laois came out with intent in the second half but when Grainne Coleman was denied by Barron before the Roscommon shot stopper saved Laura Malone’s subsequent penalty, it felt as if this was Roscommon’s day. Another Barron save, this time from Kate Dowling was a further boost before Sheridan netted following a sumptuous crossfield ball from Anna Kelly.
Clodagh Finneran’s late goal was the icing on top of the cake as Roscommon secured their first of what they hope is a treble of All Ireland titles with the county’s minor and intermediate teams in All Ireland finals in the weeks ahead.
Scorers – Roscommon: A Kennedy 2-4 (3f), K Conroy 0-6 (4f), É Sheridan 1-1, C Finneran 1-0, I Downey 0-2, A McGlynn 0-1 Laois: M Delaney 0-3 (2f), K Dowling, L Malone and K Conroy 0-2 each, K Powders 0-1.
ROSCOMMON: G Barron; S Cox, C Carroll, S Scott; N Burke, R Keane, L Keena; É Sheridan, K Canning; C Finneran, A Kennedy, M Hagan; K Conroy, I Downey, A Kelly.
Subs: A McGlynn for N Burke (43), S Kelly for M Hagan (53), S Dixon for L Keena (56), A Smyth for S Scott (60), I Walshe for S Cox (60).
LAOIS: A Mullins; L Brophy, L Whelan, S Cunningham; A Conroy, S Adams, K Powders; K Phelan, J Horan; H Luttrell, M Delaney, C Dooley; L Malone, O McEvoy, K Dowling.
Subs: G Coleman for O McEvoy (ht), K Conroy for H Luttrell (52), M Fitzpatrick for S Adams (58), A Hennessy for M Delaney (58), M O’Reilly for G Coleman (60).
Referee: Anthony Marron (Monaghan)
