Roscommon's ship blown off course
Roscommon goalkeeper, Helena Cummins, made a number of outstanding saves during this afternoon's league final against Clare. Picture: INPHO/Tom Maher
Roscommon saved their poorest performance of the season for this afternoon’s Division Three League final in Birr as Clare made up for the disappointment of losing last year’s decider by deservedly taking the spoils in a game marred by a strong wind.
The final scoreline left two points between the teams but, in truth, Clare were much the better side, and a last-minute Aisling Hanly goal — Roscommon’s only score of the second half — put a healthier look on the scoreboard from her side’s perspective.
Ollie Lennon’s side were in a precarious position at half time. Having played with the aid of Storm Kathleen in the opening half, they could only manage to be on level terms thanks to four Laura Fleming frees.
Too much possession was squandered as Roscommon made a number of unforced errors with the elements in their favour.
On the other hand, Clare’s running game was working a treat, and it took a couple of early saves from Helena Cummins to keep the Banner ladies at bay.
But those warning signs weren’t taken on board, and a sweeping Clare move in the 16th minute ended with Ailish Considine finding the net.
Midfielder Aisling Reidy pointed in the 22nd minute, and at 1-1 to 0-4, Clare were in the box seat at the break, having also hit the post approaching the change of ends.
Roscommon held out for the first nine minutes of the second half before five Clare points inside eight minutes did the damage. Helena Cummins also made another wonderful save to just about keep her side's ship afloat.
On numerous occasions, Roscommon were the authors of their own downfall as Ailish Considine’s 39th minute point came off a Cummins kickout while, moments later, a loose pass out of defence gifted a score to impressive Clare substitute, Ciara McCarthy.
Aisling Reidy’s second point of the afternoon was sandwiched between frees from Considine and McCarthy as Clare surged five points clear with 13 minutes remaining.
But they failed to score again after missing a hatful of chances and when Hanly goaled after 59 minutes, one wondered what might have happened if the goal came a few minutes earlier.
In the end, Clare held on for league silverware, with Roscommon having to settle for the consolation of promotion to Division Two for 2025.
