Front Row L- R Niamh Mahon (0-01), Aoife McDonnell (0-01), Shona White (2-01), Sinead Murphy (1-01), Sarah Caulfield, Gráinne Ní Laoire, Alex Donoghue, Ella Lanigan McManus, Emma McLoughlin, Aoife Vaughan, Chloe Bell, Emily Sloan, Back Row L-R Adelle Flynn, Meg Ní Scolaí, Aideen Downes, Emer Ferry, Megan Carolan Flynn, Ciara Ryan, Emma Gibney, Anna Foley (0-01), Ciara McMorrow, Cliodhna Vaughan
In the final round of the Junior A Championship group stages, Trim faced a formidable St. Pats side who came out of the gates flying, notching up three early goals before Trim had a chance to settle into the contest.
Trim’s first response came from Anna Foley, who opened their scoring with a well-taken point from outside the D. However, Pats’ defence remained dominant throughout the half, covering every inch of their territory and making it difficult for Trim to find rhythm. Despite the challenging conditions and slippery ball, Trim’s backline, led by Adelle Carolan Flynn and Emer Ferry stood strong and began to steady the ship.
Excellent defensive pressure from Emma Gibney and Anna Bolger forced multiple wides from the Pats forwards. Niamh Mahon added a fine point under pressure, trimming the deficit, though the score still stood at 3-01 to 0-2 in favour of St. Pats.
In midfield, Cliodhna Vaughan and Sinead Murphy worked tirelessly to get Trim back into the game, with Anna Foley, Alex Donoghue and Megan Flynn continuing to carve out opportunities up front. Before a controversial challenge was penalised, resulting in a penalty for Pats - which they converted - and a yellow card for Trim. At the break, St. Pats held a commanding 4-01 to 0-2 lead.
HT St Pat’s 4-01 Áth Troim 0-02
Pats came out strongly again in the second half, but Trim showed real grit and determination to stay in the contest. With Trims wing backs Blathnaid Hughes and Sarah Caulfield fighting for every ball that came their way. That persistence paid off when Sinead Murphy finished a well-worked move with a cracking goal, assisted by Aideen Downes. Aoife McDonnell soon added a point from a free as momentum began to swing Trim’s way.
Fresh legs were introduced as Meg Ní Scolaí, Emily Sloan, and Ciara McMorrow brought a renewed energy to the field. Their impact was immediate but none more than Shona White who made her mark with a sensational goal which she blasted to the back of the net after winning possession inside. She followed that up with a classy point off the outside of her boot before adding a second goal to her tally - an excellent individual contribution.
Trim fought bravely to the final whistle, but the early damage proved too much to overturn. The game ended 5-04 to 3-04 in favour of St. Pats.
Despite the defeat, Trim have secured their place in the Junior A quarter-finals, which will take place next weekend. St Peter’s Dunboyne v Áth Troim Venue Dunboyne on Sunday 7th September @ 6pm
Panel Niamh Mahon (0-01), Aoife McDonnell (0-01), Shona White (2-01), Sinead Murphy (1-01), Sarah Caulfield, Gráinne Ní Laoire, Alex Donoghue, Ella Lanigan McManus, Emma McLoughlin, Aoife Vaughan, Chloe Bell, Emily Sloan, Adelle Flynn, Meg Ní Scolaí, Aideen Downes, Emer Ferry, Megan Carolan Flynn, Ciara Ryan, Emma Gibney, Anna Foley (0-01), Ciara McMorrow, Cliodhna Vaughan
