Laune Rangers 1-10, Cromane 3-10
The first round of Kerry LGFA’s County League took place on Friday evening with a local derby between Laune Rangers and Cromane in Killorglin. Laune Rangers were without a few experienced Senior players on the day, although there was still 20 available for selection.
Fodhla Houlihan opened the scoring with two early points, while Sarah O’Connor pulled off a great save at the other end. Cromane were gaining momentum though, and scored points through Roisín Griffin (2), Eimear Burke (2) and Cora Joy. Another good save by Sarah O’Connor was followed by a Mary Kate Smith point for Cromane, before Cromane struck for their first goal through Cora Joy. With fifteen minutes played, the visitors led by 1-6 to 0-2.
Mairín Duffy added another point for Cromane before both sides were reduced to 14, with players sent to the sin bin. Aoilbhe Clifford (free), Sara Leslie & Meadhbh Johnston all pointed for the home side while an Eimear Burke point was followed by Cromane’s second goal through Roisín Griffin. The returning players from the sin bin were back on the field less than a minute when the Cromane defender committed another foul and was given her marching orders for the rest of the game. Fodhla Houlihan pointed the resulting free to leave eight between the sides at the break.
Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-6, Cromane 2-8.
Fodhla Houlihan (2) and Aoilbhe Clifford reduced the deficit for Laune Rangers at the beginning of the second half, but Eimear Burke followed up a pointed free with Cromane’s third goal albeit after Sarah O’Connor had pulled off a couple of fine saves. With fifteen minutes to play, Cromane led by 3-9 to 0-9.
Roisín Griffin pointed another for Cromane before Laune Rangers scored a goal of their own with a super finish by Fodhla Houlihan. A pointed free by Fodhla Houlihan was the final score of the game, after a second half that saw another Laune Rangers player and two more Cromane players yellow carded.
Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-10, Cromane 3-10.
Laune Rangers:- Sarah O’Connor, Lucy O’Donnell, Andrea Nolan, Milly Foley, Erin Murphy, Rachael Evans, Orla O’Brien (capt), Kayleigh McGlashan, Meadhbh Johnston (0-1), Sophia Doherty, Laura Leslie, Joanne Fox, Sara Leslie (0-1), Aoilbhe Clifford (0-2, 1f), Fodhla Houlihan (1-6, 4f). Subs: Áine Hassett, Isabella Doherty, Niamh Doyle, Olivia Moriarty, Aisling O’Connor.
*Before the game, Laune Rangers Senior LGFA team were presented with a new set of jerseys and half zip tops for the players by new sponsor John Naughton of Flexachem Ltd.
