Scartaglen v Laune Rangers
Ref Sharon Roche
The Laune Rangers Minor team made the journey to Scartaglen for the Minor County League Group 4 Shield Final on a day that felt more like winter than late May. Cold, wet and windswept, the match was played under challenging conditions, with a swirling breeze and intermittent showers but both teams rose to the occasion in what proved to be a thrilling and fiercely contested encounter.
Laune Rangers started strongly with Saoirse O’Shea opening the scoring with a fine point, followed by a well taken goal from Sally McGillycuddy after some slick attacking play. The visitors looked composed early on, with Ciara Doherty putting in a rock-solid performance in defence, keeping Scartaglen at bay in the opening stages.
Scartaglen soon found their rhythm, replying through Sophie Hargan and a well worked goal from Kirsten O’Connor. Millie O’Halloran added another point; captain Maggie Reardon took charge with three accurate frees and a superb point from play. The home team surged ahead as the half progressed, showing great intensity and control.
Just when it looked like Scartaglen were pulling away, Laune Rangers rallied. Aine Hassett slotted over a key point and shortly after turned provider with a pinpoint pass to Aoibhin o Sullivan, who calmly finished to the net. The late goal brought the visitors right back into the first half.
Half-time score: Scartaglen 1-07 (10) — Laune Rangers 2-02 (8)
The second half opened much like the first, with Saoirse O’Shea once again getting Laune Rangers off the mark. Maggie Reardon responded with another for Scartaglen. The wind continued to play havoc with play, leading to wides on both side. Scartaglen’s defence stood up well to waves of pressure, with Caoimhe O’Connell and Ruby Horgan particularly impressive in holding the line.
Despite their efforts, Laune Rangers eventually broke through again, with O’Shea bagging her second goal. Soon after, a foul on Áine Hassett gave O’Shea another opportunity, and she made no mistake, pointing the free.
Scartaglen were not finished yet, they struck back with two key points to bring the game level, setting up a dramatic, nerve-wracking finish that had the crowd in the stand on edge.
As Scartaglen pressed for a winner, Ciara Doherty and Jacquelyn Owen’s stood tall once more at the back for Laune Rangers, cutting out attacks with composure and leading by example. Then, deep into extra time, it was captain Áine Hassett who stepped up. With the final kick of the game, she coolly sent the ball over the bar, clinching a memorable victory for her side.
Special mention must go to the young Scartaglen team, who despite having a very small squad, had every player on the field play the full match. Their commitment, grit, and teamwork were outstanding.
This was a game full of heart, drama and quality a fantastic advertisement for underage ladies football, and a performance that both teams can be proud of.
Final score: Laune Rangers 3-07 (16) — Scartaglen 1-12 (15)
A special word of thanks to Scartaglen GAA for their hospitality on the day – a warm cup of tea was very welcome after the wintry conditions that morning.
Scartaglen: Maeve Crowley, Anna Lee Crowley, Millie Hughes, Clodagh Buckley, Laura McShane, Caoimhe O Connell, Ruby Horgan, Sophie, Mollie Mahony, Maggie Riordan, Kristen O’Connor, Millie O’Halloran and Siobhan Mahony
Laune Rangers: Lexi Guilfoyle, Jacquelyn Owens, Sarah Patton, Megan Gillespie, Ciara Doherty, Ríadh O’Sullivan, Sarah O’Brien, Saoirse O’ Shea, Aine Hassett, Sally McGillycuddy, Ellie Memery, Aoibhín O’Sullivan, Erin Dwyer, Erin O’Sullivan, Kiri McGrath, Orla Naughton, Alesha Williams, Ummi Shinohara, Eimear Murphy.