Corca Dhuibhne 3-12, Laune Rangers 1-08
On a cold, dull evening at the beachside pitch in Gallarus, the Laune Rangers Senior Ladies made the long trip west to face Corca Dhuibhne in the opening round of the Corrib Oil Senior Club League Division 3.
Laune Rangers got off to a promising start, with Ailbhe Clifford opening the scoring and setting the tone for a competitive first half. Defenders Riadh O’Sullivan and Andrea Nolan were outstanding, putting in strong tackles and reading the game well. Up front, Nicole Moriarty was clinical, converting a number of frees to keep the visitors within touching distance.
Corca Dhuibhne’s physicality began to show as the half wore on. Their dominance around the field gave them a platform to attack and they made the most of it with two first-half goals. At the break, they held a 2-6 to 0-8 advantage.
In the second half, Corca Dhuibhne pushed on and took full control. Their forwards, particularly Céití Ní Lúing and Sibéal Ní hOgáin were in fine form accurate, lively, and difficult to contain. The home side added a third goal and continued to pull away on the scoreboard.
Laune Rangers fought to the end and were rewarded in the final minutes with a well taken goal by Nicole Moriarty, capping off a strong personal performance. However, it was too late to change the outcome.
Final Score: Corca Dhuibhne 3-12, Laune Rangers 1-08.
While the result didn’t go their way, Laune Rangers showed plenty of grit and determination, particularly in the first half. With standout contributions from Moriarty, O’Sullivan, Nolan and Clifford. The team will take valuable lessons from the defeat as they focus on bouncing back in the next round of the Corrib Oil League.
Corca Duibhne: Doireann Ni Shiúrdáin, Sarah Ni Hallaráin, Mairead Ní Chiobháin, Siobhàn Ní Chuanaigh, Beth Bambuire, Cliona Ní Conchúir, Sabhdh Ní Shlattara, Ciara Furlong, Caoimhe Nic Eoin, Katie Ní Conchúir, Ceiti Ní Lúing, Hannah Ní Gearailt, Sibeal Ní Hogain, Caroline Ní Dhubhda, Niamh Ní Hullachair, Grainne Ní Chinbhain, Marie Eilis Nic Gearailt.
Laune Rangers: Sarah O’Connor, Sarah Patton, Andrea Nolan, Laura Patton, Sarah O’Brien, Riadh O’Sullivan, Jacquelyn Owens, Rachael Evans, Kayleigh McGlashan, Sophia Doherty, Ailbhe Clifford, Aine Hassett, Nicole Moriarty, Fodhla Houlihan, Sally McGillycuddy, Ciara Horgan