Match Report: Donal Curtin Division 3 Final Fossa V Laune Rangers
Venue: Milltown
A thrilling contest unfolded in Milltown, where Laune Rangers and Fossa clashed under ideal conditions. The well kept pitch matched the quality of play, as both sides displayed intensity, skill and attacking flair. Although Laune Rangers started brightly, Fossa’s speed and sharp shooting earned them a deserved 2-12 to 1-09 win.
Laune Rangers began on the front foot, with Saoirse O’Shea registering the opening score. Ciara O’Brien quickly followed with an excellent point, putting Laune Rangers 0-02 up. Their link up play and pressure were effective early, with Fodhla Houlihan and Nicole Moriarty involved in key plays.
Fossa responded calmly -after an early wide, Lucy O’Sullivan pointed to get them off the mark. Laune Rangers missed a chance to pull further ahead but they narrowly missed a shot under pressure.
Moments later, Fossa struck a crucial blow as Rachel Wallace found the net with a well taken goal. Despite two superb saves from Sarah O’Connor in the Laune Rangers goal, Fossa continued to pile on the pressure. Points from Melissa Buckley, Lily O’Shaughnessy, and Lucy O’Sullivan put Fossa in control.
Laune Rangers added scores through Nicole Moriarty and Fodhla Houlihan, but Fossa’s fast paced attacking and sharp shooting allowed them to finish the half strongly.
Halftime Score: Fossa 1-07 (10), Laune Rangers 0-05 (5)
Second Half
Fossa began the second half as they ended the first, with Ava O’Neill converting a free, and further points from Lucy O’Sullivan and Shelly Clifford. Laune Rangers missed an early opportunity to close the gap.
Nicole Moriarty continued her strong form, landing a lovely point to keep Laune Rangers in it. But Lily O’Shaughnessy added another Fossa score extended their lead again.
Caoimhe O’Sullivan showed explosive pace after coming off the bench, with continuous bursts through the middle showcased Fossa’s depth and speed.
Still, Laune Rangers battled on. Ciara O’Brien added two more points, showing her leadership and skill in attack. Laura Patton and Orla O’Brien helped push Laune Rangers forward from the back, while Rachael Evans linked play well through midfield.
Fossa added their second goal late in the game, pushing the scoreline beyond reach.
But fittingly, Ciara O’Brien capped off a stellar individual display with a composed finish to the net a deserved goal and reward for her tireless performance. Fossa Finished with an another well taken point.
Full Time: Fossa 2-12 (18) – Laune Rangers 1-09 (12)
Laune Rangers: Sarah O’Connor, Laura Patton, Sophia Doherty, Andrea Nolan, Riadh O’Sullivan, Orla O’Brien, Sarah O’Brien, Rachael Evans, Kayleigh McGlashan, Ciara O’Brien, Fodhla Houlihan (C), Saoirse O’Shea, Áine Hassett, Ailbhe Clifford, Nicole Moriarty, Sally McGillycuddy, Jacquelyn Owens, Lucy Knight, Sara Leslie, Ciara Horgan, Sarah Patton, Eabha Dolan, Laura Leslie, Aisling O’Connor, Lucy O’Donnell, Ellie Memery, Erin Murphy, Megan Gillespie, Kate Costello, Meadhbh Johnson.
Management Team: Terence Houlihan, Brian Gannon, Pat Gallagher, Pat Piggot, Selina O’Connor (FLO), Physio – Calvin Tegan
Fossa: Anne O’Shaughnessy, Sara Sheehan, Amy Moriarty, Iseult Conlon, Aoife Kissane, Anna O’Reilly, Grainne Kelleher, Lucy O’Sullivan, Erica McGlynn (C), Ava O’Neill, Rachel Wallace, Anna Clifford, Melissa Buckley , Lily O’Shaughnessy, Shelly Clifford, Substitutes : Seodhla Colleran, Emily Buckley, Faye Lynch,, Naoise O’Connor, Ciara Griffin, Caoimhe O’Sullivan, Kelsey Cummins, Sophie Dennehy, Alison Butler, Fiona Kissane, Tara O’Sullivan, Ciara Quirke, Jodie Sheehan, Laura O’Sullivan, Aoife O’Keeffe, Molly Collins
Management Team: Peter O’Shaughnessy, Mick Buckley, Donal O’Doherty, Céline O’Sullivan, Karen McGlynn (FLO)