Laune Rangers travelled to Fossa on Saturday evening where conditions turned out to be ideal for football.
Rangers settled the quicker, with early confident, well taken scores from Ailbhe Clifford and Ciara O’Brien. Fodhla Houlihan added another with a well struck free, giving them a three point lead. Fossa were lively but wasteful in front of goal until Shelly Clifford opened their account with a fine point.
Against the run of play, corner back Seodhla Colleran struck for a crucial Fossa goal, putting the home side ahead for the first time. With Erica McGlynn increasingly dominant in midfield, Fossa added further points through Ava O’Neill and Melissa Buckley, leaving the halftime score:
Fossa 1-6 – Laune Rangers 0-5
The second half began with Fossa enjoying plenty of possession, though they struggled to convert their chances early on. Anna Clifford eventually opened the scoring with a point, before O’Shaughnessy and McGlynn continued to add to the tally.
Laune Rangers kept battling, with young talents Sarah O’Brien and Sarah Patton impressing in defence and attack, showing bright promise for the future.
Despite their efforts, Rangers couldn’t turn pressure into scores, while Fossa pushed on with increasing confidence. In the last quarter of the game, Rangers captain Fodhla Houlihan was rewarded for her hard work when she buried a fine goal to lift her side’s spirits. However, Fossa responded immediately, another point from McGlynn followed by a decisive second goal sealed the contest.
The final whistle blew with the scoreline:
Fossa 2-10 (16) Laune Rangers 1-5 (8)
For Laune Rangers, it marked the end of their campaign, but they leave the championship with plenty of positives to build on, and with a young squad that promises much for the future. For Fossa, it was a strong performance that sees them advance to the County Championship Junior A Semi-Final.
Fossa: Anne O’Shaughnessy, Fiona Kissane, Amy Moriarty, Seodhla Colleran(1-0), Grainne Kelleher, Naoise O’Connor, Lucy O’Sullivan, Anna O’Reilly, Erica McGlynn(1-3), Ava O’Neill(0-3,1f), Lily O’Shaughnessy (0-2,1f), Anna Clifford(0-1), Melissa Buckley (0-1), Ciara Griffin, Shelly Clifford, Jodie Sheehan, Iseult Conlan, Emily Buckley, Sara Sheehan, Aoife Kissane, Rachel Wallace, Sophie Dennehy, Caoimhe O’Sullivan, Tara O’Sullivan, Kelsey Cummins.
Management: Peter O’Shaughnessy, Mick Buckley, Celine O’Sullivan, Donal O’Doherty.
FLO: Karen McGlynn.
Laune Rangers: Sarah O’Connor, Riadh O’Sullivan, Andrea Nolan, Sophia Doherty, Ciara O’Brien(0-1), Orla O’Brien, Sarah O’Brien(0-1), Rachel Evans, Kayleigh McGlashan, Laura Leslie, Ailbhe Clifford (0-1), Saoirse O’Shea, Áine Hassett, Fodhla Houlihan(1-1), Nicole Moriarty(0-1), Laura Patton, Jacquelyn Owens, Sarah Patton, Sally McGillycuddy, Ciara Hogan, Aisling O’Connor, Kate Costello.
Management: Terence Houlihan, Brian Gannon, Pat Gallagher, Pat Pigott.
Medic: Calvin Teahan.
FLO: Selina O’Connor.
A Word of Thanks
On behalf of Laune Rangers LGFA Committee, we would like to say a huge thank you to the senior ladies management team: Terence Houlihan, Brian Gannon, Pat Pigott, and Pat Gallagher for their commitment and dedication to the Senior Ladies Team over the past three years.
They have laid the foundation for potential success and started the girls on a journey with great possibilities. Their leadership, guidance, and expertise have been invaluable. The club is excited to see what the future holds for the ladies, and as a club are very grateful to them all for their contribution.
The committee would also like to extend its sincere thanks to the senior ladies team sponsor, Flexachem.
The club is deeply grateful for your incredible generosity and ongoing support. Your sponsorship and belief in the ladies team has made a significant difference, and we truly appreciate your commitment to helping us grow and succee