Stunning comeback clinches All- Ireland ladies title

Editorial Department • Published 26 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Sarah McCausland celebrates after scoring her third goal.

Fermanagh 5-08; Waterford 3-11

Fermanagh’s Under-16 ladies team pulled off a remarkable come back to claim their first All Ireland title in Offaly, on Sunday afternoon. At half time the Erne ladies were seven points adrift and were under severe pressure from Waterford. But a late second half rally by the Fermanagh girls saw them close in on an eleven point margin and pull this game back in their favour for a most memorable victory.

In the first half Fermanagh could only manage 2-01 against the Waterford girls who were firing on all cylinders. Fermanagh Captain Joanne Doonan led from the front hitting 1-01 in the first half. The second goal came from Maura McDonald after some good work from Doonan and Aine McManus.

Katie Whyte netted Waterford’s first goal on ten minutes and points from Clodagh Walshe and Aoife Hannon gave Waterford an early lead. Whilst Fermanagh did fight back it was Waterford who finished the half strongest with Walshe, Hannah Landers and Aoife Whyte all tagging on points.

As the game entered injury time in the first half Fermanagh were dealt a late blow. Referee Mags Doherty awarded a penalty to the Waterford girls. Clodagh Walshe converted the penalty kick to leave the score 2-06 to 2-01. Waterford were oozing confidence and Aoife Whyte struck with two late points to extend their lead.

Fermanagh introduced Aine Warnick at half time and moved Shauna McCausland into corner forward. The Erne ladies were left shell shocked within a minute of the restart though after Waterford’s Fiona Morrissey struck with a goal. Katie Whyte gave Waterford an eleven point lead after three minutes and the signs looked ominous for Fermanagh.

A terrific long distance free kick from Danica Beatty lifted the spirits within the Fermanagh team. Joanne Doonan added to this with another point and Fermanagh were starting to dominate proceedings. Sarah McCausland was unlucky not to get a goal in the 40th minute, her shot narrowly missing the target. Minutes later McCausland was to the fore again and had the ball in the back of the net only for it to be disallowed after she was deemed to have fouled the keeper.

Waterford extended their lead further before Fermanagh stepped up their performance. With 17 minutes on the clock Sarah McCausland got the goal that previously eluded her. Danica Beatty added another long distance free minutes later, to leave the score 3-04 to 3-10.

Waterford did manage another point in the 20th minute but that was their last contribution in this match. Fermanagh on the other hand chipped away at the seven point deficit. A point from Joanne Doonan followed by a fourth goal kick-started the come back. Good work by second half substitute Briege McManus saw her skilfully float the ball into the danger area and McCausland was on hand to flick the ball into the back of the net, to leave only a goal separating the teams.

Megan McManus edged Fermanagh closer with a point before Maura McDonald left a single point between the teams. The Fermanagh supporters were now in full voice and urging the girls forward. With the game in injury time Joanne Doonan played a captain’s role as she levelled the match with a free.

Three minutes into injury time the Waterford keeper took a short kick out and the ball fell to Sarah McCausland. The lively McCausland composed herself before blasting to the back of the Waterford net to put Fermanagh in the lead. With one minute remaining Fermanagh had simply to keep Waterford away from goal and that they did, as they secured the win and an All Ireland title.

Fermanagh had great displays from numerous players including Rion Gallagher, Maura McDonald, Annette Woods, Donna Furey and Danica Beatty. Player of the Match award was deservedly awarded to Kinawley’s Joanne Doonan after a terrific display.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 Aug 10

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