Henson goal proves decisive for Tubberclare

Tubberclare NS 3-5 An Grianán 3-4

The lead changed hands three times in the second half of this thrilling girls football Division 3 decider at TEG Cusack Park on Tuesday before Tubberclare NS eventually got their hands on the cup with just a point to spare over An Grianán NS, Mount Temple.

Goals from Cara Winters and Lexi Grady gave An Grianán the perfect start. However, Tubberclare were spirited and Ruby Flanagan scored a terrific left-footed goal to keep them in contention. A point by Cara Winters followed a nice move involving Grace O’Roarke and Lexi Grady, adding to O’Roarke’s earlier minor. Mount Temple goalie Emma McCormack got a vital touch to push Zara Henson’s shot on to the crossbar and the latter was later unlucky to see her low drive flash wide of the far post in the 13th minute.

Áine Fallon and Niamh Tynan both shot points for Tubberclare, who were right back in the game as just a goal separated the sides. In the closing stages of the first half, Winters’ powerful shot rattled the crossbar as Tubberclare survived a scare, leaving it 2-2 to 1-2 in Mount Temple’s favour at the break.

Tubberclare’s Áine Fallon pointed neatly two minutes after the restart; Emma Whittaker also shot over while ‘keeper Maria Boyce had to scramble back to clear the ball. Moments later a fine run by Zara Henson ended with a finish to the net as Tubberclare regained the lead (2-4 to 2-2). Excitement levels were growing when Lexi Grady got clear to score her second major, giving Mount Temple control with five minutes remaining.

However, Tubberclare responded in to forge ahead through an Eva Cleare goal, following Emma Whittaker’s pass. It came after Áine Fallon’s fine work to win back possession. Ruby Flanagan’s point put them three clear and while Aimee Greene (free) and Emme Fitzgerald replied with late scores, Tubberclare were narrow winners.

Grace Kelly accepted the cup from Derek Butler chairman of Cumann na mBunscol after the match.

Scorers - Tubberclare NS: R Flanagan 1-1, Z Henson and E Cleare 1-0 each, A Fallon 0-2, E Whittaker and N Tynan 0-1 each. An Grianán NS: L Grady 2-0, C Winters 1-1, G O’Roarke, A Greene (free) and E Fitzgerald 0-1 each.

Tubberclare NS: Maria Boyce, Bella Goode, Emma Whittaker, Grace Kelly, Zara Henson, Emma Keane, Ruby Flanagan, Áine Fallon, Niamh Tynan, Sarah Jane Kearns, Elsa Hunt, Heather O’Hara, Emma Quigley, Hazel O’Connell, Julia Felisiak, Grace Ganly, Ellie White, Carrie McCormack, Caoilainn Kilmartin, Eva Cleare, Amy Carey, Ciara Masters, Jess Moran, Miah Donoghue, Sarah Nolan.

An Grianán: Emma McCormack, Sarah Dolan, Tori Flynn, Grace Hallissey, Kate Corcoran, Annie Doyle, Aimee Greene, Tara Ledwith, Lexi Grady, Saoirse Lynam, Katie Claffey, Grace O’Roarke, Emme Fitzgerald, Abigail Kelly, Erin Leijen, Nemhain Doolin, Emma Buckley, Cara Winters, Emily Keating.

Referee: Michael Gordon (Shandonagh).