MONAGHAN LOSE OUT IN THRILLER TO ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS CORK
Pairc Ui Rinn hosted Round 2 of the Bord Gais Energy National League which saw a replay of last September’s All-Final decider between Cork and Monaghan and again on this occasion Cork just had enough to edge out the Monaghan girls on a scoreline of 3-11 to 1- 13.This game saw both teams go toe to toe in a battle which was in doubt up to the final whistle.
Cork got off to a bright start with Grace Kearney pointing within minutes. This was followed by another point from Centre Forward Ciara O’ Sullivan. The threat which the speedy Monaghan forward line posed soon materialised with Caoimhe Mohan finishing off a fine move with a clinical finish leaving Cork keeper Elaine Harte with no chance to raise the first green flag of the day.
The Cork girls responded well with points from Orla Finn, Juliet Murphy (free), Nollaig Cleary (free) and another Juliet Murphy (free). Caoimhe Mohan added another point for the Monaghan girls.
As the first half wore on ,Monaghan began to tighten their grip on the Cork forward line while their forwards began to find their range. Points from Monaghan girls Laura McEnaney, Caoimhe Mohan and a couple from Catriona McConnell were answered with by two points from Rhona Ní Bhuachalla and a fine point from Orla Finn.
As the half time whistle approached the momemtum swung towards the Monaghan girls who hit the front with points from full forward Ellen McCarron, Catriona McConnell and the lively Ciara McAnespie.
Cork responded with a Rhona Ní Bhuachalla point to leave just one point separating the teams at half time with Monaghan leading on a scorline of 1- 8 to Cork’s 10 points.
The second half began with a real arm wrestle as both teams strived to get that all important early second half score to help build momentum. As the intial exchanges of the second half unfolded, it became clear that scores were going to be hard to come by in a half where both defences were making it very difficult for their opposing forwards.
Monaghan came closest to making that initial breakthrough in a period of sustained pressure which saw a shot come off the crossbar and another shot rebound from an upright. Cork keeper Elaine Harte pulled off a fine reflex save while full back Deirdre O’ Reilly made another vital interception to deny the Monaghan girls.
Cork who had a number of threatening attacks of their own, finally made the breakthrough when Rhona Ní Bhuachalla got on the end of a fine move to raise Cork’s first green flag of the day.
Another goal from Nollaig Cleary followed shortly afterwards to give the Cork girls some breathing space. Three points from full forward Ellen McCarron kept Monaghan within striking distance.
Cork added another Rhona Ní Bhuachalla goal and a point from Nollaig Cleary and defended resolutely as Monaghan pressed for the scores to bridge the gap. Points from Catriona McConnell and Ciara McAnespie however were not enough on the day with the Cork girls running out winners in the end on a scoreline of 3-11 to 1- 13
Cork – E. Harte, AM Walsh, D. O’ Reilly, A. Hutchings, B. Corkery, B. Stack, A. Sheehan, J. Murphy, N. Kelly, A. Walsh, C. O’ Sullivan, G. Kearney. Nollaig Cleary R. Ní Bhuachalla, Orla Finn.
Subs L. McMahon for A. Walsh. E. Ahern for A. Sheehan, L, Cronin for Orla Finn.
Monaghan – L. Martin,J. Courtney, S. Courtney, C. O’ Reilly, G. McNally, L. McEnaney, A. McAnespie, A. Casey, C. McConnell, T. McNally, E. McElroy, C. McAnespie, C. Mohan, E. McCarron
Subs used: Nicola Fahy, Natasha Mohan
Once again Monaghan pushed Cork all the way but a number of costly errors in the second half proved the difference between the 2 sides. Those unfortunate errors and missed chances at the beginning of the second half were probably the difference between the 2 sides. This time last year Monaghan beat Cork in the league, but as we all know Cork learnt from that defeat and went on to win the league and championship. Hopefully Monaghan can do likewise. There is an abundance of talent on the Monaghan panel, and they have proved that they can match Cork. Hopefully a bit more luck and the results will come their way.
This Sunday they take on Meath in round 3 of the league. Meath had an impressive win over Tyrone in their first round game, and ran Dublin very close last Sunday in round 2. Monaghan are missing quite a number of regulars going into this game and this will be a difficult game for them. But if the girls all play to their full potential, then hopefully they can take full points. On going to press no venue has been confirmed.
U14 Trials
Trials for U14s continues this Saturday in Ballybay Astro Pitch @ 2.00pm. All players are asked to be there at 1.45pm and ready to start at 2 o clock sharp. There was a good attendance at last week’s training, but there are still quite a number of clubs who weren’t represented. All clubs are encouraged to send eligable players along. U14 management team for the coming year is Mary Foy, Sean Gavan, Orla O Reilly.
Under 16 Trials
Trials for county U16s will commence this Saturday 18th in Ballybay Astro Pitch @ 11.30pm. Management for the coming year is as follows. Joint Managers Gerry Treanor and Peter mc Garrity. Rest Of Management Team Paul Carey, Sharon Mc Meel, Brendan Maguire, Francis Mc Aree. We encourage all clubs to ensure that players are notified and encouraged to attend.
County Minor Trials
County Minor trials will commence on Saturday next 25th Feb. (The venue will be confirmed next week).
The County Minor Management are currently approaching all clubs, and inviting players, who are interested in representing their County at Minor level for the coming season to attend.
Trials will also be held on the following two Saturdays i.e. Saturday3rd March and Saturday 10th March. All players who are interested must attend Week 1 or Week 2 of the trials.
Minor Management 2012
Una Mc Nally Emyvale, Vincent Mc Connell Donaghmoyne, Mark Duffy Maghercloone, Dwayne Mc Carey, Owen Mc Nally Tyholland.
It is great to see such a great number of people volunteering for the various management teams for the coming year. It is important that each of the management teams are giving all the support they need and we ask that all clubs make a very special effort to ensure that all eligable players are not only notified of the trials, but that they are encouraged to attend. Over the past number of years we haven’t had the success at underage level that we would have liked. So once again we encourage everyone to give support to all the above mentioned management teams.
PRESENTATION NIGHT
The annual presentation night takes place next Friday night 24th February. All clubs are asked to know for the delegates meeting on Monday night the numbers from their club who will be attending. This should be a great night with presentations being made to county U14, U16, Minor and Senior players of the year. Also to Div 1 ,Div 2, Div 3, and Div 4 Players of the Year. There will be 2 other awards to Most Improved and Overall Clubs of the Year. Guests on the night will be the Junior All Ireland winning team of 1992. It is hard to believe that it is 20 years ago that Monaghan won their first All Ireland title. Some great memories will be recalled on the night and I’m sure Alison Treanor will have quite a few interesting tales to share. So come along to the Sports Complex Scotstown next Friday night. Tickets are €15.
DELEGATES MEETING
Delegates meeting takes place next Monday evening in the Old Coach Inn Castleblayney at 8.30 pm sharp.
By michael Tue 14th Feb
