The Cork U 16 Ladies’ Football team (Sponsored by Wisetek) regained the U 16 Munster title with a well deserved victory over Tipperary in the Munster “A” Final played in Mallow on the Bank Holiday.
Both of these sides played out a thrilling draw when they met earlier in the competition and they picked up just where they had left off on Monday last. Cork raced into an early lead with Points from Eve Mullins, Katie Quirke Ellie Jack, Jenny Murphy and a goal from Fiona Keating saw them well in command 1-05 to 0-00 after 15 minutes but then the Tipperary machine kicked into gear led by a super performance from centre back Caitlin Kennedy. Her side scored two goals and a number of well taken points to come within touching distance of the Cork girls but it was the Lee Side Ladies who finished the half stronger with a goal from Keating and further points from Quirke, Murphy and Ellie Jack to lead by 8 at the break 2-11 to 2-03
Tipp started the second half much the better and narrowed the gap back to just two points holding Cork scoreless for almost 20 minutes. The Cork selectors made timely substitutions and the fresh legs did pick up the pace but when Cork were reduced to 14 due to a yellow card mid way through the half one wondered could they respond. This seemed to inspire the Lee side ladies who scored two goals in quick succession from Keating and a penalty from player of the match Fay Ahern to put day light between the sides again. The Last 5 minutes were hectic as Cork suffered another blow loosing yet another player but the back line stood firm and the Cork girls went on to take the title finishing on a score line 4-12 to 3-07
The Cup was presented to the Cork captain Bridget Wall by President of Munster Ladies Football Anthony O’ Brien. This was a fine well balanced team performance by a strong group of players who will have a short break due to exams but will contest the All Ireland semi final on July 12th
Well done to the East Cork girls
Captain Bridget Wall (Aghada), Sarah Murphy & Katie Quirke (Bride Rovers), Ellen Baker, Kayla O’ Connor, Abbie O Mahony, Shauna Murphy (Glanmire), Eve Mullins & Aideen O Donovan (Rockbán) and John Duffy (Fermoy) selector.
Next week end sees the Cork Senior ladies return from their short holiday to take on Dublin in the semi final of the Lidl national league against Dublin in Nolan Park on Saturday at 3 30 pm later in the evening the Cork U 14 girls take on Tipperary in the Munster semi final in Bansha at 5 pm.
East Cork Ladies Gaelic Football 