The Sallins ladies won this epic Division 4 final with a point from captain fantastic Claire Nugent with practically the last kick of the game at the end of extra time. Both teams contributed fully to what was an excellent exhibition of ladies gaelic football which will live long in the memory of all the Sallins supporters in attendance.
Carbury started the match very well and led by 0-4 to 0-1 after 15 minutes but a fine goal from Aoife Kenny levelled the score. Carbury were the better team at this stage and scored two quick goals to deservedly lead at half time by nine points, 2-10 to 1-4. An excellent save just on half time from our young goalkeeper Martha Plummer kept us from falling further behind and kept the Sallins players believing that a comeback was possible in the second half.
The girls came out with a never say die attitude and from the throw in they strongly contested every ball all over the pitch. Carbury got the first point to go ten points ahead 2-11 to 1-4 after 35 minutes. but from there to the end of normal time these Sallins girls would not be beaten. They showed huge fighting spirit to calmly work their way back into the game where most teams would have folded.
Things began to go our way. Martha’s kick-outs were finding our players every time, our defence was really standing up with the full back line Saoirse O’Gorman, Lucy Plummer and Éabha Owens all helping to repel Carbury’s attacks. Erin Killian came on and also played a huge role stopping Carbury’s attacks. Our half backs Haley Mc Cormack, Clare Nugent and Amy Neilan were getting turnovers in and making incisive runs up the pitch to help build attacks along with our midfielders Kate Walsh, Lia Reilly and Lucy Cahill. Our forwards really started to up their game now and fine passing moves between the runners and our forwards, Anna Carpenter, Aoibhin Dagg and Sarah Collins, led to a fine return of 2 goals and 4 points without reply over the next 20 minutes. The two goals were scored by Aoife Kenny and Sophie Lawlor and there was also two points each from sharp shooters Sophie Lawlor and Dara Hodson. This levelled the match at 2-11 to 3-8 with four minutes to go. Carbury almost got through for a last-minute winning goal but a superb diving block from Lucy Cahill meant the game ended in a draw and extra time now beckoned.
In extra time this Sallins team had to dig deep again. Further points from Dara and Aoife put us ahead but Carbury scored a very good goal to put them 2 points ahead at the break 3-13 to 3-11.
Once again, these Sallins girls showed huge grit and determination to find a way to get back into the game. Carbury got the first point to go three ahead, however Lia Reilly made a great run from midfield into the Carbury penalty box and lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper into the back of the net for a goal to level the match one more time. There was still 5 minutes left to play, the tension was palpable now as both teams had attacks at either end which were well defended. The breakthrough winning score came from Claire as she made a fantastic run to set herself up for a well taken winning point. Carbury had time for one last attack, but these Sallins girls held out to win a memorable game by 4-12 to 3-14. Commiserations to Carbury who played so well throughout the whole 80 minutes.
This win is a credit to the whole panel of 26 Sallins girls all of whom have contributed including Deirdre Cronin, Elena Mc Gilloway, Anna Gilligan, Jenny Butler, Alanah Kane, Mary Hulgraine, Sophie Francis, Ella Tobin, Muieann Scully and Ella Flanagan. All the tough training sessions and extra strength and conditioning training since January got us over the line. This team are great role models for all our up-and-coming young players and we as a club are very proud of them all. We are also very proud of the progress of our second senior ladies team who were very competitive in Division 5 and missed out narrowly on a semi final place. Na Solláin abú !!!
