Under 16 Girls Division 3 League Champions

The Killygarry girls under 16's were involved in a very exciting and often nail biting final on Thursday evening last at the Milltown venue. Fresh from three wins in six days to get to the final, they faced a determined and resilient Ballyhaise outfit who never gave up.

The first half started of very positively for the Killygarry girls racing into a 1.4 to 0.1 lead, with the forward play of Aisling Walls, Annie Cosgrove, Aoife O'Shea and Aoife Lovett tearing Ballyhaise apart. The midfield of Eimear Cahill and Tara Gannon were battling tirelessly against their bigger opponents. Eimear actually found time to score an opportunistic goal before half time. Numerous chance were being created, however many were spurned which ultimately allowed Ballyhaise back into the contest. With nineteen minutes on the clock the game changed, Aoife Lovett who as always was giving 100% was sin binned when she seemed to be fouled. Ballyhaise saw an opportunity and pushed on to kick score after score to leave the half time scoreline 2.4 to 1.7. At this stage the Killygarry mentors were made aware of the three girls in the referee's book and all seemed to be falling apart for the Crubany lassies. Ballyhaise were on top and looking very positive.

At half time some fresh legs were introduced with Emer Kennedy who has battled over the last week with a leg injury being replaced, some sole searching was done by the girls and the steely determination that has grown over the past few months was again witnessed as they undertook not to come home without the cup. The second half started brightly for Killygarry with the introduction of Kaithlin Dowdall adding a new focus to the attack. The defence as always were giving their all and the stalwarts Amy Reilly and Orla O'Brien were not to be beaten. As the second half wore on, Ballyhaise crept up and got additional belief and scores to lead by one point with five minutes remaining. The goalkeeping skills of Megan Smith were evident for all to see as she kept Ballyhaise at bay on many occasions. The fresh legs of Ally Cahill, Sorcha Finan and Claire Young as the second half wore on were now showing their true worth, the mercurial talent of Amy Galligan to the fore as the Crubany lassies fought as if their lives depended on it. A small bit of energy was found from somewhere and the scores were got to see Killygarry home on a scoreline of 3.10 to 2.11. This was very much a squad effort and those unlucky not to get a run on the night, Sinead Cahill, Kaithlin Smith, Emma Walls, Alex Burke, Moira Gilsenan, Aoife Callaghan, Ava Sheils were very much part of the this campaign and will be fighting for places come championship later in the year. There were excited scenes as Aoife O'Shea proudly raised the cup to end what was a memorable campaign. Well done to all involved.

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