LGFA Junior G semi-final: Big win for Nobber
Nobber's Eleanor Gallagher
Nobber 2 – 18 (24) Donaghmore/Ashbourne 1 – 3 (6)
Nobber welcomed Donaghmore/Ashbourne to their home grounds for a second time in the space of three weeks on Sunday evening last in their Meath LGFA Junior G semi-final. The game played three weeks previous was a close affair with the minimum separating the sides. However, things were hugely different this time around where the black and ambers dominated the game and enjoyed control over large spells.
The North Meath ladies started brightly and went into a 5 v 0 lead after 15 minutes of play. The Deesiders were impressive moving forward and caused huge issues for the Donaghmore/Ashbourne defence. Scores from full forward Eleanor Gallagher (2), wing forward Emma Condra, and the lively and energetic halfback Noelle Hanna (2).
Netminder Erin McCormack was steady in the goals and a commanding presence and along with Sarah Monaghan drove for teammates forward at every opportunity. The midfield duo of Louise Mulligan and Lisa Lipscombe were dominant and set up many attacks throughout. Nobber shooting into the village end of the ground concluded their scoring in the first half with further scores from the experienced Anna Hughes, Condra once again, and Hanna adding two more scores to her personal tally to increase the black and ambers lead going into the break.
Half-time – Nobber 0 – 9 (9) Donaghmore/Ashbourne 0 – 0 (0)
The tricky trio of Gallagher, Condra, and Hanna continued to cause havoc for the green and white of Donaghmore/Ashbourne on the scoreboard. The trio between them notched 2 – 14 on the night. The goals for Nobber came in the 34th and 39th minute respectively from Gallagher and Condra. Donaghmore/Ashbourne had a spell in the second period where they registered some scores of their own, however the Nobber defence were in no mood to concede many scores. Their determination shone through with Eimear Mulligan, Edel Halpin, and Limerick native Bridget McCormack keeping tight to their opponents and allowing them limited scoring opportunities.
Further scores for the Paddy O’Reilly/John Clarke/Kenneth McCormack managed outfit came in the final quarter from Gallagher – ever reliable from placed balls, Condra and Louth native Lisa Lipscombe. A hugely impressive performance from the black and ambers with the team, management, and supporters all in fine spirits after the game. A nice early birthday present for Paddy O’Reilly.
It’s a quick turnaround for the team and management as they face Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels on Saturday, October 17 at 11 AM in Navan O’Mahony’s pitch, Trim Road in Navan. Excitement will build in the village and parish in the coming days; however, the ladies will know they will have a tough task ahead of them but will be determined to give it their best shot and leave everything out on the field on Saturday.
Nobber team – Erin McCormack, Eimear Mulligan, Sarah Monaghan, Edel Halpin, Noelle Hanna (0 – 5), Bridget McCormack, Edel Curtis, Louise Mulligan, Lisa Lipscombe (0 – 1), Emma Condra (1 – 3), Niamh Owens (0 – 2), Emily Hanratty, Anna Hughes (0 – 1), Eleanor Gallagher (1 – 6), Caoimhe Weldon.
Subs – Susan Finnegan, Arlene McCormack, Marie Smith, Andrea Horgan, Anita Lennon, Bronwyn McCormack.
