Ladies JFC G final: Historic day ends in disappointment for Nobber

The Nobber squad that lost out to Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels in the JFC G final

Nobber 3 – 8 (17) Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels 2 – 14 (20)

A historic day for the Nobber adult ladies’ team on Saturday last competing in their first championship final ultimately ended in disappointment and defeat. On reflection, the players and management can be proud of their efforts throughout the season and can look forward to 2027 with promise, excitement and hope. The Meath LGFA Junior G championship final was played in the Navan O’Mahony’s, Trim Road pitch on Saturday morning under glorious sunshine.

The opening quarter proved challenging for the black and ambers with their opponents opening up a healthy lead on the scoreboard. Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels led by 1 – 4 v 0 – 2. Noelle Hanna and Eleanor Gallagher with the points for the North Meath ladies. The Deesiders finished the half the strongest and increased the intensity and tempo especially in the last 10 minutes. The impressive wing forward Emma Condra caused problems for the Dunshaughlin defence and raised two white flags for Nobber. Eleanor Gallagher finished coolly to the bottom corner of the net to the delight of the Nobber faithful on 21 minutes. This was swiftly followed by another goal by the experienced Anna Hughes on 24 minutes.

The North Meath ladies’ confidence and belief was showing and concluding scores in the first half came from the ever-reliable Gallagher and the lively and tenacious Hanna.

Half-time – Nobber 2 – 6 (12) Dunshaughlin Royal Gaels 1 – 7 (10)

As the second half progressed, Dunshaughlin showed their quality and registered 1 – 3 on the scoreboard without reply. However, Nobber were not going to go away that easy and showed great work rate, attitude and resilience to keep going and keep the game alive. Emma Condra scored a classy goal into the top corner past the helpless Dunshaughlin goalkeeper on 47 minutes.

The Nobber defence were kept busy with Dunshaughlin’s attack, however goalkeeper Erin McCormack showed a cool and calm head at times when needed. The tenacious Edel Halpin, Bridget McCormack, and Edel Curtis made life difficult for their opponents and propelled their team forward. The midfield duo of Mulligan and Lipscombe enjoyed multiple possessions and proved a positive link between defence and attack for the Paddy O’Reilly/John Clarke/Kenneth McCormack/Brigid Cunningham managed team.

Sharpshooter Gallagher concluded the scoring for the black and ambers. It was their South Meath counterparts who finished strongest with a goal in the concluding stages of the game along with a number of points. Unfortunately, from a Nobber perspective, that was it and it wasn’t to be their day.

All involved from the Nobber team were able to leave the impressive Navan O’Mahony’s pitch with their heads held high with their families proud and supporters proud of their efforts throughout. An exciting blend of youth and experience make up the current Nobber ranks. With the ladies having reached the championship semifinal in 2025, and now the final in 2026 – who knows what 2027 may have in store for this exciting group?

Nobber team – Erin McCormack, Eimear Mulligan, Sarah Monaghan, Edel Halpin, Noelle Hanna, Bridget McCormack, Edel Curtis, Louise Mulligan, Lisa Lipscombe, Emma Condra, Niamh Owens, Emily Hanratty, Anna Hughes, Eleanor Gallagher, Caoimhe Weldon.

Subs – Marie Smith, Susan Finnegan.