Drumragh U16 girls made a winning start to their league campaign, at home to Galbally on Tuesday evening.
In what was a super game of football, Drumragh were made to earn their victory against a Galbally side that led by five points midway through the second half. But a strong finish from Drumragh was enough for them to claim all points.
Drumragh got off to the perfect start. Rihanna Mullin won the ball from the throw-in, drove through the Galbally defence before laying the ball off to Rhianna Barrett who finished well past the goalkeeper. Genevieve Norris quickly added a point.
Galbally had plenty of attacks in the opening 10 minutes, but Lily O’Kane, Fionnuala Clarke and Olivia Kelly made confident starts to the game in the full-back line. Drumragh goalkeeper Chloe McGale also made a brilliant save when faced one-on-one with a Galbally attacker.
The visitors took the lead with a 2-1 scoring burst, but Rhianna Barrett answered back with a couple of nice scores.
Again, Galbally went ahead, but Cora Walsh, Cobhlaith Murphy and Amylee Burt combined to create a goal chance for Dana Coyle, which she took advantage of. A foul on Rihanna Mullin allowed Rhianna Barrett to stretch out Drumragh’s lead from a placed ball.
Rihanna Mullin was unlucky not to score a goal when the Galbally goalkeeper denied her with a good save. But Drumragh didn’t have to wait too long for goal number three when Jemma Barrett reacted quickest to claim a dropping ball and fire in the net.
The game continued in its end-to-end nature. A brave block from Oonagh Pancott denied Galbally a goal, but they did score one a few minutes later to close the gap. Drumragh though went up the field and responded straight away. Genevieve Norris caught a high ball into the full-forward line, turned and unleashed a brilliant shot into the top corner of the net. A couple of points from Galbally left Drumragh four points ahead at half-time.
Drumragh captain Genevieve Norris with the Galbally captain and referee
The sides swapped goals at the beginning of the second half with Dana Coyle responsible for Drumragh’s three-pointer after a strong run from midfield.
Rhianna Barrett tagged on a point after good play from midfield pair Caitlin McCarron and Dana Coyle, but back came Galbally. They hit three goals on the bounce to go in front. But Drumragh showed great determination and no little skill to take back control of the game.
First Rihanna Mullin scored a goal with Fionnuala Barrett, Cara Kerlin and Jemma Barrett involved in the build-up. Rhianna Barrett also got in for a goal which put Drumragh back in front.
Galbally were still a huge threat. Chloe McGale made another excellent save in the Drumragh goal, while Oonagh Pancott chased down a Galbally attacker who was through on goal and forced the turnover.
Nora McCloskey set up Roisin Gormley for a nice point, and Rhianna Barrett was on target once again.
Drumragh continued on the front foot with all subs playing their part. Dana Coyle kicked a point with Galbally responding with one of their own depsite more strong defence from Drumragh. Rhianna Barrett converted a long-range free, Dana won the ball from the kickout that followed, ran through the Galbally defence and shot low to the net to complete her hat-trick.
Galbally converted a free, but Drumragh had the final say of the game. Rhianna Barrett and Eabha Coyle set up Roisin Gormley for another well-worked goal. That completed the win with Drumragh getting their year off to a fantastic start.
SCORERS: Rhianna Barrett 2-7, Dana Coyle 3-1, Genevieve Norris 1-1, Roisin Gormley 1-1, Jemma Barrett 1-0, Rihanna Mullin 1-0
TEAM: Chloe McGale, Olivia Kelly, Fionnuala Clarke, Lily O’Kane, Cora Walsh, Cara Kerlin, Oonagh Pancott, Dana Coyle, Caitlin McCarron, Amylee Burt, Rihanna Mullin, Rhianna Barrett, Jemma Barrett, Genevieve Norris, Cobhlaith Murphy
SUBS: Roisin Gormley, Nora McCloskey, Neamh Given, Anna Clarke, Fionnuala Barrett, Eireann Boyle, Dearbhaille McLaughlin, Aoibhinn Dolan, Eabha Coyle, Eva McGale, Mollie Starrs
Drumragh defender Fionnuala Clarke in action during Tuesday’s game
