Drumragh U16 girls are through to the championship semi-final after a fantastic performance and win against Pomeroy in the quarter-final replay at Clanabogan on Sunday morning.
The two sides produced a thrilling encounter in the original fixture the previous Tuesday, and this game was certainly more of the same.
The game was end to end in the early stages. Lily O’Kane, Cora Walsh and Grace McCusker in defence needed to be alert to stop the visitors from taking the lead, while Drumragh were unlucky not to profit off the good work of Mia Feeney, Jemma Barrett and Rihanna Mullin at the other end of the field.
It was Drumragh, however, who opened the scoring. Katie McCann, starting her first game in goal, did well to come off her line and bravely claim a long ball in ahead of two onrushing Pomeroy attackers. From there, the ball was moved upfield via Cara Kerlin and Caitlin McCarron, and eventually found Rhianna Barrett, who sent over a stylish point.
It was soon to get better for Drumragh. Oonagh Pancott won the ball back in defence, and passed it to Dana Coyle. After a strong run, Dana’s shot came back off the crossbar, but Genevieve Norris was on hand to place the rebound in the net.
Pomeroy registered on the scoreboard with a free, but Rihanna Mullin responded with one for Drumragh after Mia Feeney had been fouled.
From the kickout that followed, Caitlin McCarron won the ball, ran through the Pomeroy defence, slipped a pass off to Genevieve Norris who fired past for the goalkeeper for a great goal. It would not be the last time that pair would combine to good effect during the game.
Genevieve Norris quickly completed her hat-trick after good play from Roisin Gormley and Jemma Barrett, while goal number four for Genevieve came soon after, with Caitlin McCarron providing the assist.
Pomeroy hit back with 1-1, but Drumragh answered that with a Rihanna Mullin free. The away side, however, did end the scoring in the first half with a free. It was a goal chance, but Anna Clarke and Cara Kerlin defended brilliantly, meaning Pomeroy had to settle for just a point.
Drumragh’s captain Rihanna Mullin pictured with the referee and Pomeroy captain before the start of the game
Drumragh got off to a super start to the second half. Caitlin McCarron once again set up Genevieve Norris, who took the ball past a couple of defenders, before finishing into the bottom corner for her fifth goal of the game.
Rhianna Barrett added a fantastic point from play, before Dana Coyle scored another great goal after Rihanna Mullin had played her in. Roisin Gormley also kicked a point after good play from Cara Kerlin, Amylee Burt and Fionnuala Barrett.
To their credit Pomeroy did not give in. They scored 2-3 unanswered and had other chances too. But the Drumragh defence stood tall, typified by full-back Lily O’Kane, who made a brilliant, courageous block denying Pomeroy another goal.
And that allowed Drumragh to go up to the other end of the field and settle nerves. Rhianna Barrett converted a free after Rihanna Mullin had been fouled. Pomeroy did score another goal, but Rihanna put the result beyond doubt with an excellent goal after Roisin Gormley and Cobhlaith Murphy had created the opportunity.
Drumragh withstood another couple of Pomeroy attacks, with Anna Clarke, Olivia Kelly and Grace McCusker winning a few important turnovers. Referee Brian McGinn then blew the final whistle, confirming Drumragh’s passage to the semi-final after a brilliant performance. A thoroughly deserved victory.
SCORERS: Genevieve Norris 5-0, Rihanna Mullin 1-2, Rhianna Barrett 0-3, Dana Coyle 1-0, Roisin Gormley 0-1
TEAM: Katie McCann, Oonagh Pancott, Lily O’Kane, Anna Clarke, Cara Kerlin, Grace McCusker, Cora Walsh, Mia Feeney, Caitlin McCarron, Rhianna Barrett, Rihanna Mullin, Roisin Gormley, Jemma Barrett, Genevieve Norris, Dana Coyle
SUBS: Amylee Burt, Cobhlaith Murphy, Neamh Given, Fionnuala Barrett, Olivia Kelly, Dearbhaille McLaughlin, Aoibhinn Dolan, Eireann Boyle, Eabha Coyle, Roise McDevitt, Chloe McGale, Fionnuala Clarke
Drumragh midfielder Mia Feeney on the attack during the championship game against Pomeroy on Sunday morning
