Report by Margot Hughes
AGB: 3-7 St. Pat’s: 1-12
AGB U16 Ladies began the 2014 league campaign with a home victory over old rivals St. Pat’s.
As U16 games are scarce this season the girls were determined to enjoy this one as it promised to be one of the most competitive games they would have. St. Pat’s did not disappoint and neither, it must be said, did the Arklow girls.
This was an evenly contested game with both sides taking some of their chances and fluffing others as might be expected so early in the season. However, the game was entertaining with some lovely football and well taken scores on both sides.
Annie Conroy opened the score for AGB in the second minute and St. Pat’s Niamh O’Brien equalised in the 4th minute. Emma Furlong scored the first of Arklow’s three goals in the 9th minute and St. Pat’s matched it in the 10th. Pat’s added a further five points in the half.
Two further points from Furlong and a point from Victoria O’Brien left the score at half time 1-4 to 1-6 in favour of the Wicklow side.
Róisín O’Reilly opened the scoring in the second half for AGB with a well taken point in the 5th minute and then Doireann Kavanagh added Arklow’s second goal.
St. Pat’s Niamh O’Brien added another for her side. Róisín O’Reilly scored Arklow’s third goal but the Wicklow side continued to put the points on the board and did not allow Arklow to gain the lead. As the game drew to a close Lisa Keegan scored the equalising point for AGB and went on a minute later to score the winning point.
After an exciting game the teams were separated by the narrowest of margins on a score line of 3-7 to 1-12.
The game was refereed by John Bermingham, who no doubt was happy to see his county players perform so well on both sides. There were strong all round performances from both panels and thankfully some good football to look forward to as the season progresses. Well done to both teams and all involved on the day on providing such an enjoyable spectacle. AGB take on Bray on Tuesday April 8th in Bray at 7pm.
AGB: Laura Rice, Emer Curran, Orla Hayes, Kayleigh Earls, Aoife O’Reilly, Ciara Forde, Vicky O’Brien, Annie Conroy, Kayleigh Carter, Doireann O’Reilly, Emma Furlong, Lisa Keegan, Emily Mitchell, Róisín O’Reilly, Rebecca Hayden. Subs: Ellie Jones, Aoife Murphy, Fia O’Dwyer, Chloe O’Reilly, Doirrean O’Reilly, Megan Boyle.
St. Pats: Lily Johnston, Ailbhe Dowling, Ríoghna McGettigan, Laoise Marron, Natasha Fitz, Meadhbh O’Kane, Lauren Fahey, Niamh O’Brien, Kate Hennessy, Amy Irwin, Katie Bouchier, Jane Manley, Clodagh Fox, Erynn O’Brien, Rebecca Pie Subs: Louise Courtney, Hannah Cox, Eleanor Dunne
