O’Garney Park played host on Sunday afternoon to a much-anticipated clash between Sixmilebridge and Whitegate in the final group game of the Junior C Championship. With both sides unbeaten and already assured of semi-final spots, the prize on offer was top spot in the group – and the chance to dictate semi-final pairings.
From the outset, Sixmilebridge looked the sharper outfit, settling quickly into the contest. Wing forwardSinéad Cahill set the tone with the opening goal, before centre-forward Aiveen O’Shea Moloneystamped her authority on proceedings with a well-taken 1-1. Full forward Rosie Young added a point, while the accurate Kate Monahan converted three frees to punish Whitegate’s indiscipline. By half time, the home side were firmly in command, leading 2-5 to 0-2.
Whitegate, however, were never going to bow out quietly. The second half saw them raise their intensity and dominate possession, testing the mettle of the Sixmilebridge rearguard. The Bridge defence was immense under pressure: Megan Gaule was a rock at full back, Ruth O’Neill excelled at centre back, and goalkeeper Rebecca Grady marshalled her square with composure. An injury to Sally Harrisonwas a setback, but substitute Tina Fitzgerald slotted seamlessly into the defensive line to help maintain control.
At the other end, when Sixmilebridge needed a response, it was Monahan who provided it. Her goal midway through the half halted Whitegate’s momentum and gave the Bridge breathing space. Monahan went on to finish with an impressive personal tally of 1-6, including two fine points from play and another from a free. O’Shea Moloney chipped in with a further point, while Saoirse Young, excellent throughout at midfield, and substitute Jess Finan also found the target.
Despite Whitegate’s spirited second-half surge, Sixmilebridge’s balanced display across the pitch ensured they kept their grip on the game. At the final whistle, the scoreline read 3-10 to 1-06, confirming Sixmilebridge as group winners.
They now look ahead to a semi-final showdown with Doora-Barefield – a repeat of the league final – with a coveted place in the county final up for grabs.
Sixmilebridge Team:
Rebecca Grady, Mollie McCloskey, Megan Gaul, Anna O’Doherty (sub Eimear Healy), Sally Harrison (sub Tina Fitzgerald), Ruth O’Neill, Ardia Gerard, Saoirse Young, Halle Keogh (sub Christina O’Grady), Sophie Grady (sub Jess Finan), Aiveen O’Shea, Sinéad Cahill, Hillary Orpen Ryan (sub Caoimhe Leyden), Rosie Young, Kate Monahan. Subs: Eve O’Reilly, Roisin Scanlon.
Rebecca Grady, Mollie McCloskey, Megan Gaul, Anna O’Doherty (sub Eimear Healy), Sally Harrison (sub Tina Fitzgerald), Ruth O’Neill, Ardia Gerard, Saoirse Young, Halle Keogh (sub Christina O’Grady), Sophie Grady (sub Jess Finan), Aiveen O’Shea, Sinéad Cahill, Hillary Orpen Ryan (sub Caoimhe Leyden), Rosie Young, Kate Monahan. Subs: Eve O’Reilly, Roisin Scanlon.
