Mullabrack ladies put on an outstanding display of football when
they took on Clann Eireann 2 in the opening round of the junior
championship on Friday evening 30/5/08.
Clann Eirreann had two points on the board before Mullabracks
Toni Morgan opening their account with a well taken point. The
Lurgan side added a further point but Shauna Gallogly kept
Mullabrack in touch with a point. Mullabrack were slow to settle
into the pace of the game and this allowed their opponents to race
into a six point lead. However in the second quarter Mullabracks mid
field and a half-back line began winning possession which Toni
Morgan(2) and Shauna Gallogly turned to points to narrow the margin.
Shauna found the Clann Eireann net to equalise and this was quickly
followed by a converted free to take the lead for the first time.
Clann Eireann equalised just before the half-time whistle to leave
the score 1:6 a piece.
Mullabrack started the second half brightly with captain Shauna
Gallogly scoring a goal and a point to take a well-deserved lead.
Clann Eireann responded with a point but Shauna Gallogly was in
excellent scoring form and increased Mullabracks lead with a further
two points. Some indecision in the Mullabrack defence lead to a
penalty which was converted by the Lurgan side to narrow the gap.
The ’Brack girls fought hard to win possession and this was rewarded
with a free from Shauna and a well-taken goal by Emma Fields to
extend the lead. The experienced Clann Eireann girls continued to
battle scoring a further two goals, one from the penalty spot to
equalise the game with only five minutes remaining. An exciting
finish lay ahead as every girl in the Mullabrack jersey gave it
their all and when Niamh Sutton was fouled in the danger area Shauna
Gallogly coolly converted to take the lead. She added a further
point to ensure victory. Clann Eireann had the final say on the
score board when they took a free but it was to be Mullabracks day
with the margin the minimum. Final score Mullabrack 3:13 Clann
Eireann 2s 4:9.
This was one of the best results the girls have ever achieved
with each player contributing to the victory. Josie McSorley was
sound in goals, with Ciara Gallogly, Michaela Dougan and Faye Rice
outstanding in the back line. Half-backs Aoife McConville, Helen
Corvan and Emma Fields worked tirelessly winning possession and
setting up attacks. Kathryn and Gemma Rice fought hard in midfield
and dominated play for long periods. Toni Morgan, Christina Crilly
and Leanne Murray won a lot of possession in the half-forward line
sending in good ball to Niamh Sutton who always had the beating of
her opponent and won numerous frees. Grainne Lee never gave up and
was unfortunate not to score. Woman of the match was Shauna Gallogly
who demonstrated excellent free-taking skills and finished with a
personal tally of 2:10. The girls now look forward to a quarter
final match on 10/6/08 and urge our club to come and support them in
their quest for a semi-final spot.
Team J McSorley, C Gallogly, M Dougan, F Rice, E Fields, A
McConville, H Corvan, G Rice, K Rice, T Morgan, C Crilly, L Murray,
N Sutton, S Gallogly(capt), G Lee. Subs F Boyce, S Farrell, C
Monaghan, R McGeown.
