. The Oakleaf girls started
the game at a blistering pace, scoring 3-6 to Waterford’s 0-2 in the first 20 minutes of the game. It was Derry’s
magnificent full forward McLoughlin, scoring 3-1 in a Derry
dominated first half , who caught the eye, but Derry’s
full back line of Kelly, O’Kane and Toner, ably marshalled by goalkeeper
McEldowney, who kept the Waterford
threat at bay. Corner forward Rodgers scored 1-1 before the break as the Derry
attack gave Waterford no rest, with wing forward Bradley scoring 0-2 and Capt
Emer McKenna and Maeve McGillian weighing in with further first half points.
Even a Waterford goal just before the break couldn’t stop the Oakleafers
relentless play. The McKennas in midfield were simply outstanding and the half
back line of O’Kane, McPeake and O’Neill held strong to break the Deise’s
resolve in the second half as the Waterford girls attempted to bring themselves back into the
game. The introduction of Roisin Conway in the second half was an effective
switch as Derry continued to turn the screw with McGillian, McCrystal
and Crossan in fine form in the half forward line. A brilliant goal from
Michelle Rodgers at the beginning of the half followed by a brace of points
from McCrystal and the impressive Bradley at wing forward all but ended any
hopes of a Waterford comeback. Another point from full forward McLoughlin
finished the scoring as the game ended 5-12 to 2-4 to Derry.
Derry were clearly the superior team in all areas from the
beginning of this game and great credit must go to manager Donna McCloskey for
preparing the girls. Derry’s strength in depth was also a factor and the
introduction of subs Devine, Quigley, Heneghan, Mulally and Conway kept the pace fresh and incisive.
Derry will now meet Armagh
in the All-Ireland final on the 6th of August. What a year it would
be for Derry if both under16 and Senior teams could bring glory
back to the county. Derry county board would like to again thank sponsors
H&A Mechanical Services who have helped immeasurably in the Oakleafers’
pursuit of All-Ireland glory.
Derry Team:
J. McEldowney, A. Kelly, R.
O’Kane, C. Toner, C. O’Kane, C. McPeake, J. McNeill, E. McKenna (Capt. 0-1), C.
McKenna, M. McGillian (0-1), E. Crossan, D. McCrystal (0-3), M. Rodgers (2-1),
N. McLoughlin (3-3), C. Bradley (0-4).
Subs: S. Devine for D.
McCrystal, C. Quigley for C. Bradley, M. Heneghan for C. McPeake, E. Mulally
for M. McGillian, R. Conway for J. McNeill, C.L Henry, E. Roddy, S. McKay,
N.Curran, C. Boyle, M. O’Neill
Derry U12 Go Games
Forgot your password?
