Having had victory snatched from the team in the final ten minutes of their previous match, the ladies were determined that this wouldn’t happen in their next match. The squad and management had worked hard in training to ensure that the team would perform for the full sixty minutes.

Niamh McGeown made a welcome return from injury to the squad, Nikki Lavery was back from university and Siobhán Mc Donnell came into the team.

The match began under blustery conditions, but the Hoops adapted well and made an immediate impact. Dervla Campbell, Ciara Robinson, Niamh Mc Geown and Rebecca Mc Caffrey quickly registered scores and good defensive work saw Sarsfields push ahead.

With Siobhán Toal and Nola McAlinden in control at midfield Sarsfields finished the half with 3-05.

Determined to put in a complete hour’s performance Sarsfields treated the second half like a new match and continued to keep the pressure on Tir na nÓg. Great work from half backs Emma Murray, Colleen Murray and Danielle Devlin saw the ball not reaching the home forward line for the best part of fifteen minutes. Niamh McGeown was pulled down twice in the square and Dervla Campbell netted both penalties. Tir na nÓg showed great determination but they were up against a Highmoss team showing their mean and ruthless streak to the full. Great scores from play from Nola McAlinden, Rachael Mc Keag and Nikki Lavery saw the Hoops finish strongly.

Sarsfields Team

Brenda Shanks, Ciara McClelland, Pauline Mallon, Niamh Robinson, Danielle Devlin, Colleen Murray, Orlagh Murray, Emma Murray, Nola McAlinden (Captain), Siobhán Toal, Ciara Robinson, Dervla Campbell, Racheal McKeag, Niamh McGeown, Claire Gallagher, Aislene Scullion, Aimee McAlinden, Rebecca McCaffrey, Siobhán Mc Donnell, Nikki Lavery, Kellie Griffin, Karen Murphy.

Management: John Toal, Shane Gallagher

Mascot: Aaron Gallagher