Match Report: Skryne 4-7 | St. Ultan’s –
2-11.
Skryne make it 3 from 3!
Skryne made it three wins from three in the championship after a thrilling and hard-fought encounter against a strong St. Ultan’s side. In a game that had everything—goals, blocks and turnovers it was Skryne who held firm to secure a memorable 4-7 to 2-11
From the outset, it was clear both teams meant business. Skryne opened the scoring through a well-won kickout that was worked swiftly into the forwards, leading to a free which Ellie Murphy calmly slotted over. Ellie would go on to be a standout performer, finishing the game with 1-6.
In defence, Ailish Lenehan and Niamh Cowley combined superbly to repel early Ultan’s attacks, while Aisling O’Connor worked tirelessly to close down space and apply pressure to the St. Ultan’s forwards. Catriona Keoghan made a critical interception in midfield to swing the momentum. Kate Gibbons was immense throughout, pulling off a brilliant block and later chasing down an opponent with incredible speed to win back possession. Lizzy Moreland impressed in midfield, working hard defensively and driving attacks forward. Amy O’Dowd also battled well around the middle, winning key possession and linking effectively with the forwards.
The first goal of the day came after Róisín McManus won possession on the wing and delivered a pinpoint pass into Ciara Smyth, who buried the ball into the net. Ciara was clinical all day, finishing with an incredible 3-0 from play.
Ciara Cowley also stood strong in defence, producing a vital block and clearing danger repeatedly. Further upfield, Abbye Donnelly pointed well under pressure, and Colleen Jordan made a huge contribution by clearing a goal-bound ball off the line.
Another key moment came when Fiona O’Rourke battled for possession before passing to Ciara Smyth, who was fouled – once again allowing Ellie Murphy to convert the free. Ellie added to her tally with a stunning long-range point.
Aine Keogh, who replaced Aisling O’Connor, immediately made an impact, linking up with Colleen Jordan and then assisting Ciara Smyth for her second goal after a powerful solo run. In a composed defensive display, Niamh O’Brien made a crucial interception late in the half.
Half-time Score: St.Ultans 1-8 | Skryne 2-5
The second half saw Rachel O’Dowd come in for Amy O’Dowd, and she quickly got involved—winning a vital free late in the match with sheer physical strength. The game swung in Skryne’s favour when Róisín McManus surged forward on a solo run and fed Abbye Donnelly, who was fouled inside the square. Ellie Murphy made no mistake from the penalty spot, firing home her side’s third goal.
St. Ultan’s were reduced to 14 players after a yellow card, and Skryne capitalized. Niamh O’Brien again dominated the restart, setting up a move through Aine Keogh, who found Ellie Murphy—fouled once again and converting her own free.
Defensively, Skryne remained resolute with Ciara Cowley clearing from the back and Catriona Keoghan continuing to disrupt Ultan’s momentum. Laura Mangan replaced Abbye Donnelly, bringing fresh legs to the forward line, and Sarah Pentony came in for Niamh O’Brien, maintaining pressure in defence.
One of the final key moments came from Róisín McManus, who intercepted a kickout and instantly found Ciara Smyth, who calmly slotted her third goal, putting the game beyond reach.
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Final Score: Skryne 4-7 (19) | St. Ultan’s 2-11 (17)
A thrilling win sees Skryne top their group with a perfect three wins from three. This was a team performance in every sense of the word—with all players, starters and subs alike, contributing to a memorable victory.
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