Kepak Meath LGFA Junior A Championship. Round 3 St. Patricks 2-11 Skryne 3-10

Skryne made it three wins out of three in their final game of the group stages of the Junior A Championship at the weekend. Skryne have topped their group with wins over St. Ultan’s, Walterstown and St. Pats. 

Skryne and St. Pats have had some tightly fought battles in the past and this game was no exception. Both teams looked hungry for victory from the start with St. Pats getting on the scoreboard first. Skryne responded with two fantastic points from Catriona Keoghan and a brilliant goal from Ciara Smyth. St. Pats were eager to comeback at the Skryne girls but some great defending from the fullback line of Steffi Finnegan, Eimear O’Neill and Ciara Cowley held off any threat. The first quarter ended 1-5 to 0-4 in favour of Skryne.

St. Pat’s made a strong comeback in the second quarter and made the most of their scoring opportunities. Skryne kept the pressure up and Roisin McManus and Sophie Finnegan worked the ball well in the forwards. Two great points from Amy O’Dowd kept Skryne within touching distance of St. Pats. The half time score was 1-8 to 1-7 in favour of St. Pats.

Despite being one point down heading into the second half Skryne kept their composure and increased their work rate. Skryne hit back at St. Pats with an early goal from Catriona Keoghan and two points from Amy O’ Dowd. The midfield pairing of Aisling Bowens and Caragh Conway worked relentlessly throughout the game and made a huge contribution. Ellie Murphy had a super game at half forward and played a key role in many of Skrynes scores. Subs Eimear O’Brien and Megan O’Brien made a huge impact when they came on for Skryne. The teams were level with 2-10 a piece at the third water break. 

The fourth quarter did not disappoint and teams battled fiercely, eager to secure the win. The half back line of Nicola O’ Reilly, Lisa Browne and Samantha Clarke played brilliant throughout the game and made life very difficult for the St. Pats half forward line. They only managed to score one point in the last quarter. The St. Pats girls worked a goal chance but we’re unable to capitalise on it thanks to a superb save from goalie Rachel Whelan. Skryne fought hard to make the most of the possession they had and a well worked play that started from a superb block by Aisling Bowens lead to a goal chance for Skryne. A fantastic strike from Róisín McManus resulted in the goal Skryne needed to seal the victory. A brilliant whole team performance from the Skryne team. Well done to the team and management. 

They will now play Moynalvey in the Junior A Semi final.

Team: Rachel Whelan, Ciara Cowley, Eimear O’Neill, Steffi Finnegan, Nicola O’Reilly, Lisa Browne, Samantha Clarke, Aisling Bownes, Caragh Conway, Catriona Keoghan 1-3, Amy O’Dowd 0-4, Ellie Murphy, Róisín McManus 1-1, Ciara Smyth 1-2, Sophie Finnegan

Subs used Megan O’Brien and Eimear O’Brien.