Naomh Labhaoise advance to Minor Championship Semi final

They say a week is a long time in politics and  a year in GAA terms is a long time as well. Thursday 2nd July 09 will go into the history  books as a marked achievement for the ladies of Naomh Labhaoise Cluain Mhor, as through major competition from very capable opponents in Oliver Plunketts(Forkhill & Mullabawn), the U18 team  reached the  semi final of the Minor Championship for the first time. Almost one year on from a similar meeting with the same team, with the result very favourably going in Mullabawn’s favour, the Clonmore lassies proved that with dedication, determination and a little bit of ‘lady luck’ many things can be achieved.

On a damp, humid night for football both teams served up a very entertaining, heart stopping spectacle of football, for the large crowd which had gathered. The match capably referred by Kevin Mc Niece was played in good spirit with both teams giving it all. From the start it was the Clonmore girls who took the early initiative scoring the first point. Within the next 5 minutes Plunketts had the ball in the Clonmore net via a well taken penalty, and 2 further points quickly after.Clonmore then got one minor score back to leave 3 between the teams but it was the extreme pressure going forward by the visitors offence which caused the home team to concede a further goal to leave six between them. At this stage it would have been easy for Naomh Labhaoise to drop the heads, but the team stuck to their game plan, prevented Plunketts from scoring any more in the half and scored 6 fantastic points in a row to leave the tie all square at half time.

Throughout this period, there had been fantastic defensive duties by Shauna Fanthorpe, Maura Cunningham, Rebbecca Mc Geary & Orla Casey and an exhibition in the art of free & Goal taking by Brid O’Hagan. The second started similarly to the first with Plunketts going 5 points ahead via a fantastic goal by their midfielder.Naomh Labhaoise dug deep for the remainder of the half and were presented a penalty which unfortunately was missed. However a well taken goal by Sarah o Hagan, points from Charleen Hughes, Eve Lavery and Rebecca McGeary left the game fairly tied up going into the later stages. Both teams hit posts, cross bars in this period but it was the Clonmore girls which finished the stronger and lead by 3 going into the final minute. It was all out attack by the Plunketts  at this stage with both teams giving it all, incurring injuries and giving the spectators a treat to watch.

An interception clash between Sarah Jackson and the Plunketts forward caused both players to leave the field in the dying seconds.Plunketts tried in vain to get the equaliser but the defence where Lauren Dynes and Captain Cathy Convie were outstanding never give up and finished the match as winners Final Score Naomh Labhaoise 2.16 Oliver Plunketts 4.6. The final whistle was greeted with scenes of Euphoria as the girls of Clonmore had achieved their dream.
This was a tremendous match by two very sporting teams and unfortunately some-one had to loose. From a Clonmore perspective, this win identified two things. The passion and never give up attitude of the girls to succeed and the real listening of the girls to their coaches and mentors, James Mc Bennett & Mary O Hagan.

The progress of these girls has been immense in such a small period and the Club are proud that you all haven chosen to play for this small rural club. Who we meet in the semi final has still to be decided yet with 3 of the bigger Clubs no doubt in the waiting. Would it be possible that another shock could be on the cards?.

Semi Final date down for July 30th.

Squad for this quarter final was.Hannah Mc Gilley,Sarah Jackson,Shauna Fanthorpe,Orla Casey,Cathy Convie (Captain)Maura Cunningham,Lauren Dynes,Rebecca Mc Geary& Catherine Mullan,Orlaigh Mc Geary,Sarah O hagan,Brid O hagan,Ros Hendron,Eve Lavery,Charlene Hughes,Nicola Mc Niece,Emma Molloy,Rebecca Mc Alinden,Emer Robinson,Bronagh Gribben,Elish Taylor,Lauren Foy.
Coaching continues for all underage on Mondays and Thursdays.