Kearney and Robbins steer St Joseph’s into last six
St Joseph's 2-7 St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge 1-8
St Joseph’s made their way into the final six of the Westmeath LGFA Senior Championship after a tough battle against St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge which saw them come out with two points to spare last Thursday evening.
In the rain and slippery conditions in Rochfortbridge, Síle Kearney's tally of 1-4 from play was the difference for the Streamstown outfit, while defeat means the home side head to Group 'B' for next season.
Kearney found her first score moments after the 'Bridge had gone into the lead through Jenny Judge’s free from close-range. Rochfortbridge knew that they had to win themselves to advance and demote Joseph’s down a division and went back into an early lead through a lovely score from Aoibheann Berry.
Kearney was the early threat for Joseph’s and she hit two more nice scores to keep her side just ahead. Judge, however, was matching her opponent score for score and was, once again, able to find her range from a free. Following a breech against Rochfortbridge in the 17th minute, Joseph’s were able to go ahead once again. This time, Sinéad Robbins was the beneficiary.
A key moment in the half came ten minutes before the whistle as Judge this time turned provider to tee up Niamh McDermott for a simple finish to the net to put their side ahead again.
Just before half-time, Judge and Aoife Keegan exchanged scores either side of a yellow card and ten minutes in the sin bin for Lauryn McDonnell of St Joseph’s. At the interval, the Bridge led by 1-4 to 0-5 in what was a close battle for the championship points on offer.
Joseph’s wasted no time going back in front as Caoilinn Elliffe reacted sharpest to hit the net after Aoife Keegan’s effort from distance was saved well by Keira Kelly in the Bridge goals. The home team went down to 14 players themselves before Kearney hit another point from a tricky angle. With goal chances missed at both ends, it looked like both sides were struggling to shut this game out and take the vital win.
The Bridge went through their best patch approaching the 50th minute with three on the bounce from Judge (all frees). Just when it looked like they might be in trouble, St Joseph’s found a response. Having been awarded a penalty, Sinéad Robbins saw her effort saved brilliantly by Keira Kelly before Kearney reacted to snatch the rebound and smash it to the net.
Late scores from Judge (free) and one in stoppage time from Robbins bookended the drama of the final eight minutes or so which saw missed goal chances, calls for a penalty at both ends, and some incredible goalkeeping from Keira Kelly.
In the end, St Joseph’s secured victory and advanced to meet Goldsmiths in the quarter-finals on Thursday (September 10) in Shandonagh (7.30pm). St Mary’s must now plan to contend with life in Group B of the senior championship for 2027.
Player of the match: Síle Kearney (St Joseph’s). The lively forward notched 1-4 and that was a big factor in the difficult playing conditions.
Scorers – St Joseph’s: S Kearney 1-4, C Elliffe 1-0, S Robbins 0-2 (1f), A Keegan 0-1. St Mary’s: J Judge 0-7 (6f), N McDermott 1-0, A Berry 0-1.
St Joseph’s - Áine Maxwell; Leanne Daly, Orla Robbins, Niamh Kearney; Keelin Robbins, Kayla McDonnell, Ellie Conway; Ciara Daly, Aoife Keegan; Lauryn McDonnell, Caoilinn Elliffe, Molly Russell; Síle Kearney, Karen Keegan, Sinéad Robbins. Subs used: Aoibheann Kelly for Russell (47 mins), Joyce Conway for Daly (52), Róisín Killian for L McDonnell (52).
St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge - Keira Kelly; Caoimhe Darcy, Niamh Carey, Keeley Gavin; Lisa Cully, Fiona Coyle, Jen Whelehan; Orla Collins, Aoibhinn Berry; Amelie Kelly, Emma Collins, Jenny Judge; Grace Clarke, Elizabeth Carey, Niamh McDermott. Subs used: Catríona Dunne for Darcy (23 mins), Aoife Moran for Carey (42), Kacey Geoghegan for Cully (55), Sophie Collins for McDermott (55).
Referee - Vinny Cox (Rosemount).