Mullingar perform well against Carlow opponents
MULLINGAR HOCKEY CLUB NOTES
Leinster Ladies League - Division 9: Mullingar 1st’s 0, Carlow 2nd’s 0
The Mullingar Ladies were out for their first home game of the season last Saturday, taking on a visiting Carlow side, one they hadn’t met in the league for several seasons.
With mostly clear skies and the rain managed to hold off until the final whistle, Mullingar was holding out hope for a strong home performance early in this league campaign. Mullingar set a lively pace from the start and a good battle looked likely against an experienced Carlow side. Their early intensity with some good link ups from Orla White out to Eleanor Mulligan and Zara Allen on the wings created some hope for a score in the first-quarter, but a strong defence from Carlow denied these attempts.
A slightly subdued Mullingar side came out in the second-quarter, following several unlucky umpiring calls. Carlow were awarded a number of short-corners, making it tough work for the Mullingar defence. The ladies worked hard, however and kept Carlow at bay, denying them from hitting the backboard during any of these corners.
Moral slightly dropped and left some disconnections in the middle of the pitch and while Carlow tried hard to capitalise on this, a strong Mullingar defence held out. Louise Farrell produced some great saves to keep the half-time score at 0-0.
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In glorious sunshine, the Colts section are put through their paces in the Loreto College. Numbers are down, but should improve, once other sports finish up for the winter.Image 2 of 3
Elenor Mulligan has eyes only for the ball, as she surges up the Wilson's pitch. Photo by Oisin KeoghImage 3 of 3
Therese O'Keeffe is pictured battling for possession during last Saturday's clash with Carlow. Photo by Oisin KeoghThe second-half saw some hard work from Mullingar trying to keep off the back foot. Several great breaks forward from the midfield through to Therese O’Keefe up front, kept the hopes of a score, but it was clear it wasn’t going to come easy. The home side were awarded a few short-corners of their own. Mullingar but although working hard up front, just couldn’t seem to hit the backboard to get over the line. The final quarter saw the two sides come out fighting to make of the match what they wanted. Mullingar managed to break free from the newly determined Carlow side on several occasions. Leading to another penalty corner, but still were denied that score they were longing for.
While the final whistle of a nil all game meant not quite the win Mullingar set out to achieve, they still get the one league point for the game, it keeps them in a good position after two games. With both positives to take forward and some lessons learned, the Mullingar girls will regroup and come out fighting for the next day out at home again in two weeks’ time.
While the result wasn’t ideal, it was great to see Therese O’Keeffe and Anna Bannon back in Mullingar shirts, after a few years playing with Genesis and UCD respectively.
Player of the Match: Orla White.
Mullingar Squad: Louise Farrell, Rachel Crowe (c), Maria Baker, Clare Kelly, Raimey O’Boyle, Orla White, Ella Allen, Alannah Foran, Therese O’Keefe, Eleanor Mulligan, Ruby Murray, Zara Allen, Katelyn Griffith, Avril McCormack, Rachel Goldsbury and Anna Bannon.
Upcoming Schedule:
Monday 21st September
19:00 in Wilson’s Hospital - Under 14/16 Girls Training
Tuesday 22nd September
19:15 in Wilson’s Hospital - Senior Men’s Training
Wednesday 23rd September
19:00 in Wilson’s Hospital - Senior Ladies Training
Thursday 24th September
19:00 in Wilson’s Hospital - Under 14/16 Boys Training
Saturday 26th September
Men’s 1st’s away to Navan 2nd’s @ 14:00 in ALSAA
Men’s 2nd’s at home to Portrane 4th’s @ 11:00 in Wilson’s Hospital
Sunday 27th September
11am in the Loreto College - Under 8’s, 10’s & 12’s Boys & Girls Training