U16 Girls impress at Shannon

U16 Girls Killarney v Shannon – Sunday 27th September.

Match Report by Fiona Landers, Photos by Anne Gabbett and Mags Murphy

The Killarney U16 Girls could not have asked for better weather as they travelled to play their first friendly against a strong and established Shannon team. This season brought with it a new coaching outfit of Jenna Moynihan, Liam Murphy and Josh Whelan along with a new team made up of a nice blend of new and experienced players.

The excitement and enthusiasm was palpable as the girls took to the pitch to play what would be a wonderful match full of skill, courage and determination. The front row of Molly Gabbett, Becky McGrath and Millie O’Connor didn’t allow Shannon to bully them and backed by the rest of the pack made up of Olivia Gaffey, Sarah Cox, Ava O’Malley, Bronagh Dorrian and Molly Jenkinson remained solid allowing scrum half Robyn Landers to flick the ball to the backs who were waiting restlessly nearby.

The tackling was furious with several try saving tackles being made. Clodagh Foley made a dynamite tackle to negate Shannon’s first attempt at scoring a try. Ava O’Malley made three tackles in a row and then with the loose ball in hand managed to offload it to one of her teammates. Marina Eager hurt her shoulder while getting in the way of another try attempt and sub April O’Reilly foiled another one with a well timed tackle.

There were plenty of experienced voices out there to help among them Fia Whelan who on more than one occasion took the pressure off her team with some relieving kicks taken throughout the game. The tries came courtesy of Marina Eager, Katie O’Donoghue and Niamh Dorrian and all but one was converted by the excellent boot of Bronagh Dorrian. Subs April O’Reilly and Lauren O’Neill reenergised the scrum as the game continued.

After a relentless forty minutes of scrummaging, rucking, running, kicking and tackling tiredness began to set in and the Shannon players took their chances to score a number of well converted tries. However, Killarney remained defiant and urged and encouraged by their coaches and supporters held out for a narrow win.

Many thanks to Shannon for hosting a hugely entertaining match and a big thanks to the coaches and the parents who journeyed to see the match and to Donncha Murphy our assistant. Finally, many thanks to the girls themselves who trained hard every week and who put on a great display for us all.