Girls U12 Football vs St. Sylvester’s
Mon, 5th November 2007
Result: Castleknock 2-9 St. Sylvester’s 2-3

The final fixture of the 2007 season saw St. Sylvester’s arrive in Porterstown hoping to pip Castleknock to runners-up spot in U/12 Division 1. The referee arrived on time and unusually for a GAA match the game started somewhere approaching the appointed time (apparently he isn’t aware of the central council directive that the game only starts when the Dubs are finished “Sunday” lunch – he’ll come in handy during the SFC next summer).

From the throw in ‘Syls were quick off the mark and registered an early goal to signal their intent. The Castleknock girls, probably still a bit deflated from the Championship final loss to ‘Boden, upped their game immediately and started playing good football. A great run and powerful finish from Leah Mullins levelled the scores and points from Fiona Black, Orlaith Higgins and Kelley Saunders put Castleknock into a comfortable position.

Amy Doyle and Kelley Saunders were doing fine work in midfield as usual. Sarah Murray added a lovely point after a good run and further scores from Hannah Hanlon and Clara Butler was turning the game into an autumn stroll. With the last kick of the half Sylvester’s pulled a point back to give them some hope for the second half.

Half-time: Castleknock 1-6 St. Sylvester’s 1-1

As in the opening period Sylvester’s started strongly and reduced the arrears to just three points with a couple of well taken scores. But this Castleknock side is made of skill, speed and a huge dose of spirit. Great defensive performances from Sinead Comerford, Niamh Kiernan, Aisling Rafferty, Shauna Harries, Michaela Power and Amy Mahoney kept Sylvester’s at bay. Ciara McDonnell had a storming game at half back and covered every blade of grass on a Terry Mullins designed large pitch.

Louise O’Connor had a great game in goal and admirably when Sylvester’s started launching “bombs” into the square in search of the equalising goal. Great contributions from Eve Farrelly and the Quinn twins (Deirbhile and Sorcha) and further scores from Fiona Black, Leah and a lovely point from Deirbhile gave Castleknock a well deserved victory.

Another fine season for a smashing team, runners-up in league and Championship for the second consecutive year. Let’s hope next year brings just reward to this great group. The celebrations will be long and loud. Special mention and thanks once again to mentors Barbara O’Neill, Jim Mahony and Terry Mullins for their unstinting commitment and good humour.

Full-time: Castleknock 2-9 St. Sylvester’s 2-3

Team: Louise O’Connor, Michaela Power, Aisling Rafferty, Clara Butler, Ciara McDonnell, Sinead Comerford, Niamh Kiernan, Shauna Harries, Amy Mahony, Amy Doyle, Kelley Saunders, Eve Farrelly, Orlaith Higgins, Leah Mullins, Hannah Hanlon, Deirbhile Quinn, Sorcha Quinn, Sarah Murray, Fiona Black