Down U-14s upset the odds and despatch fancied Dublin outfit

27 April 2022

DOWN came into this game as underdogs against a highly fancied Dublin team but the Mourne girls were high on confidence after a strong finish to the previous week’s matches.

The match was played in Dundalk DKIT and there was a very strong wind to contend with. Down were playing with the wind in the first half so they hoped to have a strong start and take full advantage of the blustery conditions. The match began very evenly with every ball contested strongly by both teams.

However, it was Down who started to get some points on the scoreboard. Dublin were fighting very hard for their shooting opportunities and Down were lucky as a couple of goal chances hit the cross bar and another was cleared off the goal line.

At the other end the Mourne girls continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over and got their first goal through a penalty.

While the game itself remained very even at intervals, Down were delighted to get in at half-time with a 3-7 to 0-2 lead.

With the wind not letting up, Down knew what to expect in the second half and Dublin came out hoping to come back into the game.

However, it was the Mourne girls who adjusted to the conditions better and took the first three scores of the second half.

Dublin hit back through a goal from distance, but as the game continued into the final ten minutes and with no more Dublin scores, it was clear that the game was won.

Down took advantage of the unlimited substitute rule and every one of their 30 strong panel was given a run out.

Best performers on the day for Down were Lily Magee, Zara Kelly, Cara McDermott, Isa McCarron, Aoife Wolfe, Holly Donnelly, Grace McMullan, Orla Owens, Alannah McKay, Annie McEvoy, Grace Kelly and Clodagh Simpson but it was captain Maia Murdock who won player of the match with a great display.

Onto the semi-final for Down were they will play Cork on Sunday, May 8. Venue and time to be confirmed.

The Down management and girls want to thank everyone for their continued support.

Down: L Magee; E Austin, F M Morgan, C McDermott; A McArdle, M Murdock (C), Z Kelly (1-0); A Wolfe, I McCarron (0-2); G McMullan (1-2), H Donnelly (0-1), A McKay; O Owens (0-3), C Simpson (2-2), E McKee.

Subs: M Hackett, E O’Kane, H McGeough, R Horisk, M Scullion, L Keane, C McGrath, G Kelly (0-1), A McEvoy, E McHugh, Z Greenan, H Cassin, C Lundy, T Ryan (1-0), L Elmore.

Down 5-11

Dublin 1-2

ALL-IRELAND U-14 C’SHIP QUARTER-FINAL

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