Fantastic Down U-14 girls claim All-Ireland title in Dundalk sun

14 June 2023

DOWN came into this All-Ireland final as underdogs, with Monaghan favourites due to their 5-9 to 0-6 win over Down in the Ulster final in April.

Down had other plans. Unlike the Ulster final where they had up to eight players missing due to dual commitments, Down had a full squad of 35 girls to pick from for their first All-Ireland final at U-14 level.

Even with this full hand to pick from, Down knew Monaghan would be a very hard opponent and approached the match with cautious optimism.

The setting in Clan na Gael GAA, Dundalk couldn’t have been better. On a warm sunny day, the packed stand and the level of Down support around all the ground did not burden the young team at all. All the girls remained focused throughout the warm-up.

Down were keen to start the match strongly and take the game to Monaghan. However, it was Monaghan who claimed the first point of the day.

For the first few minutes both teams won and lost possession through different phases, but Down looked more and more comfortable and created their first scoring opportunity when Evie McHugh went through for a shot on goal but was fouled. The resultant penalty was dispatched brilliantly by Grace Guest to get Down on the scoreboard.

Two quick points from play — one apiece from full forwards Gracie McManus and Abigail Hanvey — gave Down more confidence and after nine minutes they found the net again when Hanvey’s effort hit one post before going across the goal line, hitting the other post and going in.

Two more points through Guest from play and a McManus free gave Down a good lead at the first water break.

After a quick turnaround and a message of more of the same, Down again took the game to Monaghan.

This time McHugh scored a great point from play. Captain Annie McEvoy then got her name on the scoreboard when a speculative effort dipped just under the crossbar for Down’s third goal.

Monaghan were still fighting for every ball and trying to work their own scoring opportunities, but Down’s defence were too good for the majority of the first half.

However, Monaghan gave themselves hope and Down a gentle reminder that the game wasn’t won yet by scoring the last two points of the first half to leave the half time score Down 3-5 Monaghan 0-3.

A near perfect first half for Down, but they knew the next 15-minute period would be crucial.

With the sub rule of a minimum of 20 players playing a minimum of 20 minutes, Down made some changes at half time to keep the legs fresh on what was a very warm day.

Into the second half and again it was the Monaghan team who got the first score. However, a quick reply through a point from play by McEvoy settled the Down team again and within a few minutes Down had their fourth goal.

A sweeping team move down the field resulted in Hanvey netting her second goal of the day and this time she didn’t need the benefit of the posts as she rifled the ball into the roof of the net past the Monaghan keeper.

With confidence now high in the Down team, all players were excelling all over the pitch and Monaghan couldn’t get the ball past the halfway line.

Two more goals just before the last water break on the 43rd and 45th minute basically finished the match as a contest. Down’s fifth goal came from the ever busy McHugh — a silky finish into the net after her determination to pick up a blocked clearance from a McManus effort that hit the post.

Down’s sixth and final goal came from the penalty spot again and for the second time Guest converted ruthlessly.

After the final water break Down took advantage of the unlimited sub rule to ensure every girl on the 30-strong panel got game time.

The players coming on didn’t relent and kept the scoreboard ticking over, some great team play resulting in seven more points converted by Connie McGrath, with two points, and McManus, Hannah Cassin, Erin Easton and vice-captain Lucy Elmore all chipping in with one point each.

The final score line didn’t show the true reflection of the battle on the day. Monaghan never stopped and continued to work tirelessly throughout, but it was to be Down’s day and the scenes at the final whistle were magnificent.

The realisation of a first U14 All Ireland title for a Down team since the introduction of the competition’s new format probably won’t sink in for a while.

A fantastic all round team performance from the Down girls. Every player stood up and performed exceptionally.

Down scorers: Grace Guest (2-1), Abigail Hanvey (2-0), Evie McHugh (1-1), Annie McEvoy (1-1), Gracie McManus (0-4), Connie McGrath (0-2), Lucy Elmore (0-1), Hannah Cassin (0-1), Erin Eason (0-1), Niamh Napier (0-1).

Down squad: Cadhla Faloon, Sarah Heenan, Farrah May Morgan, Maria McStay, Hannah Cassin, Maisie Quilton, Niamh Napier, Annie McEvoy, Grace Guest, Laura McEvoy, Tara Ryan, Lucy Elmore, Lauren Devlin, Gracie McManus, Evie McHugh, Cara Croskery, Orla Magill, Aleine Donnelly, Sofia Keenan-Travers, Abigail Hanvey, Connie McGrath, Clodagh O’Donnell, Annie Fitzpatrick, Khloe Davis, Eva Cunningham, Ciara Doyle, Anna Rose McNutly, Olivia Dean, Erin Easton, Kasey O’Rourke, Katriona McAvoy, Leah Feeney, Orlaith Mann, Caoimhe Donnelly, Ella Heaney.

Management team: Collie Campbell, Steven Cassin, Fran McEvoy, Aine McEvoy, Teresa Ryan, Stevie McCoey and Martina Devlin (physio).

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