Late McCusker goal seals Ulster title for St. Malachy’s

NO-ONE was leaving early when the St Malachy’s U-14 girls met Our Lady’s, Castleblayney, in the Kukri Schools U-14 Ulster gaelic football final in Saval.

The game went right to the wire and after extra time it was St. Malachy’s who emerged victorious.

Our Lady’s enjoyed the assistance of a stiff breeze in the first half, getting into attack mode immediately. However, St. Malachy’s replied with some eagerly taken points from Ciar Nic Riochard and Amanda Wood to even up the scoreboard.

Our Lady’s were sharp on the attack once again as they battled hard against a strong St. Malachy’s defence. Brea McKee worked tirelessly throughout and was ably supported by vice-captain Rachel Quinn, who made some spectacular and clever interceptions at vital stages of the game.

Courtney O’Rourke’s sharp and clever movement in the half forward line set up a further two points from play with Siofra Nic Riochard and Caoimhe Moorehead both getting their names on the score sheet.

With half time fast approaching St. Malachy’s felt the need to get on the attack and after some superb support play Maria Fulcher and Jade Hammond ensured another goal was accounted for leaving St. Malachy’s in the lead by one point at the interval.

The second half opened up with Our Lady’s getting off to a bright start and continued to dominate for a 15-minute period. However, after a few strong clearances by St. Malachy’s goalkeeper Leon McCusker, the girls proved they were still in the game. Full back and captain Amy McCourt and Ria Doherty cleverly worked the ball out of defence linking with Michaela Rodgers in the half forward line, who attacked with speed laying the ball off to Ciar Nic Riochard who calmed any St. Malachy’s nerves with a fine goal.

Our Lady’s were dangerous on the attack and only for the ability of Chloe McCusker to power ahead, assisted by the strength and alertness of Lucy Prenter in the half back line, St. Malachy’s could have found themselves with a greater score difference to contest.

Considering the amount of possession the St. Malachy’s girls gained near the close of the second half it was evident that with a little more composure in front of the posts the girls had the potential to finally overcome their Monaghan opponents.

The first half of extra time was a close affair. Our Lady’s were on the attack once again. Chloe McCusker battled strenuously in the back line making great clearances at very crucial moments. Rachel Quinn cleverly worked the ball in the direction of Paula McKay who demonstrated great power to link with Shauneen Owens to set up a further few scores. St. Malachy’s were leading by one point at the interval.

St. Malachy’s continued to dominate play in the second period. A deep probing ball into the St. Malachy’s full forward line resulted in a penalty and Chloe McCusker stepped up to the mark. The St. Malachy’s supporters were ecstatic when the ball hit the top right hand corner of the net.

With time running out, St. Malachy’s showed sheer determination and commitment as they claimed the 2013 Ulster title.

St. Malachy’s: Leon McCusker (Kilcoo), Brea McKee (Castlewellan), Amy McCourt (Castlewellan), Ria Doherty (Kilcoo), Rachel Quinn (Aughlisnafin), Chloe McCusker (Kilcoo), Lucy Prenter (Downpatrick), Síofra Nic Riochard (Kilcoo), Amanda Wood (Kilcoo), Maria Fulcher (Kilcoo), Courtney O’Rourke (Kilcoo), Shauneen Owens (Bryansford), Caoimhe Moorehead (Castlewellan), Ciar Nic Riochard (Kilcoo), Jade Hammond (Castlewellan), Michaela Rodgers (Castlewellan), Paula McKay (St. John’s), Becky Lenaghan (Castlewellan), Annie Hanna, Roisin McComiskey (Aughlisnafin), Katie Lundy, Orla Morgan (St. John’s), Cara Morgan (Kilcoo), Aoife Kane (Kilcoo), Alannah Megoran (St. John’s),

Cliodhna Sloan (Drumgath), Rebecca Rodgers, Kayleigh Hughes.

St. Malachy’s, C’wellan 4-13

Our Lady’s, Castleblayney 4-5

ULSTER U-14 FINAL

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