Sacred Heart County Senior A Champs!
08 December, 2019
Report and pics by Brendan Walsh
Sacred Heart were crowned Senior County A champions on Friday last after a comprehensive victory over near neighbours Presentation Bandon. The Clonakilty students led from the start with early scores from Caoimhe Murphy, Katelyn Dineen and Eimear O’Brien. The midfield partnership of Hannah Sexton and Dare O’Brien were to the fore, driving forward and distributing possession with great flair. These two players caught the eye and delivered when it mattered most. The full back line of Annie Condon, Emma O’Driscoll and Grace Tobin stood tall when needed but were rarely tested. Roisin Dullea was a rock in the left half back position while Jessica McCarthy on the other wing was highly effective throughout the game. With her low centre of gravity she came out on top of all the skirmishes in the soft conditions and skilfully delivered the sliotar out of danger. Lydia Sutton at half forward was a thorn in the Bandon side right throughout the game, with her good first touch and direct energetic running style. At centre forward Caoimhe Murphy’s skill and power was very evident and she contributed well to the final Sacred Heart score line. Anna Flynn and Millie Condon were very consistent and their quality play was a decisive factor in this historic victory. Unfortunately Sacred Heart’s captain, inter county All Ireland winner, Claire Kingston went off ill but was ably replaced by her sister Maeve. Two great goals in the second half by Eimear O’Brien and substitute Katie O’Driscoll added to Clonakilty’s first half goal by player of the match Katelyn Dineen. The Ballinascarthy club player was on song with a very consistent performance. She was magnificent from the placed ball and from play contributing regularly to the scoreboard. At the end of the game Claire Kingston lifted the cup from Tom Lyons to great celebrations. The team must now settle their sights back to the Munster campaign where they have reached the semi-final. We wish them the very best of luck in their journey!
A special congrats to local girls Grace Tobin, Roisin Dullea, Jessica McCarthy, Roisin Ni Bhuachalla, Claire Tobin and Roisin McCarthy.
