In the kind of performance that suggests Colemanstown are peaking at just the right time, the ladies over-35s side delivered a ruthless display away to Kinvara yesterday evening & ran out 5–0 winners and put one foot — potentially — into a home semi-final.
But before a ball was kicked, the two teams came together in a moment that transcended sport. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Niamh Kennedy, a much-loved member of the Colemanstown United community. The players, wearing black armbands in her honour, stood in quiet tribute — a poignant gesture that underlined the sense of togetherness within the group and the wider football family.
What followed was a performance that matched the occasion in every sense — full of intensity, unity, and no shortage of quality.
Just a point separated the teams before kick-off, and with a home semi-final still a possibility for both, the stakes were high. But it was Colemanstown who embraced the occasion — and within minutes, it became clear this was their game to lose.
The early tempo was relentless, with Shauna Ward offering a preview of what was to come with a jinking run and shot that forced the Kinvara keeper into an early save. Moments later, Alicia Flannery’s long-range effort fizzed just wide — a sign Colemanstown were willing to shoot on sight.
Kinvara, trying to gain some control, were undone by the simplicity and speed of a direct Colemanstown attack. Shelly Finnerty, sharp in midfield, clipped a well-weighted ball in behind. Shauna Ward timed her run to perfection, rounded the offside line, and slotted calmly into the bottom corner. It was a composed finish and a deserved lead.
If the first goal showcased anticipation, the second revealed instinct. A misjudged Kinvara kick-out landed at Shauna’s feet, and she made no mistake, doubling the lead with a clinical finish.
Kinvara began to string together passages of play after the restart, but they were met with disciplined resistance. Orla McCaffrey and Lorraine McGann formed a resolute central pairing — positioning, communication, and timing all on point — extinguishing threats before they developed.
Further up the pitch, Kara Mullins started to dictate from the right flank. Her intelligent movement and delivery led to chances for both Shelly Finnerty and Sandra Schwitalla, before her work indirectly created two more openings: Catherine Burke saw a powerful strike tipped wide, and Shauna Ward was again inches from a hat trick, denied only by the crossbar.
If the first half was defined by control, the second was a display of individual brilliance. Three minutes after the restart, Kara Mullins capped a standout performance with a stunning 20-yard strike into the top left corner — the kind of goal that doesn’t just end games, but defines them.
Kinvara had their moments, but Ruth Dempsey remained unshaken in goal, showing excellent hands and calm distribution whenever called upon.
Aoife Cummins and Olivia Broderick were introduced on the hour mark, but it was Olivia who made the most immediate impact. Her perfectly weighted ball split the Kinvara defence, allowing Shauna Ward to complete her hat trick with characteristic cool. Minutes later, Shauna added a fourth, latching onto a loose ball after intricate link-up play between Emer O’Brien and Catherine Burke caused panic in the Kinvara back line.
With the game effectively won, manager Gerry Flannery emptied the bench. Ann Marie Walsh, Jacinta Brett, Marian Wilson, Louise Lally, Nicola Finn, and Rita Gilmore all entered the fold — and crucially, all brought energy and intent. With a semi-final looming, the final quarter of this match may well have been a selection trial in real time.
Post-match, Kinvara offered warm praise for the opposition — not just for their quality, but for the mutual respect and spirit with which the game was played.
As things stand, Colemanstown climb to second in the table, level on points with Kiltullagh but ahead on goal difference. All eyes now turn to Kiltullagh’s result against Athenry. Should Athenry take the points, a home semi-final awaits. If not, a daunting away trip to table-toppers Knocknacarra is next — and with a place in Eamonn Deacy Park on the line, the margins couldn’t be finer. Final score from Kinvara: Kinvara 0-5 Colemanstown. Match Report: Neil Ryan