It was 3rd time lucky on the weather front for our Over 35 ladies as they finally got to play their third group game in Cappagh Park on Monday evening & would you believe it, not a drop of rain in sight! Unfortunately, luck didn’t stretch to the same result as a dominant Knocknacarra side came out on top in a tough 3–1 battle.
From the off, Ruth Dempsey was the busier of the two keepers, called into action within minutes with a fine save. Shelly Finnerty tested the opposition with a great strike, despite a stubborn crosswind, before Ruth Dempsey again made a stunning diving save as Knocknacarra piled on early pressure.
Anita Murphy was immense at the back during this period, calmly dealing with all that came her way, while Alicia Flannery provided constant support & motivation to those around her. Catherine Curtin had a strong chance saved & Deirdre O’Grady delivered a lovely corner that the Knocknacarra keeper just managed to claim.
Despite Colemanstown’s best efforts, Knocknacarra broke the deadlock on 20 mins after sustained pressure. But the ladies response was swift & very sweet. Catherine Curtin rose highest to meet an Emer O’Brien cross with a bullet header, following a slick build-up involving Alicia Flannery & Deirdre O’Grady. Game on!
Anita Murphy continued to marshal the defence superbly with Eleanor Morrissey also producing some vital clearances. Murphy made a key interception just as Knocknacarra’s No. 9 looked set to pounce. Moments later Ruth Dempsey pulled off a jaw-dropping triple save, even deflecting one shot onto the post; an absolute tonic between the posts. Deirdre O’Grady came close with a free after Catherine Curtin was fouled & had another effort just before the break, but it remained 1–1 at half-time; thanks in a large part to Ruth Dempsey’s heroics.
The 2nd half began as Sandra Schwitalla replaced Nicola Finn. The pressure stayed on Colemanstown & our defence were firmly backs to the wall but manager Gerry Flannery’s sideline encouragement was loud, clear & only a little less intense than a World Cup final. Deirdre O’Grady whipped in another dangerous corner but no one could convert. Meanwhile Ruth Dempsey continued her masterclass in goal, keeping us in the game. Then came a moment of controversy in what looked like a stonewall offside was waved on & Knocknacarra capitalised to go 2–1 up, despite some very passionate & perfectly valid protests from our defenders.
Two Deirdre O’Grady corners followed in quick succession but yielded no reward & Knocknacarra punished us again with a 3rd goal later on. Aoife Cummins came on for Sandra Schwitalla, who had emptied the tank, while Michelle Harrison replaced Deirdre O’Grady after she was forced off with a knock. True to form, Aoife “Legs 11” Cummins galloped across the pitch closing down danger with her trademark long strides & big engine. Catherine Curtin continued to dazzle throughout with her silky footwork & at some points she nearly turned a few defenders inside out.
This was the ladies first defeat in the Over 35 league campaign, but nevertheless it was a spirited & committed display. No doubt the ladies will dust themselves off & get back on the horse next Monday at home & here’s hoping that horse has better hamstrings than the rest of us! Match Report: Martina Donnellan
Squad: Ruth Dempsey, Anita Murphy, Lorraine McGann, Alicia Flannery, Ellie Morrissey, Nicola Finn, Emer O’Brien, Shelly Finnerty, Anne Marie Walsh, Catherine Curtin, Dee O’Grady, Sandra Schwitalla, Aoife Cummins, Michelle Harrison, Jacinta Brett, Marian Wilson, Marie Ryan, Karen Dunne, Mary Rohan, Olivia Broderick, Sandra King.