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Senior 1 Semi Final

Na Fianna 0-11  Ballyboden St Endas 0-8

Na Fianna are back in the Senior 1 final for the first time since 1995.  They showed commendable spirit and ability to see off Ballyboden St Endas who staged a fighting second half to come within a score of the Mobhi Road girls at the finish.

'Boden opened the scoring in 28 seconds when Dearbhla Brennan raced through to land a great point.  But that was it from the scoring point of view from the Firhouse Road team.  Their next shot at the posts would not come until the 24th minute which just tailed wide.

In between Na Fianna took control with  their half back line of Orla Gray (twin sister of corner forward Emma), Gráinne Free and Arlene Cushen outstanding.  Their tackling was furious and in a memorable 30 seconds mid-way through the half, a succession of blockdowns and hooks told its own story.

'Boden's defence was also sound with Sue Kennedy, Aoife O'Neill and Mairead Luttrell to the fore in front of a very reliable Síle nic Coitir.

In the first half Na Fianna's attack was showing well and the free-taking of Niamh Rock would have a telling impact on the game.  She levelled the game in the 1st minute to start a six points run without reply. Ciara Berkely put Na Fianna in front and Zoe O'Donoghue was on target for a neat point in the 8th minute.  Muirean O'Gorman set up Niamh Rock for a point from play as the game settled into a defensive battle resulting in a scoring stalemate.  Na Fianna missed a glorious goal chance in the 27th minute when Síle nic Coitir did superbly to deal with a dipping shot from a long range free.  The rebound fell to Na FIanna to finish to the net but the chance was lost.  However Niamh Rock nailed two frees before the half-time break that gave them a 0-6 to 0-1 interval lead.  'Boden had also suffered a huge blow with the loss of Doireann Mullany with an ankle injury.

Na Fianna had a dominance in the game but the scoreboard showed that 'Boden were well in touch.

When Niamh Rock converted a free and a 45 to push Na Fianna 0-8 to 0-1 clear, it looked ominous for the visitors but they raised their game and for the remainder of the match outscored Na Fianna by 0-7 to 0-3.  The introduction of Rachel Ruddy back from football duty lifted their cause and with Martha and Eve O'Donoghue and Aoife Durkin doing well, they game roaring back.  Mairead Luttrell (f), Dorina Ryan from play and a free, and a great point by Dearbhla Brennan cut the lead to three points by the 43rd minute.  Two of the points coming off of assists by sub Aoife Tobin.  However the loss of Dearbhla Brennan with a hand injury was also a blow to the Boden cause.

Na Fianna were under severe pressure and were now beginning to look vulnerable.  Niamh Rock steadied the ship with a magnificent free from 60m.  But 'Boden have championship pedigree and they came back again with a Rachel Ruddy point.  However at this crucial stage a couple of chances flew narrowly wide and were costly at the end of the game.  

Na Fianna managed to lift their game again with Orla Gray, Arlene Cushen and Allix Griffin popping up when most needed.  The skill and composure of Muireann O'Gorman under great pressure was also very important as Na Fianna missed a couple of chances.  Excellent play led to Zoe O'Donoghue getting a great point in the 52nd minute to open a four points gap but three minutes later 'Boden pressure was rewarded with a pointed 45 from Dorina Ryan.  

Time was not on 'Boden's side and as the game drifted into added time, Niamh Rock was equal to the task as she scored a 65m free to give a four points cushion.  Elaine O'Meara came on the field to good effect for Na Fianna in injury time.  Although Jodie White pointed the game's last score for Ballyboden, the clock ran out and Na Fianna were through to a deserved place in the final.

Na Fianna Scorers: Niamh Rock (0-8), Zoe O'Donoghue (0-2), Ciara Berkeley (0-1)

Ballyboden St Endas Scorers: Dorina Ryan (0-3), Dearbhla Brennan (0-2), Mairead Luttrell (0-1), Rachel Ruddy (0-1), Jodie White (0-1)

Referee: Paul Flanagan