Oulart-the-Ballagh 2 - 9  Ballyboden St Endas 1 - 9

Great players are so defined because of their ability to deliver the goods when their team needs them most.  For 50 minutes Una Leacy was well marshalled but her switch to full forward in the closing quarter reaped rich dividends as she bagged goals in the 52nd and 56th to win the game for the Wexford champions. 

That and a very slow start from Boden which saw them score only one point (a free from Ciara Lucey) in the first 20 minutes were the key differences between the sides in a fine game at Oulart.  While rattled on a number of occasions by the Wexford challenge, the Boden team remained calm and composed.  A mood that was matched by the management team.  The side hurled with defiance and ability and were always in contention.  Two years ago the club captured a Leinster title in a smash and grab raid.  On this occasion, the team performed even better for most of the game even if the little bit of luck never came their way.

In the opening 20 minutes, it looked like the defending champions were going to have matters all their own way.  Stacey Redmond was dominating matters at midfield and points from Stacey Kehoe, Redmond, Ursula Jacob (two) and Una Leacy saw them in control at 0 - 5 to 0 - 1.

However when Helena Jacob fumbled a long delivery, it looked certain that Ciara Ruddy would finish to the empty net but her first time kick amazingly lifted the ball over the bar.  Nevertheless the score ignited Boden and with Ciara Lucey playing a captain's part at midfield, Boden clawed their way back into the game.

The half back-line of Orla Smith (who had an outstanding game), Joanne O'Sullivan and Susan Kennedy could not be breached and points from a free and 45 by Ciara Lucey cut the gap to a point with half-time beckoning.  However Oulart had the last say when a slack Boden delivery into the Oulart half was cleared and Ursula Jacob gained possession to finish with a good point.

Despite the huge challenge presented by the home side with 9 Wexford panellists, the Boden team showed no inhibitions and immediately from the restart were on the offensive.  The pace of Paula McGrath was a constant menace to the Oulart defence and within a minute after good work by Natalia Hyland, the corner forward pointed.  The score of the game from a Boden perspective came two minutes later when Ciara Lucey drilled a free into the corner to Paula who responded with the sweetest of ciotóg points from near the sideline to level the match.

Oulart knew now if not before that they were in a match and their management made a double substitution in the 39th minute.  The introduction seemed to work and Ursula Jacob and Una Leacy put them back two points in front.

But good work by Elaine Hickey set up Emer Lucey for a fine point in the 41st minute and six minutes later Ciara made it all square with a pointed free.   A 45 from Ursula Jacob who was unerring for placed balls gave her side the lead in the 48th minute but a magnificent free from over 50m by Ciara Lucey had the side level going into the final 10 minutes.

It was at this stage that Una Leacy took decisive action.   Now operating at full-forward she showed her ability and self-belief when she rounded her marker to fire a great shot at Sile nic Coitir who pulled off a mighty save but she could do nothing to prevent the rebound crossing the line with 8 minutes of normal time left.  Una repeated the dose in the 56th minute with an almost identical second goal which Sile once again got a stick to. 

Boden had one more rally left and when Ciara Lucey's free came back from a defender Fiona Ní Chorcoráin netted from close range.

Oulart were the better team but only by a small margin.  It took magnificent performances from All-stars like the Leacy sisters Mary and Una; the free-taking skills of Ursula Jacob as well as commanding displays by Ciara Storey at full-back and Stacey Redmond at midfield.

A mighty season had drawn to a close with only 1 competitive defeat.  Cup, League and Dublin Championship winners and Leinster runners-up - Boden will be content with their year,

Photos from this game - Seamus Massey