Dublin 0-12 Derry 0-8
A
big pressure game for Dublin where the heat grew even more intense by the
mid-way point when they led the home side by just a point having played with
the slight breeze.
More worryingly
Dublin’s only scores from play had been accumulated by the 7
th
minute and Derry had hit the closing two points of the half having also totted
up 6 wides.
But to their great credit,
the side responded in a game they had to win to have any chance of further
progress.
Central
to the result was a player of the match performance from Alison Maguire whose
four pointed frees after half-time were not only vital scores but gave her side
huge confidence.
But this was a team
result and every girl of the 19 girls who earned pitch time contributed
handsomely.
A
fine Dublin support including two year old Sailóg Nic Coitir, niece of Síle,
made the journey to a super pitch in Swatragh aided by the great assistance of the Friends of
Dublin Hurling and the sight and sounds of the supporters played no small part
in the win.
Backed
by a slight but not insignificant breeze Dublin were out of traps early and
when a long delivery from the peerless Louise O’Hara was picked up by Siobhan Kehoe, the
corner forward bagged the first of a three points match tally.
The same player brought her haul to two three
minutes later with another clinical finish.
Even at this stage one could see that “Shivers” was on form.
But for much of the rest of the half, the
supply was fitful.
At
the other end Aisling Carolan in the less than accustomed position of left corner-back
was having a stormer showing great pace and anticipation. Dublin had made a number of changes from the
Clare game and all had an impact. The
restoration of Alison Maguire to centre back was crucial and one of the
pleasing developments with the team is how several of the anchor positions are
being nailed down.
At
midfield Miriam Twomey put in a wonderful hour’s play. Her energy, running and support were
magnificent and she would have given Alison a major run for her money as player
of the match.
Free-takers
always love knocking over the first opportunity and when Alison Maguire nailed
her first placed ball in the 9th minute it gave Dublin a 0-3 to nil
lead. But Derry have some fabulous
players and although they have yet to garner a point in the competition, they
were pipped by Tipperary by a point and notched 2-10 when going down to
Kilkenny.
Key
players to catch the eye are full-back Aoife Ní Chaiside, Meabh McGoldrick at
No. 6, free-taker Karen Kielt and Mary Kelly at full-forward.
Two fine scores from play by Aine McAllister
and Meabh McGoldrick left just two between the sides following Alison Maguire’s
second pointed free.
But Derry would
have been heartened by the way they cut down on Dublin’s scoring chances in the
second quarter when Dublin only added one more point – an Alison Maguire free
in the 20
th
minute.
Dublin
had goal chances but Emma Flanagan was unlucky to see her shot saved by Derry
‘keeper Niamh McQuillan from a great Áine Fanning pass. Dublin’s own defending
was top-notch and Catríona Power, Elaine O’Meara and Laura Twomey were
tenacious and tight in front of a very composed Síle nic Coitir who was given
excellent cover in the Dublin goals.
Derry however finished the half strongly with points by Karen Kielt
(free) and an excellent effort from Mary Kelly to trail by just 0-5 to 0-4 at
the interval.
At
half-time Dublin introduced Aisling Maher and the corner forward would have a
telling impact on the determination of the result.
She showed her intent almost from the restart
when she won possession and hammered a fine shot just narrowly wide.
The
start was a signal of better things.
Rose Collins stormed into the game at full-back, Sarah O’Donovan was more involved on the 40 and Orlaith Durkan at midfield was much more
active.
On
the 33
rd
minute, Alison Maguire found the range with another free
which was cancelled almost immediately by a similar effort from Karen
Kielt.
In the 36
th
minute
Alison was presented with a very difficult effort to the left of the posts but the
umpire was on his way for the white flag the moment the sliothar left her
stick.
However Dublin hit a brief spell
of indiscipline in defence and another free was conceded and Karen Kielt did
the rest.
Dublin
were growing in confidence.
The backs were
on top and the industry of Miriam Twomey and Laoise Quinn was causing problems
for a Derry side who were also battling for championship survival.
Dublin
have developed a tactic when taking side lines but on this occasion in the 38
th
minute Louise O’Hara opted for a more traditional approach.
Her effort went straight to the Derry
full-back but as she went to clear, Siobhan Kehoe nicked the ball off her stick
with her hurley, picked up the break and landed her third superb point from
play.
At the back Laura Twomey put in
a superb block on Eimear McGuigan to deny a score – on such essential tasks are
games won and lost.
When
presented with their chances at the other end – Dublin converted same.
Two frees from Alison Maguire one from 43m
and another crucial effort well to the right of the posts put Dublin four clear
(following a rousing solo run by Miriam Twomey) and a psychological hurdle had
been jumped.
Alison was involved again
in the next score when her free from defence was placed into the corner for
Alison Maher to run on to.
Her finish
was superb.
Five clear now with 13
minutes to go – Dublin were looking good.
Derry
pulled one back through Karen Kielt (free) in the 48
th
minute but
only a goal now would threaten Dublin.
The workrate was first class and no opportunities were presented.
Miriam Twomey did an amount of covering in
her own half and although Derry’s Karen Kielt with another free left the margin
on a precarious three points with as many minutes to go, Dublin’s hearts rose
as the game entered injury time with a superb finish by Aisling Maher.
Martha O’Donoghue, Gráinne Quinn and Mairi
Moynihan all made essential plays when introduced and the sound of the final
whistle was sweet music at the finish.
Watch this space as they say!
Sile
nic Coitir, Catríona Power, Rose Collins, Aisling Carolan, Elaine O’Meara,
Alison Maguire (0-7f), Laura Twomey, Miriam Twomey, Orlaith Durkan, Laoise
Quinn, Sarah O’Donovan, Louise O’Hara, Emma Flanagan, Áine Fanning, Siobhan
Kehoe (0-3)
Subs
used:
Aisling Maher (0-2), Gráinne
Quinn, Martha O’Donoghue, Mairi Moynihan
Derry
– Karen Kielt (0-5), Áine McAllister, Meabh McGoldrick and Mary Kelly (0-1
each)
Referee:
Peter Dowd