Dublin 3-9, Clare 4-7.
There was disappointment for the Dublin U16A girls as they suffered a 1 point defeat to Clare on Saturday thereby ending their involvement in this year All –Ireland series. A win was a must to claim the runners-up spot in the group but a late Clare goal broke their hearts in Pairc Unsionn.
The first half was an evenly contested affair with the side trading points early on. Dublin made the breakthrough when nippy corner forward Ciara McGuigan rounded her marker and crashed the ball to the net. However a determined Clare side had not made the long journey to Dublin to make up the numbers and responded with a goal of their own five minutes later. Further points by Orla Beagan and Maria McGrath saw Dublin go into the break with a 2 point advantage.
A few positional switches at the start of the second half seemed to have the desired effect as Dublin hit a purple patch outscoring their opponents 2-1 to a 1 point. The goals came from Ailise Dowling and captain Ashling Maher. However any thoughts of an easy victory were dashed as Clare responded with goals of the own and suddenly the pressure was on as the game entered its final five minutes. Both sides exchanged points, the Dublin effort from Maria McGrath was a reward for sheer hard work and determination. A Dublin goal scoring chance went a begging, one they would eventually rue as Clare pounced for a late goal to take the lead for the first time in the game and ultimately break Dublin hearts.
The girls must now regroup for the Leinster final next Sunday where they will play the winners of the Kilkenny v Wexford semi-final when they will be looking to retain the title they won in dramatic fashion last year.
Dublin Squad : Kate Whyte, Laura Smith, Rachel Kenny, Elaine O’Leary, Ailise Dowling, Eve Marie Elliott, Claire Rigney, Sarah Murray, Maria McGrath, Doireann Mulvanny, Ciara Berkely, , Orla Beagan, Ciara McGuigan, Aishling Maher, Ailish O Neill, Ciara Sheehan, Leah Mullin, Jane Tully, Cliona McCullagh, Laura Morrisey, Louise Walsh, Roisin Baker, Claire Murray, Kelsey Larkin, , Niamh Byrne, Niamh Witter.