Jackies make impressive start to League campaign

Mon, 2nd February 2015

Dublin got their 2015 NFL campaign off to a decent start with a nine-point win over Monaghan (0-12 to 0-3). The game which was played before a large crowd in the impressive DCU sports complex was the perfect tonic for the Dubs and their management team.

Muireann Ní Scanaill from St. Margarets was announced as a late replacement for the injured Rachel Ruddy, this switch meant that only five players who started last years All-Ireland final versus Cork lined out for this afternoons clash with Monaghan.

Carla Rowe got the Dubs on the score board with a free in the opening minute of the game but Monaghan settled into the game enjoying the opening exchanges holding possession well. Catriona McConnell converted a free in the 7^th minute, this score would turn out to be the Farney Army’s only score of the opening 30 minutes.

Dublin responded well to McConnell’s free with Clontarf midfielder Sarah McCaffrey popping over a beautiful long range point. Senior debutant Eabha Rutledge, three minutes later, followed McCaffrey up with a well taken point of her own much to the delight of the home support. Lucy Collins converted a Dublin free in the 19^th minute to push the Dubs three points ahead of Monaghan.

Niamh McEvoy who was impressive on the edge of the square for Dublin raised the white flag in the 20^th minute while Carla Rowe added her second score five minutes later to move the Dubs further ahead. Newly appointed captain Lyndsey Davey finished her sides first half scoring in the 31^st minute giving the Dubs a six point cushion at the interval.

The second half was keenly contested with both sets of defenders in commanding form with scores at a premium. Olwen Carey, Muireann Ni Scanaill along with Lucy Collins where enjoying frustrating Monaghan sharp shooters Caoimhe Mohan, Ciara McAnespie and the fore mentioned McConnell.

McConnell registered her team’s first point from play in the 39^th minute of the second half. Dublin reacted with scores from McCaffrey while Collins extended Dublin’s lead with another converted free again off her left foot.

Laura McEnaney tapped over Monaghan’s 3^rd and final score in the 51^st minute as Dublin finished out the second half with 2 further Rowe frees with the impressive Sarah McCaffrey finishing the game with her 3^rd point from play.

Dublin manager Gregory McGonigle will be happy with his teams over all performance especially pleasing will be the displays of newcomers, Carey, Ní Scannaill and Rutledge. The comeback kids Amy Connolly and Kim Flood worked tirelessly for Dublin throughout the contest while seasoned veterans Sinead Goldrick, Sinead Finnegan and Lyndsey Davey where in superb form for the sky blues.

Dublin keeper Ciara Trant who turned 21 yesterday was in commanding form especially under the high ball she also got down quickly to snuff out a low McConnell shot on goal. The Newcastle native had tweeted last night “Leaving your 21^st birthday party and going to bed at 10pm is the best thing ever!!! #COYGIB #ALLIN”, her dedication paid off handsomely for Dublin today.

Next Sunday Dublin head west to face Galway in a rematch of last summers All Ireland semi-final.

Dublin:

Ciara Trant (St Brigids), Muireann Ní Scanaill (St Margarets), Sorcha Furlong (St Brigids), Olwen Carey (Thomas Davis),Sinead Goldrick (Foxrock Cabinteely), Lucy Collins (Na Fianna), Sinead Finnegan (Fingallians), Amy Connolly (Foxrock Cabinteely), Sarah McCaffrey (Clontarf), Hannah Noonan (Foxrock Cabinteely), Lyndsey Davey (Skerries Harps), Carla Rowe (Clann Mhuire), Eabha Rutledge (Kilmacud Crokes), Niamh McEvoy (St Sylvester’s),Kim Flood (Clanna Gael Fontenoy).

Scorers: Carla Rowe 0-04 (3f), Sarah McCaffrey 0-03, Lucy Collins 0-2 (2f), Lyndsey Davey, Eabha Rutledge, Niamh McEvoy 0-01 each.

Subs:

Niamh Rickard (Fingallians) for Eabha Rutledge, Leah Mullins (St Brigids) for Hannah Noonan.

Monaghan:

Linda Martin, Nicola Fahy, Joanne Geoghegan, Aoife McAnespie, Laura McEnaney, Grainne McNally, Eileen McEilroy, Eileen McKenna, Cora Courtney, Ciara McAnespie, Caoimhe Mohan, Ellen McCarron, Catriona McConnell, Tessa Fleming.

Scorers: Catriona McConnell 0-02 (1f), Laura McEnaney 0-01

Subs:

Laura Boylan for Mohan, Caoimhe Mohan for McEilroy, Muireann Atkinson for Fleming, Eimear O’Rourke for Boylan, Barbara Ward for McCarron, Anita Newell for McEnaney, Eileen McEilroy for Fahy