Roche Emmets 5-6 Naomh Máirtín 3-12

There hasn’t been – nor will there be – a more entertaining game played at Páirc de Róiste this year than our U16 girls’ clash with Naomh Máirtín on Sunday afternoon.

In the balance to the finish, a youthful Roche selection never trailed in the encounter and held out amid a late barrage from the Jocks to earn themselves a deserved share of the spoils.

With 13 of the 18-girl panel eligible for this grade next year – and some of the players as young as U13 – the effort was tremendous.

Helped by goals from Ellen Smith and the prolific Erin Gorham (2), Emmets led 3-5 to 1-7 at half-time, their clinical edge keeping the impressive visitors at arm’s length.

The control, touch and distribution of both sides became a feature as the play ebbed and flowed, though points by Smith, Gorham, Ava Briscoe, Naoise McGeeney and Lauren Briscoe ensured the hosts were in front at the interval.

Back came the Monasterboice natives in the second half, but with Gorham and Lauren Briscoe finding the net, Roche remained in front – Gorham also cracked the inside of the post as she chased her goal bonus from father Niall!

Martina Kirk was tremendous between the Roche sticks and with a full-back line playing out of their skins – Mollie Kirk driving out with the ball countless times and Claire McCourt and Erin Roe showing great positional sense – Emmets looked like repelling the Jocks’ late charge.

A looping goal followed by a fine point drew the visitors level but as the atmosphere intensified, Roche worked the ball to Lauren Briscoe who converted to put Eddie Briscoe’s charges in front with a minute to play.

Down the pitch, the away team got on terms and had several opportunities to win the fixture, only for committed defending to repel their every advance – Rachel McKay and Nicole Murray especially clearing their lines and battling for every loose ball.

McGeeney was a tower of strength at midfield, with the Briscoes, Gorham and Ellen Smith taking control of the charge up front.

Zoe Treacy, Áine McEneaney, Erin Hogan Curtis and Megan Roe got their hands on a fair share of ‘dirty ball’, while Kayleigh O’Hare, Sophie Corcoran and Aimee Dunne hassled and harried to a standstill.

Roche: Martina Kirk; Claire McCourt, Mollie Kirk, Erin Roe; Erin Hogan Curtis, Rachel McKay, Nicole Murray; Erin Gorham (3-1), Naoise McGeeney (0-1); Áine McEneaney, Lauren Briscoe (1-2), Megan Roe; Aimee Dunne, Ellen Smith (1-1), Ava Briscoe (0-1)

Subs: Kayleigh O’Hare, Sophie Corcoran, Zoe Treacy

Referee: Paul Finnegan (St. Patrick’s)