Roche Emmets 3-13 Glen Emmets 2-14

Roche captured their U14 championship title in the most dramatic of circumstances in Darver on Tuesday night – a last gasp penalty conversion sending the affair to extra-time where the girls in blue prevailed.

Having overcome our girls in the group phase, Glen Emmets looked like completing a double entering the dying embers of a fixture which they led throughout. But an incisive run by the irrepressible Zoe Treacy saw her hauled down and up stepped player of the match Niamh Norton to drive the spot-kick to the top corner, ensuring two additional periods were required to split the sides.

And past the regulation period, Roche were the dominant outfit, albeit it took Sophie Corcoran’s drive to the net, amid a sea of bodies, to send the spoils back to the Parish of Faughart.

SLOW START

Roche began the affair slowly and trailed 1-4 to no-score by the close of the first quarter. Though the break appeared to have the desired effect on the players, who re-emerged determined to get back into proceedings.

Treacy displayed her class and promise by shooting over thrice, along with a point from Erin Gorham, to get Roche within a graspable distance on the scoreboard by half-time, where the winners trailed 1-7 to 0-4.

It was in the third quarter where our girls really found their feet, rampaging midfielder Norton notching 1-2 along with Treacy’s two-point contribution and another Gorham white flag.

However, with the Tullyallen charges converting 1-3 in the same period, Roche remained behind, 2-10 to 1-9, entering the last 15 minutes.

‘They thought it was all over’ when adding an 11th point but Roche never gave in, Norton pointing twice to put just a score in the difference prior to Treacy’s determined run which was unfairly upended, allowing Norton to draw the game with virtually the final kick (2-11 apiece).

THAT EXTRA BIT

The teams remained tied at the extra-time interval – Norton exchanging an effort with a Glen Emmets counterpart – and when Roche’s No8 had another minor equalled, it seemed as though there was going to be nothing to separate the outfits.

That was until a goalmouth scramble led to Sophie Corcoran capitalising, sending the ball to the back of the net and forcing Roche three in front.

Back came the opposition, knocking over to reduce the gap to two – the clock denied their comeback efforts, though, as Roche dramatically took the title.

TEAM OF TEEN TITANS

Martina Kirk, in goals, had a fine game, showing pinpoint accuracy from her kick-outs, behind a relentless full-back line containing the Dolan sisters, Rhiannon and Ffion, either side of steady Erin Roe.

The platform for the triumph was set in the half-back department – Aoibheann Reilly, Nicole Murray and Evanna Corcoran combining effectively.

Norton was a match-winning force from centre-field, lining out alongside captain Kayleigh O’Hare, who gave an impressive victory speech.

Up front, Ava Briscoe, just back from injury, gave her all, as did the younger girls – Courtney McNamee, Caoimhe Dunne, Suranne Robinson, Mollie O’Callaghan, Chloe Duffy, Aimee McKee and Cara McCourt – when called upon.

Meanwhile, Treacy and Gorham took some watching, each contributing handsomely to the scoreboard, with Corcoran pouncing for the crucial score.

Credit must also go to the coaching team of Mairead Kirk, Adele Corcoran, Aileen Norton and senior players Ellie Grant and Kelly Murray for their work with the girls throughout the term.

Roche: Martina Kirk; Rhiannon Dolan, Erin Roe, Ffion Dolan; Aoibheann Reilly, Nicole Murray, Evanna Corcoran; Niamh Norton (2-6), Kayleigh O’Hare; Sophie Corcoran (1-0), Erin Gorham (0-2), Zoe Treacy (0-5); Suranne Robinson, Caoimhe Dunne, Ava Briscoe

Subs: Courtney McNamee, Molly O’Callaghan, Chloe Duffy, Aimee McKee, Cara McCourt, Erin Grier (injured)

Referee: Kevin Carroll (Sean McDermott’s)