Gaeil Fhánada captain Rachel Nic Suibhne prior to throw in
Naomh Anna Leitir Móir 0-7
Gaeil Fhánada 0-6
It was disappointment for Gaeil Fhánada this afternoon at Páirc Ráth Chairn, as a late score from Leitir Móir midfielder Sarah Ní Loinsigh edged the Connemara side to victory at the end of a fiercely contested Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta Intermediate Ladies Final.
A swirling breeze at the Ráth Chairn venue made life tricky for both sides throughout, but Shane Ó Géibheannaigh’s Fanad side began brightly, racing into an early lead.
Iseult Ní Mhathúna landed the first from play in the opening minute, while Siobhán Nic Suibhne repeated the trick just a minute later.
The Gaels led by four points to one by the ten minute mark, as a Lauren Nic Giolla Chearra free and a Caoimhe Ní Bháiréad strike from just inside the arc extended their lead.
The remainder of the first half proved to be a dour affair. Naomh Anna lost their corner back for ten minutes as she was shown a black card, but the Galway side struck the only point during their period with fourteen players.
Gaeil Fhánada almost struck the net late in the half, but a Rachel Nic Suibhne snapshot came back off the foot of the post.
One further Naomh Anna point, two minutes before the short whistle left just a single point between the sides at the break with Gaeil Fhánada 0-4 and Naomh Anna Leitir Móir 0-3.
The Galway side wasted no time after half time, and drew level within the opening minute. Gaeil Fhánada edged back ahead a minute later thanks to a Lauren Nic Giolla Chearra free.
The stakes were high, and both sides played accordingly, getting plenty of bodies behind the ball.
Chances were at a premium, and it would be over ten minutes until the next score arrived, as Naomh Anna landed a fine effort between the posts.
As the tension rose, the Gaels once again moved into the lead, Lauren Nic Giolla Chearra combined well with Caoimhe Breathnach, before curling the ball between the posts. Naomh Anna could’ve struck a goal shortly after, but Rosheen Nic Fhionnghaile pulled off a super stop.
The momentum was with the Galway side, and the equalising score duly arrived moments later.
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One felt the next score would be the winner, but with both sides visibly fatiguing, and space at a premium there were no easy opportunities.
It took an individual moment of brilliant from Ní Loinsigh, who raced past a few challenges before striking firmly between the posts.
Gaeil Fhánada had a couple of bites at it, but couldn’t manoeuvre another opportunity before the full time whistle - it was Naomh Anna’s day.
Gaeil Fhánada scorers: Lauren Nic Giolla Chearra 0-3, Caoimhe Ní Bháiréad, Siobhán Nic Suibhne and Iseult Ní Mhathúna 0-1 each.
Gaeil Fhánada: Rosheen Nic Fhionnghaile; Tori Ní Ghallachóir, Michelle Ní Dhochartaigh, Shauna Ní hEochaidh; Eimear Nic Suibhne, Aoife Ní Ghiobúin, Mairéad Ní Fhrighil; Rachel Nic Suibhne, Eiméar Ní Ghiobúin, Caoimhe Ní Bháiréad, Lauren Nic Giolla Chearra, Siobhan Nic Suibhne; Rachael Ní Fhríl, Hannah Ní Shiadhail, Iseult Ní Mhathúna.
Subs: Dearbhla Nic Daibhéid for Shauna Ní hEochaidh, Caoimhe Breathnach for Rachael Ní Fhríl, Niamh Nic Daibhéid for Tori Ní Ghallachóir, Ciara Nic Giolla Bháin for Rachel Nic Suibhne, Rachael Ní Fhríl for Siobhán Nic Suibhne.
Not used: Eibhlín Ní Shiadhail, Méabh Nic a tSaoir, Jessica Ní Cholla, Méabh Ní Dhubhthaigh, Gráinne Ní Bheaglaoich, Erin Ní Chearúlláin, Siobhán Nic Giolla Choille, Emma Ní Fhrighil, Samantha Ní Gallachóir, Clár Ní Fhríl, Olivia Ní Fhrighil, Aoife Nic Daibhéid, Caitlin Ní hEireachtaigh, Maireád Ní Cholla.
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