Dunboyne girls exit in semi-final

Leinster kingpins St. Peter’s College had a tough task in Gortakeegan this afternoon against reigning All Ireland Senior champions Moville Community College in the semi-final and lost out by the odd goal in five.
Dunboyne had a nail-biting encounter against neighbouring Eureka, Kells last Thursday that went to extra time, leading to some injury concerns ahead of the All Ireland Semi Final. Katie Hyland was a prime example of this as she narrowly missed out on a place in the starting line-up.
The Donegal outfit started the livelier with Sarah Jane McDonald threatening in the first quarter but due to an outstanding performance from the Dunboyne shot stopper Amy O’Hara, the game was kept alive.
Dunboyne were unlucky not to open the scoring on 17 minutes when Aifric O’Malley struck a free kick just wide of the mark. Shelly Melia looked sharp up front for the Meath side but Kathy McLaughlin put in a solid display to avert any potential danger
The Ulster stars were enjoying plenty of possession in the middle of the park as McGuinness combined well with McDonald through the centre, this lead to the latter having a strike from distance but O’Hara saved comfortably with 22 minutes played
Three minutes later the opening goal came courtesy of Eimear Reddin with a high ball into the box which deceived the Meath keeper which led to Moville’s first of the afternoon.
Moville extended their lead on the hour mark when Sarah Jane McDonald converted from close range after a superb individual effort.
Vikki Wall gave Dunboyne a way back into the game with a stunning free kick from 25 yards which sailed into the top corner much to the admiration of the travelling supporters with only nine minutes remaining.
The talented McGuinness set up her second of the day on 78 minutes when she put the ball on a plate for Eimear Lafferty who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. This was richly deserved for her hard work throughout the game.
One minute into injury time a goalmouth scramble saw Ruth Flood pounce on a chance to bring Dunboyne back to within a goal but it was too little too late as time ran out for the Leinster ladies in an entertaining battle.

ST. PETER’S COLLEGE, DUNBOYNE: Amy O’Hara, Rebecca Kearney, Ciara Murphy, (Alison Jones, 60), Elaine Doyle, Aifric O’Malley, Vikki Wall, Ruth Flood, Lyndsey Kearney, Shelly Melia, Rachel Smith (Capt), Emma Chamberlain
SUBS NOT USED: Laura Carey, Grainne Dolan, Caoimhe Quinn, Katie Hyland

MANAGEMENT: Donncha McCarrick, Sarah Boles

Conall Collier