Cille's edged out in tense decider

KILKENNY senior champions Muckalee were crowned Ladies Leinster JFC champions at the fifth time of asking following a low scoring 1-5 to 1-4 win at Kinnegad on Saturday, writes Sean Wall.

The vastly experienced outfit from the Marble County just about deserved their win against a St Colmcille’s side that could consider themselves unfortunate not to have at least taken the game to extra-time.

Muckalee won their county senior title for the fifth successive year and the highlight of their recent four attempts on the provincial stage was reaching the final back in 2022.

This was new territory for the east Meath side that was in contention throughout and produced their best form in the second half when on level terms twice but were crucially unable to edge ahead in a tight contest where defences were very much on top.

The only time Cille’s led was after Emma Brophy opened the scoring on 12 minutes. They had the advantage of the breeze in that opening half and probably didn’t do enough as Muckalee led 1-1 to 0-2 at half-time.

That left Cille’s with an uphill task in the second half but they had every chance of victory after a goal from the impressive Alannah Boland left them level at 1-3 apiece after 44 minutes.

Muckalee responded to that goal with a point from Katie Nolan to regain the lead and while Boland leveled again with a superb point from play on 46 minutes Cille’s were unable to add to their tally after that.

Kate Purcell struck what proved the winning point on 48 minutes and hard as they tried Cille’s were unable to force an equaliser. They squandered a chance on 58 minutes and then in the fifth minute of added time a Caoimhe McPeake free was deflected out for a ’45. There was still time but from that ’45 Cille’s were unable to create an opening against a resolute Muckalee defence.

Cille’s produced some fine passages throughout the opening half and were unfortunate not to snatch an early goal, Emma Brophy’s effort well blocked by 'keeper Sarah Corcoran.

Brophy eventually had Cille’s off the mark but then in a breakaway move Sian Bolger and Ellen Lawlor combined to set up Kate Purcell who produced a fine finish to the net for the eventual winner’s. Muckalee did create the majority of the chances throughout the half but tallied six wides.

Caoimhe McPeake converted a free following a foul on Saidhbh Collins on 26 minutes but Muckalee replied almost immediately with Katie Nolan’s point giving her side a two point lead at half-time.

Nolan increased the lead within 30 seconds of the restart when cutting in from the left. Full forward Saidhbh Collins had no joy when testing the Muckalee 'keeper on 32 minutes but Cille’s remained in contention as Alannah Boland converted a free soon after.

A Sian Bolger point restored the three point advantage but the Cille’s hopes received a major boost when Boland’s effort for a point went over the head of the 'keeper to the net to level the sides’ nearing the end of the third quarter.

Muckalee replied almost immediately to snatch back the lead but again Boland came to her side’s rescue with another equaliser.

Goal hero Purcell shot what proved the winning score on 48 minutes and neither side was able to conjure another score in the 12 remaining minutes plus almost six added minutes as St Colmcille’s dream of provincial glory ended in disappointment.

Muckalee – Sarah Corcoran; Riona Crowley, Edel Coonan, Amy Ring; Eadaoin Coady, Clodagh Hanlon, Jennifer O’Keeffe; Kelley Comerford, Laura Greene; Hazel Moore, Ellen Lawlor Kate Purcell (1-1); Sian Bolger (0-1), Edwina Keane, Katie Nolan (0-3). Sub – Shona Ruane for Moore 48m.

St Colmcille’s – Saoirse McPeake; Ava O’Toole, Danielle Sweeney, Grainne Rice; Tara Shortt, Natalie Davitt, Sadhbh McKenna; Aisling O’Donnell, Ellan Brodigan; Tegan Gordon, Alannah Boland (1-2 one free), Caoimhe McPeake (0-1 one free); Shannon Cleary, Saidhbh Collins, Emma Brophy (0-1). Subs – Sarah Murray for McKenna 38m, Orla Deegan for Shortt 46m, Bronagh Grant for Brophy 59m.

Referee – Finbarr Shanahan (Dublin).