Lidl Ladies Football League Division Two
Cork 4-17 Roscommon 2-9
Roscommon’s first ever outing at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh ended with a 14-point defeat last Saturday, and although the margin would suggest a very one-sided match, Finbar Egan’s charges performed admirably on a cold but dry day down by the River Lee.
Cork had just too much class, particularly up front. Indeed, in a very open first half, the Rebelettes scored four goals. It could have been even more, but Roscommon can be thankful to goalkeeper Helena Cummins who made a number of excellent saves to keep her side in the contest.
These are the games that will bring Roscommon on in preparation for later in the year. They will be encouraged by having competed well with teams such as Cork, Galway and Donegal, and with matches to come against Tipperary and Westmeath it is entirely possible that Roscommon can stay in this division.
Cork had the ball in the Roscommon net after just 25 seconds when Elizabeth Coppinger sliced through the Roscommon defence, and points from Abigail Ring and Kate Quirke saw the home side ahead by five after only four minutes.
Roscommon were dangerous on the break, and in the 7th minute Aisling Hanly stole in behind the Cork cover to shoot low past Sarah Murphy. Cork were on the goal trail again just a minute later when Emma Cleary converted a penalty after a foul on Elizabeth Coppinger.
Play was held up for over 10 minutes because of an injury to Orla O’Neill (a ligament problem), and when the action resumed Roscommon scored their second goal. A long ball from Laura Mannion in the 29th minute flew all the way to the net, reducing the margin to just two.
The home side were to strike for three-pointers twice in the remaining minutes of the first half, Emma Cleary and Elizabeth Coppinger scoring their second goals of the match in the 35th and 39th minutes respectively. Half-time score: Cork 4-6 Roscommon 2-5.
Cork kept Roscommon at arm’s length in the second half as both sides ran their respective benches to give their full panels game time. Cork comfortably maintained their lead and knocked over some impressive points late on when the game was over as a contest.
For Roscommon, Helena Cummins was outstanding between the posts while Laura Mannion, Aisling Hanly, Rachel Brady and Caoimhe Lennon were very prominent all through.
For Cork, Laura O’Mahony had a superb game, popping up to good effect all over the pitch throughout. Emma Cleary, Abigail Ring, Katie Quirke and Elizabeth Coppinger were also excellent for the home side on the day.
Player of the match
Laura O’Mahony (Cork)
Note: A couple of weeks ago we highlighted the problem some supporters were having in trying to make out the numbers on the backs of the senior men’s jerseys. That was cleared up very well by the powers that be. There is a similar problem now with the ladies jerseys. Several people (including members of the Cork media) spent most of the game asking us to help identify Roscommon players. It is certainly very difficult to make out the Roscommon players’ numbers. Over to you, Roscommon LGFA.
Teams & scorers
Cork: Sarah Murphy; Melissa Duggan, Shauna Kelly, Anna Ryan; Emma Cleary (2-1, 1-0 pen), Sarah Leahy, Roisin Ni Chorcha (0-1); Maire O’Callaghan, Abigail Ring (0-4); Abbie O’Mahony (0-1), Shauna Cronin, Aimee Corcoran (0-2); Laura O’Mahony (0-1), Elizabeth Coppinger (2-0), Katie Quirke (0-6, 4 frees). Subs used: Emma Hurley, Orlaith Roche, Siobhan Callinan, Amy McDonagh, Laura Cleary, Sabh McCormack, Katie Horgan, Leah Hallinan (0-1).
Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Rachel Brady, Ellen Irwin, Megan McKeon; Orla O’Neill, Saoirse Wynne, Ria Lennon; Abby Curran, Niamh Watson; Shannon McGuinness, Laura Mannion (1-5, 2 frees), Lisa O’Rourke; Aisling Hanly (1-1), Ella Thompson (0-1), Caoimhe Lennon (0-1). Subs: Niamh Feeney for O’Neill (22), Caoimhe Cregg for McGuinness (40), Roise Lennon for C Lennon (40), Marian Nolan (0-1) for Hanly (51), Megan Kelly for Brady (52), Amy Malone for Watson (53), Aine O’Meara for O’Rourke (57), Lauren Shanagher for Fitzmaurice (67).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Wexford).
