St Declan’s Community School (Waterford) 0/1 St Caimin’s Community School (Clare)
High wind and heavy rain dictated the course of the Munster Junior Final between St Declan’s Community School, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford and St Caimin’s Community School, Shannon, Co Clare, held in the excellent Waterford Regional Sports Stadium:
St Caimin’s used the conditions to their benefit in the first half, restricting the play to St Declan’s half of the pitch: An early attack led to a goal by Rachael O’Halloran which was ruled offside:
St Declan’s had a couple of breakaway attacks with both of their wingers posing a threat: However, one such attack was intercepted by Niamh Brady who played a calm pass to Sinead Tuohy: Showing strength and purpose, Tuohy outstretched the defence and shot past the St Declan’s goalkeeper, Kelly Fitzsimmons:
A similar opportunity for Tuohy occurred several minutes later; again she beat the defence but her shot bounced off the crossbar:
St Caimin’s finished the first half with numerous corner opportunities but could not break down a resolute St Declan’s defence:
The second half was a repeat of the first, with St Declan’s using the wind to take control: However, early on, both Toni Lagan and Zelika Brown of St Caimin’s missed clear opportunities:
Waterford midfield dynamo Zoe O’Donoghue started to pull the strings and Claire Whyte caused problems for the Shannon team down both wings:
A free kick in front of goal presented St Declan’s with a great opportunity to get back into the match: O’Donoghue’s shot was on target but was diverted: The referee noticed an infringement and a penalty was awarded:
However, the wet and sticky conditions affected the spot kick taken by captain, Marianne Devereux, and her shot was saved by Rachael O’Brien: St Declan’s continued to press but St Caimin’s sensed victory and held on to win 1/0:
Report courtesy of Richard Grimes: