U12 East Cork Final v Eirns Own

Lisgoold 1.05 Erins Own 2.03

So near, and yet so far ! Soooooo near. Our under 12 girls came tantalisingly close to Championship victory at Caherlag on Saturday where the conditions were as familiar to Alaska as they were to Cork. Rain, sleet and a howling wind threathened to destroy the game, but both sides knuckled down and played as honest and entertaining a match as has been played in any grade, anywhere this year .

That only a point separated the sides at the end was not unexpected, as the two teams worked themselves into the muddy field by the time the final whistle blew. The fact that our girls dropped in dismay and dissapointment , and our hosts fell in thanks for victory showed the narrow margin between victory and defeat.

Coaches Willie McCann, John Hickey expressed themselves exceptionally proud of the girls achievements throughout the past year. "The girls gave us everything we asked, and then some more" they stated. "We are so proud of them, not only today, but at every match and training session", they added .

It seemed as if the instruction "whoever leaves Lisgoold last, turn off the lights" was texted around on Saturday as it seemed that the whole of the parish was at Caherlag , despite the horendous weather conditions. The support certainly lifted the girls, as any tiredness from "dancing the night away" at the previous nights Social was never evident. Facing the bracing wind, we settled well , were level approaching half time, when two rapid fire goals, which would eventually settle the tie, gave our hosts an interval lead. Our first halfs heroines were , predictably , in the defense where Kate Ruane , Aoife Healy , Sarah Kelleher all worked their socks off . Jodie Townend continues to impress, and the defensive covering of our captain, and man of the match Caoilin Hickey gave respite and solace to an overworked defensive sextet. Keeper Niamh Power certainly earned her keep with her save of a rasper keeping us in the game midway through the first half , while Aoife Roche and Siomha Walsh excelled also throughout.

Lisgoold's proud parents, friends and supporters were on top voice with fifteen minutes remaining with the lead down to a single point. However, a constand bombardment of the Erins Own goalposts repeatedly saw us come up short, and wide, and Erins Own held on for a dramatic and slender victory. The Lisgoold forwards were exceptionally impressive in the second half, where, but for some dire ill luck, and some wayward shooting , it could have been the Lisgoold Lassies raising the silverware. Donna McCann , Morrigan Maunsell, Dayna , Laura Walsh and goal scorer Ella O'Brien were the pick of a wonderful attacking display in the second half. All Ireland Final Croke Park player Lorraine O'Driscoll, Céire O Flynn and substitutes Stephanie O'Driscoll and Aoibhe Savage also created many scoring chances during our lengthy second half period of domination.

Congratulations to the Erins Own team, but we are so proud of all our winners also, who did themselves and the club proud on Saturday .

Ba mhaith liom buiochas mór a ghabhail leis na cailiní seo, a thug bliain iontach dúinn agus tá súil agam gur bhaineadar go léir taithneamh as an turas go Craobh Oirthear Corcai. Tá Seán Ó hIcí agus Liam Mac Canna tar éis an obair a dhéanamh leis an grúpa seo agus bhí sé sin soléir le feiscint Dé Sathairn seo caite. Beimíd go léir ag fanacht le Mí Aibreán seo chughainn, chun na peileadóirí óige, a fheiscint arís ag imirt do foireann Lios gCúl.
Ní raibh an bua againn inniu ach "Beidh Lá eile ag an bPaorach"

Our Championship Final panel was ;Niamh Power , Aoife Healy , Kate Ruane , Sarah Kelleher , Jodie Townend , Aoife Roche , Siomha Walsh , Donna McCann , Caoilin Hickey , Morrigan Maunsell , Dayna Bradley , Ciara Flynn , Lorraine O'Driscoll , Ella O'Brien , Laura Walsh , Aoibhe Savage , Sinéad O'Brien , Stephanie O'Driscoll , Rachel McCann , Fiona Murphy .