KILKENNY I VS WEXFORD II
Sunday 29th November 2009
Despite the cold and wet weather, Kilkenny Firsts continued their winning ways against Wexford Seconds in a home fixture at Kilkenny College on Sunday. The intensive play of first half failed to yield scores thanks to good defensive play from both teams. Kilkenny created some excellent opportunities but were unable to convert these into scores. The second half saw Kilkenny forward Ruth Williams demonstrating great skill from the re-start, putting the Wexford defence under pressure straight away with a short corner which she hammered home to break the deadlock. The momentum having shifted to the home side, Kilkenny picked up the pace and created numerous scoring chances, including a fine connection by Sarah Connolly with a ball crossed from the right which resulted in Kilkenny’s second goal. Wexford stepped up the pace, making a number of strategic substitutions, and the Kilkenny midfield needed to work hard to stay in the game. Wexford’s pressure paid off, converting a short corner with five minutes to go, but that was their last scoring chance and the final score remained Kilkenny 2 Wexford 1.
Kilkenny Firsts Team: Pam Farragher, Helena Duggan, Jenny Wallace, Kathryn Crotty, Sinead Curran, Ciara Lawlor, Sarah Connolly, Martina Tallis, Alice McGarry, Ruth Williams, Caroline Ruth, Niamh Spratt, Emma Ryan, Clair Phelan.
Coach: Lee Chadwick.
Match report: Alice McGarry
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Kilkenny II (1) – Wexford II (2)
Sunday 5th October
The glorious sunshine of Sunday last saw a great clash between Kilkenny Seconds and Wexford Seconds. The Kilkenny mid-field held possession well in the opening half, with Marie Sheehan feeding the ball forward and penetrating the Wexford back line. Heaping pressure on the Wexford circle, Kilkenny struck numerous shots on target but unfortunately were denied each time until Anne Marie Cummins found the net in the 15th minute, following great combination passing from Olivia Maher and Sinead Kenealy. This was a great boost for the Kilkenny girls and gave them the confidence to motor on with great determination, but unfortunately a short time later Wexford got the equaliser, following tremendous pressure by the Slaneysiders on the Kilkenny back line.
For the remainder of the half, the Kilkenny back line maintained a strong wall of defence, with good clearances by sweeper Mary Murphy and centre back Mary Mulhall. However, a dominant attack in the last 10 minutes of the half gave Wexford the second goal they needed. A short corner was awarded to Wexford and they luckily managed to penetrate the last line of defence. This saw the score at 1-2 at half time.
The second half saw a much stronger Kilkenny side, attacking with determination and keeping the ball in the Wexford defence zone. Numerous shots on the Wexford goal were made by the forward line, but the ‘keeper proved too strong. Despite being awarded two short corners, which were excellently executed by the Kilkenny forward line, and dominating the second half, the home team could not find the back of the net and the result remained 1-2.
A draw might have been a fairer reflection of this game, but the Kilkenny side can take heart from a sterling performance against a very strong Wexford side who beat them comprehensively in last season’s Plate Final. If Kilkenny continue playing this way, a victory will surely follow soon.
Kilkenny II: Ciara Shortall, Mary Murphy, Elizabeth Miller, Mary Mulhall, Katie Moran, Orla Quinn, Marie Sheehan, Isabel Moore, Sinead Kenealy, Olivia Maher, Anne Marie Cummins, Catriona Drennan, Christine Byrne, Aishling Kelly.
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Wexford Seconds 0 – Kilkenny Firsts 2
Sunday 21st Sept '08
Kilkenny Firsts’ debut away fixture of the season took place on Sunday 21st under the scorching Autumn sun. It proved to be a tough encounter against a strong Wexford side. The game started out fast-paced with Caitriona Carey making many breaks through the centre in efforts to rattle the very strong Wexford defence.
Midway through the first half, a sideline ball from Lucy Balding was superbly followed through on the move by Karen Fingleton. A final touch by Martina Tallis finished the ball to the net, securing the team’s first away goal of the season. Just before the half-time whistle, Caitriona Carey received a long pass from right-back Lucy Balding and her finish saw Kilkenny go two-up at the break.
The second half saw no scores but some fabulous play from both sides, with both sides defences remaining resolute throughout. Kilkenny had a good all-round performance, but playing particularly well were Karen Fingleton, Lucy Balding, Caitriona Carey, Jenny Wallace and Martina Tallis.
Authors: Olivia Crotty
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Kilkenny Seconds 0 – Portlaoise 2
Sun 21st September ‘08
Kilkenny Seconds started strong, with a number of unsuccessful attempts on the Portlaoise goal, the home team maintaining possession for the majority of the first half. However, Portlaoise scored against the run of play, leaving the score 1 – 0 to the visitors at half time.
Kilkenny appeared the stronger team in the second half but again failed to capitalise on their possession, and were very unlucky to be caught off guard for Portlaoise’s second goal.
Although the score may not reflect the solid performance by Kilkenny, they showed great potential for the season ahead, and the game gave the many new members a great start with the club. Well done to all involved.
Kilkenny Seconds play their next league fixture against Wexford Firsts next Sunday.
Kilkenny II: Jane Farrell, Isobel Moore, Katie Moran, Sinead Kenealy, Oliva Maher, Orla Quinn, Caitriona O’Reilly, Marie Sheehan, Aisling Teehan, Mary Murphy, Ann Cahill, Pamela Mansell, Bernie Ryle.
Authors: Caitriona O’Reilly & Marie Sheehan
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Hockey Season Kicks Off
Kilkenny Firsts 7 – Kilkenny Seconds 0
Thurs 19th September 2008
The 08/09 season kicked off for Kilkenny Ladies Hockey Club last Thursday night, when the First and Seconds teams came head to head in a competitive league fixture. There was a great turn out on the night, with a good mix of experienced players and new faces. Ex Irish International Caitriona Carey was on sharp shooting, notching up four goals in a 7-0 win for the first team. The remaining goals came also from play in the second half from Martina Tallis, Caroline Ruth and Aisling Lennon. Despite the final score, the second team put up a spirited performance including a clean sheet from short corners.
PS: Congratulations to former club stalwart Caitriona Roberts who married Tom O’Keeffe during the summer: Best wishes to them both as they start their new life in Cork.
Kilkenny Firsts Team: Pamela Farragher, Olivia Crotty, Jenny Wallace, Sinead Curran, Lucy Balding, Martina “Tiny” Tallis (1), Caitriona Carey (4), Ann Marie Roche, Caroline Ruth (1), Monica Duggan, Alice Mc Garry and Aisling Lennon (1).
Kilkenny Seconds Team: Emer Valentine, Maeve Butler, Elizabeth Miller, Mary Murphy, Ann Marie Fogarty, Marie Sheehan, Isabel Moore, Olivia Maher, Ann Marie Cummins, Orla Quinn; Subs: Mary Mulhall, Brid Walsh, Sinead Kenealy, Aisling Teehan.
Authors: Elizabeth Miller and Jenny Wallace
