Déise Ladies Defeated In League Opener

Our senior ladies football team had a disappointing opening to their division 2 league, away to Tyrone Ladies and losing on a score line of 4-11 to 2-11. The game was due to be played in Drumragh GAA club however due to poor weather conditions and heavy rain this pitch was deemed unplayable and was moved to the Tyrone Centre of Excellence on an all-weather pitch.

A youthful team lined out on the day and several made their senior debut including Kate and Aisling Hahessey, Laura Cusack, Sally Kelly and Keeley Corbett Barry. The opening five minutes saw two quick points by Tyrone as the Déise girls got off to a slow start. The first Waterford point came from the left leg of Róisín Tobin as the Déise girls found their feet and settled into the game. A great move started in the back line which was worked up the field, ending up with Eimear Fennell who stuck it in the back of the Tyrone net after a lovely pass by Aileen Wall. Sinead Ryan who was fantastic on frees all day then scored her first point of three in the first half. Tyrone had a few goal chances but were denied by Sally Kelly who made a few great saves. Megan Dunford was also very impressive on the day making many selfless runs and winning important frees. Róisín Tobin and Aileen Wall finished Waterford’s scoring in the first half which left Waterford with a one point lead going into the second half on a score line of 1-6 to 1-5.

The second half started with high intensity with both teams exchanging points from placed balls. We were then awarded a penalty as Katie Murray was pulled down in the square however the Tyrone goalie got a touch to Eimear Fennell’s shot and denied the Déise girls a goal. The experienced Michelle Ryan was then introduced and within a minute she had the ball batted to the back of the net giving Waterford a two point lead. Tyrone started to put pressure on the Déise defence and attacked with speed which resulted in two quick goals. A few substitutions were made but Tyrone had built momentum and even though the Déise girls worked tirelessly they couldn’t bridge the gap. Liz Devine finished the scoring with a great point but it was too late and the scoreboard finished with Tyrone taking the three points.

Waterford will play their second League match at home to Clare in Carriganore, WIT sports campus this Saturday 3^rd February TBC. 

Waterford Team: Sally Kelly, Rebecca Casey, Michelle McGrath, Kate Hahessey, Laura Cusack, Emma Murray, Megan Dunford, Mairéad Wall, Aisling Hahessey, Róisín Tobin, Keeley Corbett Barry, Katie Murray, Sinéad Ryan, Eimear Fennell, Aileen Wall. Subs used: Karen McGrath for Laura Cusack, Michelle Ryan for Keeley Corbett Barry, Lauren McGregor for Róisín Tobin, Kelly Ann for Aisling Hahessey, Geraldine Power for Eimear Fennell, Liz Devine for Aileen Wall.

Under 16

Our u16 girls had a great game against Cork in Old Parish on Saturday 27^th. Everybody played really well and are looking forward to the Championship which will commence in March.

Under 14

The under 14 girls played Offaly in a challenge last Sunday in WIT.

 

Club Déise

Thanks to everybody who has supported our senior girls in their fundraising efforts but becoming members of club Déise, it is greatly appreciated.

County Board

The next county board meeting will be held on Monday 12^th February.