Muckalee Ladies Footballers bow out at quarter-final stage

Muckalee’s journey in this year’s LGFA Leinster junior club football championship ended when Wexford’s Gusserane left Muckalee with a seven-point win and a place in the semi-finals.

The Kilkenny senior champions went all the way to the Leinster final last year and enjoyed an impressive opening round victory one week ago against Athlone (Westmeath). However, they were forced to line out for this game without Edel Coonan and Katie Nolan - their absence was sorely felt.

The visitors made an impressive start and raced into a three point lead after four minutes thanks to points from Fiona Ryan (free) and a brace from Aoife Cullen (play and free). Cullen’s free-taking was very impressive all through the game. It was a significant factor in deciding the outcome.

Muckalee got off the mark on five minutes with a Kate Purcell pointed free and although Gusserane responded with a point from the impressive Aisling Murphy, the home side responded with four points from Kate Purcell (0-3, two frees) and another from midfielder Ellen Lawlor. Those scores saw Muckalee take the lead - but for some wayward shooting the margin would have been greater.

Gusserane edged back in front in the 23rd minute when Fiona Ryan scored their first goal. Sparked by Muckalee losing possession in their own half-forward line, the visitors moving the ball at pace to score. Kate Purcell pointed another free for the home side one minute later to bring the margin back to the minimum.

That score left Gusserane leading 1-4 to 0-6 at the interval, but in truth the home side would have at least been level but for a number of missed chances.

Gusserane dominated the second half with Muckalee struggling for scores. The free-taking of Aoife Cullen was key for the Wexford side. When Muckalee lost a player to a yellow card their defence came under incessant pressure; but for some superb goalkeeping from Laura Tynan the visitors would have been out of sight entering the final quarter.

Kate Purcell and Shona Ruane scored second half points for Muckalee, but they needed a goal to get back into the game.

A goal in injury-time for Gusserane from Aisling Murphy gave the Wexford side a deserved 2-9 to 0-8 win, but the final margin was very harsh on the home side.

Amanda Ryan, Siobhan Kehoe, Aisling Ryan Ciara Ryan, Aoife Cullen and Aisling Murphy were best for the winners while Laura Treacy, who excelled in goal, Eadaoin Cody, Edwina Keane, Clodagh Hanlon, Ellen Lawlor, Kelley Comerford, Hazel Moore, Kate Purcell and Sarah Corcoran impressed for Muckalee.

Teams and scorers

Gusserane - Aoife Cullen (0-7, 0-6 frees), Abby Whitty, Fiona Ryan (1-1, 0-1 free), Aisling Murphy (1-1).

Muckalee - Kate Purcell (0-6, 0-4 frees); Ellen Lawlor, Shona Ruane (0-1 each).

Gusserane - Lauren Roche; Roisin Power, Amanda Power, Anna Breen; Katie Whelan, Siobhan Kehoe, Shauna Whitty; Aisling Ryan, Aoife Ryan; Ciara Ryan, Aoife Cullen, Abby Whitty; Fiona Ryan, Aisling Murphy, Shauna Hackett.

Subs: Emma Rossiter, Bebhinn Kehoe, Kerri Somers, Anna Dillon, Clodagh Foran.

Muckalee - Laura Tynan; Roisin Hanlon, Eadaoin Cody, Amy Ring; Edwina Keane, Clodagh Hanlon, Orla Moore; Ellen Lawlor, Kelley Comerford; Hazel Moore, Becky Roche, Kate Purcell; Sarah Corcoran, Laura McDowell, Sarah Brennan.

Subs: Shona Ruane, Clara Doheny.

Referee – Sinead McHugh (Dublin).