O’Sullivan’s five-star blitz gives John Lockes victory over Dicksboro

A scoring spree from Aisling O’Sullivan spelled victory for John Lockes (Callan) as they blitzed Dicksboro to lift the Gaeltec Minor A county title at Pairc Lachtain, Freshford on Saturday.

Not even the heavy rain that fell before throw-in could halt the Lockes girls from taking control as they went on the rampage from the off, scoring 5-3 without reply.

Aisling O’Sullivan opened their account when she hit the net with little over a minute on the clock. Corner-forward Caoimhe Kelly slotted over a point before O’Sullivan hit a hat trick of goals in the space of seven minutes to boost Callan’s advantage.

O’Sullivan was on a roll, and added to her and Callan’s tally when she pointed a 45 before Caoimhe Kelly scored a great point from the stand sideline.

Then in the 23rd minute, Emily Phelan piled more misery on the ‘Boro when she ran at speed towards the goal and hit an unstoppable shot past the ’keeper.

The city side stopped the rot momentarily, slotting over three points through Sophie O’Riordan, Megan Trait and Eva Tynan - hers was a lovely point from the stand sideline.

John Lockes got in for another goal when Caoimhe Kelly received the sliotar from a long clearance. She ran along the end line, then cut back in field. Taking careful aim, her shot found the back of the net.

Heading towards the half-time whistle, Emma Hogan tacked on a pointed free for Dicksboro to leave the interval score reading 6-3 to 0-4 in favour of the Lockes.

On the resumption of play, the ’Boro scored two points through Cara Duggan and Aoibhin Deegan.

Callan got off the mark for the second half when Aisling O’Sullivan slotted over a pointed free for John Lockes. The ’Boro hit back, getting in for two more points through Aoibhin Deegan and Megan Trait.

Play swung back the other way when the hard-working Rachel Whelan tacked on a point for the Lockes. However, Laura Treacy hit back when she scored a goal for the ’Boro after the initial shot by Cara Duggan was saved.

Aisling O’Sullivan slotted over two points for the Lockes, stretching their advantage. As full-time approached, Rachel Phelan took a sideline for John Lockes which flew towards the ’Boro target. O’Sullivan fielded the sliotar, turned and the net shook - what a way to seal victory!

John Lockes - Ali Audoire; Chloe Tennyson, Robyn Corcoran, Maria Ryan; Abi Bryan, Rachel Phelan (joint captain), Farrah Ryan-Burke; Emily Phelan, Sarah Keher; Aoibhne Corcoran, Aisling O’Sullivan (joint captain), Ruth O’Sullivan; Eadaoin Lynch, Leah O’Donovan, Caoimhe Kelly.

Subs: Eva Roche for Abi Bryan, Ava Roche, Robyn Donovan Cooke, Maeve Moran, Nessa Godden, Isabelle Norris, Chloe Ryan.

Dicksboro - Kate Meighan; Lily Maher, Lily Ryan Murray, Anna Keogh; Faye Reynolds (captain), Ali Greany, Eimear O’Neill; Eva Tynan, Nessa Teehan; Emma Hogan, Cara Duggan, Megan Trait; Sophie O’Riordan, Aoibhin Deegan, Sophie Roberts.

Subs: Sarah Donlan, Laura Treacy, Emily Chambers, Kate Dowling, Lily Everard, Jill Dalton, Jane Everard, Anna Brennan, Rosie Walker, Katie Chambers.

Referee - Eamon Larkin (James Stephens).