The Mayo u16s recorded a win in the u16 All Ireland “C” Shield Championship on Saturday as they overcame Louth in St. Peregrines GAA Grounds, Dublin 15.
Louth and Mayo faced off against each other in the group stages, a mere few weeks ago. That encounter ended in a thrilling draw, so this All Ireland Final was expected to be just as exciting.
Louth threw everything at Mayo in the first 15 minutes and dominated possession, which showed on the scoreboard as they went 0-3-0-0.
While it took Mayo some time to find their feet, they eventually settled and the scores flowed, and a goal from Aoibhinn Conway on the stroke of half time, put the half time scoreline 2-2-0-4, in favour of Mayo.
Mayo knew that they had a battle on their hands, and after a rousing half time talk from Captain Katie Hughes, the girls came out and played some of their best Camogie this year. Substitute Alison McDonald hit the ground running, and got on the scoreboard with a sweet point, while Éala Greally found her form and hit 0.03 in the 2nd half.
Louth did keep the pressure on but Mayo’s work rate in the 2nd half was outstanding from corner back to corner forward.
Player of the Match Saerlaith Dillon helped out everywhere, and hit the back of the net, while Aoibhinn Conway also added a point to her tally.
Rachel Peoples was on pin point form with her free taking and ended the game with brilliant 1-5.
Louth’s midfield and forwards did keep the pressure on, and burst forward numerous times, but the Mayo defence weren’t letting any goals in today. Final score: 3-10 – 0-6. The title was coming home to the West.
Mayo Team:
Katie Hughes (C), Aoibhinn Gallagher, Kate Ludden, Mary Ellen Ruane, Molly Squires, Maebh Smith, Kate Maloney, Grace Carroll, Ann Toland, Aoibhinn Conway(1-1), Saerlaith Dillon(1-0), Annaleigh Kelly, Lucy Tiernan, Rachel Peoples(1-5) Éala Greally(0-3).
SUBS:
Alison McDonald(0-1), Éadaoin Egan, Eimear Jennings, Emily Moore, Katlyn Morahan, Lucy Noonan, Naoise Ukich, Niamh Curran, Rina O Connell, Victoria Connolly, Tara Delaney, Holly Touhy, Lauren Gallagher, Ella Gallagher.
