20/07/2023: The Junior A Ladies got their 2023 Championship off to a great start when they snatched victory from the Banner courtesy of a Niamh O’Keeffe goal, deep into injury time, Kildysart 2-6, Banner2 1-5. The match was played in great summer conditions in front of a large crowd at the temporary home pitch of the Kildysart Secondary School.

The first half was a cagey affair with neither side yielding any ground with Aisling Murphy’s point and one from the Banner being the only scores in the first quarter. Kildysart was unlucky to concede a goal in the 29th minute when a bouncing fisted effort flew passed the on-rushing Kildysart keeper, Gillian Finucane. Ashley O’Brien finished off the scoring for the first half, with Kildysart trailing by a goal, 0-2 to 1-2.

Kildysart was level within the opening minutes when Sinead Fox gathered the ball on the 20-metre line and buried it to the net. The score remained level for the next 10 minutes as the backs, led by Niamh Moloney and Aisling Murphy, were clearing the lines and Finucane wouldn’t let anything past her. Heading into the 4th quarter the Townies were three points clear but sure and steady free taking from Murphy over the next 15 minutes meant the sides were level at 60 minutes, 1-5 to 1-5. Then Kildysart won a free deep into injury time just outside their own 45-metre line and Finucane was called up from goals to take it. She kicked a high ball into the square, which was gathered by O’Brien, who passed off to Niamh O’Keeffe, who turned and popped a high-dropping ball into the top right-hand corner of the net to put Kildysart ahead, 2-5, to 1-5. Banner got the last score of the match before the final whistle but Kildysart came away with a well-deserved win, Kildysart 2-5, Banner 1-6. Referee: Michael Talty.

Kildysart: Gillian Finucane, Chloe Sheehan-captain, Susan Casey, Niamh Moloney, Emma Byrne, Aisling Murphy (0-4, 3f), Caitlin Casey, Ashley O’Brien (0-1), Niamh O’Keeffe (1-0), Caroline Casey, Sinead Fox (1-0), Molly McCarthy, Lauren Keane, Amy Murphy, Sarah Foley. Subs: Rachel Conway for Keane (HT), Rachel O’Sullivan for O’Keeffe (63 min). Management: John Byrne, Cyril Kelly.

Round 2 sees the team travel to Newmarket on or before Sunday 6th August.

Front row: Molly McCarthy, Olga Cleary, Susan Casey, Sinead Fox, Alannah Murphy, Caroline Casey, Amy Murphy, Niamh Cook, Lauren Keane, Ashley O'Brien

Back Row: Emma Byrne, Caitlin Casey, Aibhe Casey, Rachel Conway, Rachel O'Sullivan, Gillian Finucane, Niamh O'Keeffe, Grace Scanlon, Aisling Murphy, Sarah Foley, Niamh Moloney, Chloe Sheehan