Kilmeena 3-09 Loughanavalley 1-09
On Saturday the 15th April 2023, Rachel Keane had the honour of captaining the Kilmeena ladies football team when they played a challenge match against West Meath Intermediate football club, Loughanavalley LGFA. The game was played in the largest sports air dome in the world located at the Connaught Center of Excellence campus in Bekan.
The game was played over three twenty minute periods. Loughanavalley started the game with intent, and their high pace running from deep in their defence split open the Kilmeena defenders to out score Kilmeena by eight scores to four in the first third. However, all of the Loughanavalley scores were points, where Kilmeena managed to hit the net twice through goals from our dynamo centre half forward Ciara Joyce and our potent full forward Grace Gibbons. The energetic midfielders Eabha Carney and forever reliable Fiona Groden also tagged on a point a piece. The score was all square at 2-02 to 0-08 at the first break.
Some encouragement and tactical advice from the Kilmeena management team resulted in a much tighter defensive effort by the Kilmeena ladies in the second third. The lung bursting runs, back by the kilmeena forwards helped prevent the hard working Loughanavalley ladies from launching attacks from their own kickouts. Kilmeena scored 1-04 in the second third while managing to keep Loughanavalley scoreless. Our third goal came from the speedy Fiona Groden while Lisa Hastings, Eabha Carney and again Groden x2 added points.
Going into the final third Loughanavalley staged a comeback. Despite heroic defending by the Kilmeena ladies Loughanavalley scored 1-01 in the final third. The Kilmeena minor duo of Eabha Carney and wing forward Lisa Hastings covered every inch on the pitch and chipped in with another point each in the last third. One of the scores of the day then came from our corner forward Emma Murray, where she swung over a beautiful point with her left boot. A special mention must go to our young and courageous goal keeper Aoife Gannon. Aoife pulled off some great saves during the game, while her ability to restart the play with pinpoint accuracy really had a huge influence on the game. We had impact subs come off the bench in each third and it was great to see Roisin Gannon make a welcome return to the kilmeena jersey.
Kilmeena LGFA would like to thank Loughanavalley LGFA for inviting us to play in this fun filled challenge match and we wish your club every success in the future.
