The Harps too strong for Drumcullen
The Harps commenced their run in the Leinster Club championship with a convincing win over Drumcullen. Their success in recent years led to them being upgraded to Intermediate level for this competition, and Drumcullen had three of the Offaly side which won the Intermediate All Ireland in September.
The Harps 3–9
Drumcullen 2–6
That, together with having home venue, meant they went into the game as favourites. The Harps, however were not going to be daunted and knew that their preparations, under trainer Mick Bolger, had them well up for the match.
Elaine Mahony opened the scoring for the Harps with a cracker of a goal in the first minute, moments later Claire Nevin responded with a point before top scorer and All-Ireland star Elaine Dermody pointed from a 45. It was end to end play as both sides piled on the pressure, and The Harps backs were called on and not found wanting, as Helen Keane and Pamela Nugent pulled off great saves at both ends.
Angela Hanlon won possession of the ball at midfield and picked out Louise Mahony who calmly split the posts. Elaine Dermody responded in kind from a free for Drumcullen, before Michelle Fitzpatrick won the ball from a bunch and cleared to Aine Mahony, who spotted sister Elaine who made no mistake and added another point for the Harps.
Dermody then rounded her player and rattled the net to put Drumcullen ahead for the first time, but this did not last long as Aine Mahony pointed from a free to level the match. A line ball by Elaine Mahony was gathered by sister Louise and slotted over to edge The Harps ahead. Fittingly it was Dermody again who levelled from a free to leave both sides with 1-4 at the break.
It was Elaine Mahony who got the second half under way with a point, with Fiona Stephens then gathering the ball from a puck out and linking up with Elaine Dermody, who fired to the back of the net to put the Offaly side in front again. But if this shook The Harps, they didn't show it and they regrouped and went on the attack. Claire Walsh linked up with Joan Dollard who saw her shot cleared off the line. Joanne Prior passed to Aine Mahony who sent the ball across the goals where Laura Saunders was waiting to smash home.
A clearance by Caitriona Phelan was then gathered by Elaine Mahony and calmly sent over the bar, but Dermody replied with a pointed free for Drumcullen and Louise Mahony pointed a 45 at the other end. A clearance upfield by Elaine Cuddy was won by Joanne Prior who was fouled which led to another pointed free for Louise Mahony.
Karen Nugent won the ball at midfield and sent it forward where Edel Corcoran was waiting and she slotted it over for Drumcullen. At the other end Joan Dollard won the ball at the end line and sent it across the goal where Laura Saunders slammed home only to see it disallowed after some controversy. This gave the Harps the incentive to lay siege on the Drumcullen goals and they were finally rewarded when Aisling Phelan gathered and smashed past the goalie to give the Harps a five point lead.
A clearance by Denise Quigley found Angela Hanlon who duly slotted it over. Drumcullen tried to break through The Harps lines but were unable to make headway as Patricia Dunphy and Elaine Cuddy dug in and made some great clearances and when Denise Quigley cleared yet another attack, the ref blew the final whistle much to the relief of players, trainer and spectators alike.
The score difference would suggest that The Harps were easy winners but this was a hard fought victory and credit is due to the Harps backs who came under severe pressure especially during the latter part of the match, but they gave little away and were solid throughout. The Harps now meet Kilkenny champions, Lisdowney next Sunday and have home venue.
SCORERS - The Harps: Elaine Mahony 1-3, Louise Mahony 0-4 (one free, one 45), Laura Saunders, Aisling Phelan 1-0 each, Angela Hanlon, Aine Mahony (free) 0-1 each; Drumcullen: Elaine Dermody 2-4, Claire Nevin, Edel Corcoran 0-1 each
THE HARPS: Helen Keane; Elaine Cuddy, Denise Quigley, Patricia Dunphy; Michelle Fitzpatrick, Caitriona Phelan, Claire Walsh; Louise Mahony, Joanne Prior; Aine Mahony, Angela Hanlon, Elaine Mahony; Laura Saunders, Aisling Phelan, Joan Dollard.
DRUMCULLEN: Pamela Nugent; Ann Phelan, Lorraine Corcoran, Louise O'Brien; Yolande Murray, Michelle Corcoran, Marcella Nugent; Elaine Fleury, Fiona Stephens; Karen Nugent, Mary Nevin, Claire Nevin; Edel Corcoran, Elaine Dermody, Ann Marie Guinan.
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Weather for Portlaoise
Friday 18 May 2012
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