Where to start with this one, an epic encounter that had the large crowd gripped from the outset. Knockninny made a blistering start to lead by 7points after 20minutess but by half time Belcoo had battled back to level, kicking seven in a row to leave it 0-10 to 1-7. It was nip and tuck until the death when Knockninny led by one deep into added time but there was one final score and it was a game winning goal, centre back Eimear Gray got forward to rattle the net to see her side win by 2points on a 2-15 to 3-10 scoreline.
The sides traded early points through Molly Quinlan and Scarlett O’Connor before the hosts took control of the contest. A goal and point was fired in while Alannah Maguire popped over further scores on 8 & 11minutes to push her side 1–4 to 0-1 ahead.
Belcoo would register a well worked score after an interception in defence by Eimear Gray, Ella McGovern & Scarlett O’Connor worked the ball between them before Rachel Nolan fed Eve Barrett for a left footed point. Belcoo won the kickout which resulted in a free kick, O’Connor played a one two with Barrett and drilled over.
Alannah Maguire’s influence on proceedings continued to grow, she registered the next 4 points for her team as they moved into a 1-7 to 0-3 lead. It could have been worse for Belcoo at this juncture but for a fine Riona Keaney save. Belcoo were second to everything all over this field as a strong Knockninny side bossed proceedings. Rachel Nolan was working hard with Ella McGovern putting in a good shift down the right side.
With 22minutes on the clock Scarlett O’Connor powered forward to win and convert a free. It was a spark her side required and from here to half time the were dominating having pinned back the hosts. Lily Mae McNulty fastened onto a loose ball in the middle of the field and slipped it to Eimear Gray, she fed Eve Barrett for a well taken score.Scarlett O’Connor accounted for the next point after working a 45 well with McNulty and Ciara Parker. Parker then registered a close range free to pull it back to 1-7 to 0-7.
The O’Rahilly’s continued to press forward, Emilie McCallion swept up a ball on the wing and the ball was transferred across the field into the hands of Abbie McGovern and she duly split the posts. Some strong play from Ella McGovern seen her make an excellent turnover before she played the ball into Ciara Parker who drilled over. Parker drove in moments later to level the scores at the interval. Knockninny 1-7 v 0-10 Belcoo.
Belcoo began the second period better and moved into a two point lead. Again it was Ella McGovern, Scarlett O’Connor and Ciara Parker involved in the move with Parker slotting over. Winning the next kickout Scarlett O’Connor ran through for a well taken point. A 38th minute Alannah Maguire free cut the deficit to one before the home side hit the front with a Niamh Boyle goal. 2-8 to 0-12.
The Belcoo reply was a goal, Scarlett O’Connor going for goal with a 15metre free and finding the net. Eve Barrett slotted over a point but back came Knockninny and a superbly worked goal pushed them into the lead again on 46minutes. Knockninny 3-8 to 1-13 ahead.
It was frantic stuff at this stage. Eve Barrett had a glorious opportunity for a goal but she struck the post. The next attack was another good move, Abbie McGovern found herself with a bit of space in front of goal but drilled wide when well placed. These missed opportunities were punished with Molly Quinlan registering a point on the counter attack. Two in it. 8minutes to play. Riona Keaney made another super stop in the goals to keep it this way.
Belcoo are a resilient bunch and they battled back. The excellent Scarlett O’Connor powered upfield to half the deficit with 5minutes to play. Siofra McAloon had worked herself to a standstill and was put into goals for the closing few minutes while former goalkeeper Riona Keaney was involved in a full length move on a few occasions before tapping over a point. Draw game. 57minutes on the clock, Knockninny 3-9 v 1-15 Belcoo.
Knockninny would edge into the lead with one minute to play. They were keeping the ball well down the Belcoo half and looked set to secure the win. A few stoppages for tired players led to some extra time and it was in this period Belcoo’s Eimear Gray made a 70 yard dash forward, played a one two and hit the net from close range to the cheers of the large Belcoo support.
Knockninny were still given time, they went for goal, Siofra McAloon saved, they won back the ball and went for goal again, legs, bodies, hands were everything trying to get a hold of the ball, Orlaith McAloon swooped on it near the line, Siofra McAloon and Megan Maguire worked it down the left as the referee blew the final whistle.
What a finish. What a contest in general. Two whole hearted sides giving it absolutely everyone for an hour. Sore and tired bodies at full time. These two sides will likely do battle in the league final in a few weeks time. It’s a game not to be missed.
Belcoo will travel to Kinawley on Thursday for Round 5, throw in 7pm. Players to be in Kinawley for 6.30pm.
(15 a side) Riona Keaney (0-1), Orlaith McAloon, Siofra McAloon, Megan Maguire, Ella McGovern, Eimear Gray (1-0), Emilie McCallion, Scarlett O’Connor (1-6), Ciara Parker (0-4), Rachel Nolan, Ciara McGuinness, Lily Mae McNulty, Eve Barrett (0-3), Abbie McGovern (0-1), Cairenn McGrath. Subs used Zoe Lavery. Unused. Kayla McGrath, Evie Savage, Katie McNulty, Casey Nolan.
