Depleted Rearcross side lose out in Shield Final

Rearcross U14 Girls travelled to Ballymackey on Saturday last for a 1pm kick off in the North Tipperary Shield final. This was a game we travelled for minus 5 of our regular starting team, and unfortunately on the day the more physical and older Ballymackey team won out on a 6 nil scoreline. Rearcross fielded a very young side with 7 of the starting 11 underage next year with some having 2 years. Rearcross put in a battling performance and having conceded a bruising 4 goals in the first half, picked themselves up in the second period and with determined defending held Ballymackey to 2 second half goals. Aoibheann Devitt switched to goals, Ewa Kwiecinska battled bravely in the second half from her midfield role with Zofia Kwiecinska bravely anchoring the defensive trio of Lauren Hartnett and Anna Butler, who cleared their lines time and time again. Our midfield battled gamely throughout, although giving inches and age to their classy opponents, they battled gamely throughout. As mentioned we fielded a very young side, and particular mention to our younger ladies, Ellie, Emma, Maria, Mary, who were ably assisted by Anna Kennedy and the ever reliable trio of Kate, Ruth and Chloe, the girls can be proud of their efforts and will be a match for most teams in their upcoming league campaign when we will have our full squad available. Congratulations to a fine Ballymackey side on their first silverware of the season.

Ballymackey FC: K Hartnett, A Ryan, E Dillon, L Dunne, E Bailey, H Fitzpatrick, C Manley, A Keogh, M Quinn (Capt), E Fitzgerald, C Grimes
Subs: R Fogarty, K England, L Bergin

Rearcross U-14 Girls: Ewa Kwiecinska (Aoibheann Devitt second half), Lauren Hartnett, Aoibheann Devitt, Anna Butler, Kate Kennedy, Chloe Quinlan, Zofia Kwiecinska, Maria Collins, Ellie O Gorman(Capt), Ruth Johnstone, Anna Kennedy
Subs: Eve Richardson, Emma Nolan, Mary Hanly (all used)

Referee: Michael Grace

Report by Myles Devitt

Congratulations to underage players from Upperchurch Drombane playing with Rearcross U-14 Girls, Rearcross U-16 Boys, Rearcross Youths, their families and Upperchurch Drombane GAA on a memorable win in the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Final.