The successful Milford team
Milford and Four Masters served up a fine display of football in the ladies Under 16 B final.
While it was end to end stuff all the way through Milford edged it with their accuracy in front of goals proving key to a great victory.
It was Milford who began the game the stronger almost immediately putting 1-01 on the scoreboard with the first score, a point, coming from full forward Shauna Mc Bride who troubled the Four Masters defence all day with her speediness.
The goal came from Leanne Boyce who really led the Milford attack. This was her first of three goals for the day, a dominant force at centre forward.
Four Masters responded well putting pressure on the Milford defence. This paid off with a point from Sophie Doherty followed by a penalty for Four Masters to level the game. Even though goalkeeper Rachel Roarty got her hands to it there was no stopping it with such power that Emer McGrory had hit it.
Milford gained control of the game for the next five minutes with Leanne Boyce scoring two more goals.
Four Masters had their turn to shine with a super goal from Niamh Byrne. She excellently gathered a high ball in to turn and solo before slotting a brilliant effort home.
Unfortunately for Four Masters this was their last score of the first half. A well hit goal from Bronagh Barrett and a pointed free from Shauna Mc Bride left the half time score 4-02 to 2-01 in favour of Milford.
Milford continued their good form at the start of the second half with points from Niamh Gallagher and Shauna McBride. Another goal from Leanne Boyce gave them a firm lead ten minutes into the second half.
Points for Four Masters came from Catherine Earley and Rebecca Pearson as the Donegal town girls battled on. A point from Leah Duggan kept the scoring for Milford ticking over. Another penalty for Four Masters in injury time was converted well by Catherine Earley.
The final whistle blew to the immense excitement of the Milford girls and the supporters who had travelled to the game.
While the second half lacked many scores there was still plenty of excitement. Four Masters had a lot of the play with Eva Diver at wing back and Grace Nolan at wing forward linking up well. Midfield for both teams worked well with Kate Smith and Ciara Doogan for Four Masters and Niamh McHugh and Aoife Donnelly for Milford working their socks off.
Massive credit must go to the all of the Milford defence for working endlessly to contain the Four Masters forwards with Myia Nyhan at full back and Katie McAteer at centre back leading the way clearing the danger on many occasions.
Milford Captain Aoife Donnelly received the cup from County Chairman Hugh Devenney. She thanked the referee, the Four Masters team, and her own coaches.
This game was another good promotion for Ladies Gaelic. Thanks to the Red Hugh’s club for facilitating the game and particularly for the tea at half time.