Defeat for Waterford in Munster Final

Minor Girls lose out to Tipp in Munster final

Waterford Minor Ladies football team came up short in their quest to become the Munster minor B champions in an entertaining game with red hot favourites Tipperary in Fraher Field on Sunday last. Tipperary by virtue of their display in the Munster A final against Cork were the warmest of favourites and set about their task in determined fashion, having a goal and three points on the board after just 9 minutes. In fact it took Waterford all of 16 minutes to register their first score with a well taken point by midfielder and captain Mairéad Power. Aisling Mc Carthy replied for Tipperary with a point of her own one minute later before Shauna Dunphy in the 20^th minute and Lauren Mc Gregor in the 23^rd minute scored Waterford’s next two points to narrow the gap to four. In the 25^th minute Waterford had a wonderful chance when Jessica Glavin got on the end of a sweeping movement and her pile driver of a shot was expertly saved by the Tipperary goalkeeper Lauren Fitzpatrick. Two mistakes in the Waterford defence led to possession being turned over and these mistakes were well punished by Aisling Moloney and Aisling Mc Carthy with a couple of points just before half time. The last attack in the first half resulted in a free for Waterford which Lauren Mc Gregor duly dispatched over the crossbar to leave the score at half time Tipperary 1-8 Waterford 0-4

 Waterford were quickly out of the blocks with a point from Shauna Dunphy in the 3^rd minute but this was quickly replied to by a pointed free from Aisling Mc Carthy and another great point from Tipperary corner forward Sara Everard in the 4^th minute to leave six points between the teams. Waterford were playing good possession football at this stage but were just finding it hard to get the final pass away when in scoring positions. A good movement started in the back line by Megan Dunford led to substitute Lauren Guiry putting over a good point in the 5^th minute and one minute later Lauren Mc Gregor landed a point from a free. By now Lauren Guiry was causing major problems for the Tipperary defence and the Ballymac girl scored another wonderful point in the 7^th minute and in the 15^th minute captain Mairead Power scored her second point of the match to leave only twp points between the teams with the momentum totally with Waterford. In the 49^th minute disaster struck for the Deise girls when a ball from a 45 was misjudged by the Waterford defence and goalie and went all of the way to the net to stretch Tipperary’s advantage to five points. Tipperary pressed on and three late points from Aisling Moloney, Caoimhe Condon and Aisling Mc Carthy put a flattering look on the score board for the Premier Ladies. Despite being eight points behind Waterford pressed on to the very end but their only reward was a late point from Aoife Murray.

The Waterford girls will feel very disappointed with this loss, but can draw comfort from the fact that they pushed Tipperary hard for the most of the match. This is a young Waterford team with many of the girls being under age again next year. There are many positives to be gained from the game, the two Powers Geraldine and Mairead played very well at mid field. In the defence Megan O Connor, Megan Dunford and Emma Murray stood out. Up front Lauren Guiry and Aoife Murray did very well against a resolute defence. Team management Crohan Mc Gregor, Joe Murray, Sean Curry, and Trish Ferncombe should be well proud of their charges and the effort and commitment that they put in and no doubt many of these girls will make the step up to the next level of football in the not too distant future.

Al Eile Fundraising Day and Night

Waterford Ladies Football as part of their fund raising drive are delighted to announce a big family day and night in Al Eile stud farm Kilgobnet (the home of our main sponsor). This will take place on the 7^th June and will consist of two parts. During the day there will be a fun afternoon for families. The Mad Hatter will put on an afternoon show in his own inimitable way, Maurice Butler’s Ice Cream Parlour will be on site also and there will be novelty games, bouncy castles, face painting and fun and games for children of all ages.

On the same night from 8 pm onwards there will be a barn dance /hooley featuring two of Waterford’s top bands – Beachcombers and Fuse with a BBQ and full bar facilities. A great night’s entertainment is promised. Watch this space for more details.