Cahir u-16 'B' Championship Opener

Our Under 16s took the short journey to Ardfinnan today to start the championship. We were missing a few players due to injury so we needed all the girls to put their best effort in and so they did. Conditions underfoot were very poor but you would never think so with the pace from captain Niamh Costigan (1-2) who was outstanding today. Caoimhe Grace changed to midfield after a few minutes and she worked tirelessly marking Ardfinnans strongest player coming out ontop in most battles. In our half forward line leah Flannery(2-1) showed her experience in reading the game and always being in the right place.
Our vice captain Emily Coffee(1-0) covered a lot of ground today winning a lot of our own kick outs in the backs and running at pace into the forward line. Elsie O Neill(0-1) and Mary Delaney(1-2) worked well running off each other, pushing up and winning a lot of Ardfinnans kick outs. Erin Brennan was moved from the forwards into the backs and stopped a lot of the free runs that Ardfinnan were getting. Credit must go to the young Kate Lonergan(2-0) who shone today among much older players.
In our back line Lisa Blair was strong and stood her ground in some very tough battles. The young Eire Grace fought hard all through the game marking a very strong player. Niamh Ryan moved into the back line and used her height to win a lot of ball. Evelyn Burke who took a knock in the first half was very strong and fought for every ball. Credit in the back line must go to Annika Maloney and Katie Barrett who really had a tough game but made sure that they cleared almost every ball that came their way.
Emily Kirby came on for Erin at half time and showed her experience in reading the game and putting in great tackles. Emma Brown came on for Niamh Ryan and although she is a young player she stood her ground not giving Ardfinnan an inch. Katie Murphy came on for the last 10 minutes testing herself after an injury but showed no sign of an injury playing great.
Abby Noonan in goals was making great saves and with her kick outs working well we won every ball.
Congratulations to all the girls and management but we must keep the foot down now and drive on from this win as we will meet Sliabhnamon on the 15th of March at home.