Five goal hero McCann inspires Longwood to final glory

GIRLS DIV 1

In one of the most exciting finals in years St Nicholas' PS Longwood claimed the Girls Div 1 Shield with a thrilling 6-5 to 4-7 victory over O'Growney NS Athboy at Trim on Thursday last.

The four-point margin of victory is not a fair reflection of just how close this final was, but it was five-goal hero Kayla McCann's goal deep into injury-time that added the gloss on the Longwood girls victory.

McCann had hit what was effectively the winning point just two minutes earlier to break the Athboy Girl's hearts at the end of what was an non-stop, all-action, free-flowing contest.

It took a while for both sides to figure out their opponents magnificent defences, but once they did it was powerful running from McCann that proved decisive.

O'Growney NS also had their significant threats with Janine and Angie Nichol in particular outstanding.

The the scoring did get underway in the fourth minute it was Athboy who found the net with Eabha Gough on target.

Longwood hit back in style with two almost identical goals from McCann in the space of 35 seconds.

O'Growney NS settled with points from Angie Nichol (free) and Janine Nichol closing the gap to the minimum before Ella Lynch fired a goal to make it 2-2 to 2-0 in favour of the Athboy side.

Evie Moran stretched that lead with her side's third goal, but Longwood continued to press and closed the gap to the minimum when Posi Connolly's shot bounced over the bar and McCann's free from distance fell to the net.

Moran was credited with Athboy's fourth goal as Lacey Gallagher tried to clear her line, but Longwood stayed in touch with Robyn Flynn finding the net in first-half injury time to make it 4-1 to 4-2.

Athboy stretched their lead with points from Janine Nichol (two) and Angie Nichol within two minutes of the restart, but scores from Connolly and Mary Cully kept Longwood in touch.

Athboy looked set for victory when Janine Nichol (free) and Angie Nichol made it 4-7 to 4-3 with just 13 minutes remaining - but then came the Longwood rally.

McCann drove through for a goal to cose the deficit to the minimum and with five minutes remaining Leena Weir drew her side level.

McCann kicked what was the winning point and then in injury-time floated a long range free to the net to spark wild celebrations.

St Nicholas' PS Longwood - Maeve Nicolson; Chloe Stynes, Mic Holton, Caoimhe Courtney; Anna Quinn, Lucy Coules, Lacey Gallagher; Kayla McCann (5-1 2-0 free), Lilah Barron; Zoe Brady, Leena Weir (0-1), Posi Connolly (0-2); Mary Cully (0-1), Luíseach Wiessenhaan, Robyn Flynn (1-0). Emma Scully, Sadie Leigh, Lauren Quinn, Zoe Scully, Analise Weir, Freya O’Brien, Amy Maguire, Ella Bowers, Bobbi Maloney, Norah Pedley, Róisín Burke, Elodie O’Neill, Emily Kirwan McCabe, Ava Cully, Maisy Commins, Nicole Stynes. Mentors - Laura Bagnall, Rebecca Smyth, Sarah King.

O'Growney NS Athboy - Kate Murdiff; Isabelle Grogan Garry, Emma Carroll, Jenny Katlego Bradley; Emily Donnelly, Lily-Mai Hickey, Alannah Nugent; Janine Nichol (0-4 two frees), Mya Kelly; Lucy Donnelly, Angie Nichol (0-3 one free), Ella Lynch (1-0); Éabha Gough (1-0), Evie Moran (2-0), Ava Hickey. Erin Tobin, Emilija Norvaisaite, Ella-Mae McAuley, Mia Davis, Shania Kerr, Sophia Castles, Lucy Carney, Emilija Raciunaite, Ava Daly. Mentors - L Cahill, B Keogh.

Referee - Julie Donnellan (Lismullin NS).