Offaly confirm national league final place

Very Ireland Division 2A League

Offaly 3-10, Carlow 1-5

by John Gavin

Offaly confirmed their place in this year's Division 2A League Final with a comfortable win over Carlow on Saturday in Banagher. Despite the miserable conditions of wind and a drizzling rain, Offaly put the game to bed as a contest as early as the 22nd minute when Grace Teehan scored her second goal of the game and after that the Faithful girls were in cruise control.

The Offaly starting line up had a somewhat unfamiliar look about it with David Sullivan making nine changes to the team that started against Meath last time out. Most noticeable was Emer Reynolds replacing Leah Gallagher in goals and also the return of Megan King, Cathy Fogarty, Sharon Shanahan and Christine Cleary from injury. Sullivan also gave Hannah Feenane, Aoife O'Donovan, Orla Kilmartin and Aoife Hoctor their first starts of the League.

Carlow may have been boosted by so many changes to their opponents' line up but that optimism was quickly dashed when Offaly got off to a dream start and playing with the wind hit 1-2 in the first five minutes. They went on to build a sizeable advantage courtesy of sharpshooter Grace Teehan hitting 2-3 and Mairead Teehan and Christine Cleary chipping in with points before Carlow finally opened their account with a point in the 24th minute. But there was little more from Carlow other than a pointed free from Eleanor Treacy but even this was cancelled out by points from the two Teehans to leave the half time score reading 2-7 to 0-2.

Offaly came out for the second half changed into in their white jerseys but despite now playing against the wind, they started the second half with the same intent with Grace Teehan wrapping up her hat trick of goals as early as the second minute after the restart. The Offaly management used the remainder of the game to empty the bench and give their subs plenty of game time which will no doubt stand them in good stead later in the year.

Despite the changes Carlow were unable to make any sort of a dent in the Offaly lead until they hit a late consolation goal but it was immaterial at that stage and it was fitting that the last score of the day should fall to Grace Teehan when she hit over a free Offaly.

Reflecting on the game afterwards David Sullivan was pleased that his team maintained the 100% record, however he will not be letting his team rest, highlighting improvements that will need to be made in terms of those returning from injury and girls getting their first start.

Despite booking their place in the League final he was hesitant to look that far forward and spoke about the upcoming match next weekend against Armagh. The game will be played as part of a double header with the Armagh v Meath football game preceding the camogie match. Sullivan hinted that he may make further changes to his starting line up for that game to give game time to girls returning from injury.

Offaly: Emer Reynolds, Megan King, Cathy Fogarty, Elizabeth Kilmartin, Orlagh Phelan, Amy Byrne, Hannah Feenane, Sharon Shanahan, Aoife O’Donovan, Aoife Hoctor, Christine Cleary, Fianait Dooley, Grace Teehan, Mairead Teehan, Orla Kilmartin

Subs: Ciara Maher for Aoife Hoctor, Grainne Kennedy for Mairead Teehan, Kaitlyn Kennedy for Aoife O'Donovan, Emma Buggy for Elizabeth Kilmartin, Caoimhe O'Donovan for Orla Kilmartin, Faye Mulrooney for Christine Cleary, Roisin Kinsella for Fianait Dooley, Aoife Liffey for Orlagh Phelan

Offaly scorers: Grace Teehan 3-5 (0-4 frees), Mairead Teehan 0-2, Christine Cleary 0-1, Faye Mulrooney 0-1, Sharon Shanahan 0-1