The finals of the Women's ESB Irish Hockey Trophy in UCD on Sunday proved a bridge too far for Greenfields 1st Eleven as they went down to Limerick's Catholic Institute by 2 goals.
Greenfields were determined in their efforts, playing with heart and zest but with C.I scoring on the 4th and 19th minute, it was an uphill battle. Greenfields did claw one back from a penalty stroke but C.I scored early in the second half to neutralise this, and Catholic Institute, last years losing finalists, stamped their name on the Irish Hockey Trophy this year.
The opening goal came at 4 mins by C.I. Elaine Bronwell, from a quickly taken short corner, but undaunted, Capt. Neasa McGettigan railled the team to force the play upfield into the C.I. quarter, where Brenda Flannery's goal shot was saved. Flannery won another corner at 21 mins, following good interaction with Dora Gorman, but again it was swept clear, to the chagrin of the numerous travelling Greenfields supporters. A quickly taken hit out caught Greenfields flat at the back, requiring a precise intervention from sweeper Catherine Moore to eliminate the threat. Crucial saves by Keeper Marilyn Huijgens kept the supporters on the edge of their seats, but unfortunately C.I got a short corner, and Rebecca Barry scored their second from the set piece on the 19th minute.
From the push back, Greenfields were again under pressure but coped admirably. Marese Mannion altered play left to right, looking for gaps in C.I midfield. A break was cleared to Dora Gorman who jinked her way goalwards. Coming through strongly, Gorman was dragged down at the edge of the circle, sprawling full length across the water based pitch. The penalty stroke was awarded and slotted neatly away by Brenda Flannery in the right hand corner. The half time hooter saw Greenfields just trailing by a goal and all to play for.
The sun beamed strongly down for the second half and western hearts were hopeful. C.I did indeed start strongly, but were wasteful of their chances, overshooting the goal on two ocassions. Manager Imelda Brennan was astute in harnessing the versatility of the entire Greenfields panel, allowing for short periods of rest for all in this highly paced game. This was necessary as C.I. were certainly the more physical team, earning themselves 2 green cards and a sin bin for some rough tackling and injudicious use of elbows.
Determined defending by Greenfields saw corners gained by C.I. but these threats were foiled, as Greenfields second keeper, Sinéad Collins came off her line to clear. Then Katie Campbell made it 3-1 for C.I. from another corner move, to build a comfortable lead. On the 52nd minute Greenfields earned their first short corner, but C.I were quickly out to smother the shot. As play reversed ends, time was our enemy when Trish Garrett drove forwards along the RHS, outrunning the attentions of C.I and sweeping to Dora Gorman, who was unlucky not to find the back board. Again, Greenfields set piece let them down, but they continued to press and a driving ball from Mary Healy flew across the goal mouth. With 4mins to go, C.I gained a short but as Marese Mannion cleared to the side, the hooter sounded, thus dashing the hopes of Greenfields premier team.
Coaches Bryan Madden & Paul McGettigan paid tribute to all the players, praising their efforts, & will now focus on the remaining league campaign in Connacht.
The Greenfields team following their medal presentation:
Back (L-R): Bryan Madden, Coach, Olive Healy, Dora Gorman, Brenda Flannery, Lesley O’Flynn, Alison Ryan, Áine Collins, Marilyn Huijgens, Sinéad Collins & Catherine Moore.
Front (L-R): Alma Whelan, Ruby Madden, team mascot, Ciara Power, Aoife Smith, Mary Healy, Ailish Walsh, Marese Mannion, Neasa McGettigan, Capt., & Trish Garrett.
Missing from photo: Manager, Imelda Brennan & Coach, Paul McGettigan
