Summerhill Ladies claimed the Division 3 League title after a well fought battle with Skryne on Thursday night. The terrible weather conditions were less than ideal for this league final in Summerhill, however this didn’t dampen the spirits of the determined Summerhill team. Having been defeated by Skryne earlier in the league, Summerhill had a point to prove and came out fighting from the get go.

Being the first final in six years, Summerhill were determined and focused from the first whistle. With Summerhill shooting into the clubhouse goals it wasn’t long before Niamh Dalton won the first ball and worked it into Aisling McCabe who opened the scoring with a point. Skryne weren’t long replying with a point. Two more points from Jenny Rispin and Laura Garrigan saw Summerhill in the lead with 0-3 to 0-2 lead at half time.

With a low score at the break, it was clear this was going to go down to the wire. The wet and slippery conditions made visibility difficult with both teams putting their bodies on the line for that trophy with every move. The second half throw in was won again by Summerhill with Jenny Rispin slotting over two more points for Summerhill. After a brilliant display of support play, Laura Garrigan found herself heading for goal and slotted the ball into the top left corner of the net. Skryne never gave up and fought back to bring the game near level in third quarter. Points from Michelle Carey, Rebecca King and Kate Flynn gave Summerhill a narrow lead before Laura Garrigan found the net again. It wasn’t long before referee John McLoughlin blew the final whistle which saw Summerhill claim a six point victory. The final score reading Summerhill 2-8, Skryne 0-8.

The Division 3 League trophy was presented by county board representative Aisling Dwyer to the overjoyed yet emotional Summerhill captains Kate Flynn and Michelle Carey.

Summerhill team:

1. Keely Burke 2. Emily Davies 3. Megan Lyons 4. Ciara Gormley 5. Ella Flynn 6. Andrea Pearle 7. Jane Flynn 8. Niamh Dalton 9. Kate Flynn (C) (0-1) 10. Michelle Carey (C)(0-1) 11. Aisling McCabe (0-1) 12. Jenny Rispin (0-3) 13. Aoife Carey 14. Laura Garrigan (2-1) 15. Rebecca King (0-1).

Subs

17. Niamh Crowe for Michelle Carey. 18. Aoife Carroll for Ciara Gormley.

16. Lisa Moore 19. Christina Ennis 20. Aoife McCabe 21. Grace Nangle 22. Hannah Moran 23. Annie Madden 24. Fodhla Dwyer 25. Gracie Grehan 26. Aileen McCabe 27. Hannah Matthews 28. Jane Hughes 29. Olivia Comey 30. Meadhbh Dardis 31. Megan Ryan 32. Claudia McMahon 33. Anna McVann.

Management:

Shane Dunne (Manager), Eoghan Connolly (Selector), Catherine Hughes (FLO), Christina Byrne (Physio).

Photos of the final will be available on our website www.summerhilllgfa.com