Mount Anville U14s booked their place in the regional final with an impressive victory over Loreto Foxrock in a fiercely contested semi-final last Friday. With several players lining out together at club level, this encounter always promised intensity - and it duly delivered.
Mount Anville made a blistering start, pinning Foxrock deep in their own half during the opening quarter. Despite sustained pressure, Foxrock’s resolute defence made scores hard-earned. The best early chance fell to captain Annie McAuliffe, who collected a long delivery, skipped past her marker, and unleashed a thunderous shot from the left that rattled the crossbar.
The Mount Anville forward unit of McAuliffe, Isobel Bailie, Ruth Byrne, Peggy Meehan, Erin Bowen and Ciara Buckley worked together effectively throughout, combining sharp link play with relentless work rate. Meehan opened the scoring with a fine point after ten minutes, before McAuliffe added another to edge her side ahead. The breakthrough goal soon followed, McAuliffe once again proving too elusive for her marker, before hitting the back of the net.
Foxrock showed flashes of their quality, but Mount Anville’s defence stood firm. Keira Costello, Siobhán Leonard, Rachel Nolan, Emma Dillon, Lauren Heraty and Alice Brosnan delivered a disciplined and physical performance, effectively stamping out the oppositions scoring opportunities. Their ability to transition play was equally impressive, with slick combinations linking effectively with midfielders Grace Jolley and Lily Martin.
Heraty and Brosnan were particularly influential, driving forward with purpose and delivering quality ball into the attack. Heraty’s determination stood out, as she repeatedly won possession under pressure from a swarm of opponents, before distributing intelligently.
A tactical reshuffle before half-time saw Emily Mason introduced to the full-back line, while Emma Dillon moved into the forward line and made an immediate impact with a well-taken goal. This left Mount Anville firmly in control at the break, leading 2–2 to 0–0.
Mount Anville resumed the game with the same intensity. Jolley and Martin dominated midfield exchanges, providing a vital link between defence and attack. Despite the strong start to the second period, it was Foxrock who opened the scoring with a point, but McAuliffe responded in style, converting a superb 45 that would not have looked out of place in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day.
Foxrock pressed hard and came close to a goal, only to be denied by an outstanding reflex save from goalkeeper Emma McHugh, whose assured performance and accurate puck-outs were central to Mount Anville’s control. With her composure and awareness, McHugh offered a steadying influence that lifted the confidence of those in front of her.
Foxrock continued to push forward but were only able to find scores from frees as they added two points to their tally. However, McAuliffe struck decisively, netting twice in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt. Alice Brosnan was instrumental in these scores as she started numerous attacks. She delivered a standout second-half display, fielding high ball with authority before launching counterattacks with powerful solo runs and precise distribution. She was unlucky not to score herself, striking the woodwork after a brilliant individual effort. Emily Mason also impressed with her composure, defensive work and fine hurling in the full back line.
Foxrock added late scores to narrow the gap, but Mount Anville’s superiority was clear. Fine contributions from substitutes Alison Hickey Dwyer, Amber Enright, Ciara Hall and Lucy Hassett underlined the depth of the squad, as Mount Anville secured a deserved 4–3 to 2–4 victory.
There were many standout performances across the pitch. McHugh excelled in goal, while Siobhán Leonard anchored the defence superbly. Costello and Mason showed tenacity, and Lauren Heraty once again demonstrated her all-round quality. Meehan and Bailie were tireless in attack, linking effectively with McAuliffe.
However, in a game full of impressive displays, it was Alice Brosnan and Annie McAuliffe who shone brightest. Brosnan’s high fielding and skill entertained spectators, while McAuliffe proved uncontainable, finishing with a remarkable 3–2. Her awareness, accuracy and eye for goal have been instrumental throughout the campaign.
Mount Anville now look ahead to the final against Rosemont, set for Ballinteer on Wednesday, May 13th, with a 10:00am throw-in.
Team & Scorers: Emma McHugh; Keira Costello; Siobhán Leonard; Rachel Nolan; Emma Dillon (1–0); Lauren Heraty; Alice Brosnan; Grace Jolley; Lily Martin; Isobel Bailie; Ruth Byrne; Annie McAuliffe (3–2, 1 free from 45); Peggy Meehan (0–1); Erin Bowen; Ciara Buckley; Lucy Hassett; Amber Enright; Ciara Hall; Emily Mason; Alison Hickey Dwyer.