The Mount Anville U16 Girls’ football team played out a 4 - 12 to 3 - 15 draw against local rivals Loreto Foxrock last Friday in a pulsating encounter at Silverpark. The challenge match served as vital preparation for Mount Anville’s upcoming Leinster Championship tie against St. Dominic's College, Cabra. On a beautiful morning ideal for football, both squads showcased immense determination, exceptional fielding, and high-octane scoring.
Loreto Foxrock caught the Dublin 14 side off guard with a blistering start, racing into an early five-point lead during the opening quarter. However, Mount Anville soon found their rhythm. Pivotal forward Aifric Walsh spearheaded the fightback, racking up an impressive 2-02 before the break. Supported by wing forwards Emma McGuane and Peggy Meehan, a 1-01 haul from Annie McCauliffe, a brace of points from centre-forward Ruth Byrne, and a finely taken score from Faye Metcalfe, meant the Mount Anville girls turned the tide to lead 3 - 05 to 1 - 08 at the interval.
With roll-on roll-off substitutions - the defensive unit of Siobhan Leonard, Isobel Bailie, Alice Roben, Ciara Costello, Luciana Buckley, Emily Mason, Lily Walsh, and Alice Brosnan worked tirelessly throughout the opening period, effectively neutralising a strong Loreto attack, while linking up effectively with Grace Jolley, Lauren Heraty and Isla Conlon in the middle of the park.
As Loreto fought back in an intense second half, goalkeeper Erin Bowen picked out Isla Conlon on numerous occasions with excellent kickouts. Conlon then utilised her blistering pace and soloing skills to carry possession from deep and feed the inside forward line.
As the pressure mounted, Ruth Byrne showed nerves of steel to convert three fantastic frees. The game also saw a massive second-half impact from Hattie Farrell. The U16 Republic of Ireland soccer international made her presence felt all over the pitch, scoring 1 - 01 from midfield.
The moment of the match, however, belonged to Isobel Bailie. After stifling a potent Loreto attack deep in her own full-back line, Bailie launched a sensational solo run the entire length of the pitch. She played a sharp one-two with Aifric Walsh before splitting the posts for a spectacular point.
Mount Anville's resilience was tested to the limit late on, but Peggy Meehan came up trumps in the final five minutes with a vital save between the posts. That defensive stand laid the groundwork for a grandstand finish; with seconds remaining and Mount Anville trailing, Hattie Farrell stepped up to take a high-pressure penalty. She coolly converted with the final kick of the game to secure a deserved draw.
A fantastic collective effort saw all 26 squad members play their part, providing a strong springboard for theLeinster Championship campaign.
Mount Anville Squad: Erin Bowen; Siobhan Leonard; Isobel Bailie 0-01; Alice Roben; Lily Martin; Alice Brosnan; Luciana Buckley; Lauren Heraty; Grace Jolley; Emma McGuane; Ruth Byrne 0-6(3f); Peggy Meehan; Isla Conlon; Annie McCauliffe 1-01; Aifric Walsh 2-02; Hillary Daly; Lily Ryan; Hattie Farrell 1-01; Keira Costello; Emily Mason; Ciara Buckley; Faye Metcalfe 0-01; Isabelle Teehan; Síomha Bowen; Kate McDermott; Sopie Porcu; Anna Byrne.