Mount Anville U14s cruised into the last four of the championship with a commanding performance in UCD last Friday morning, overwhelming Luttrellstown - Castleknock by 10–14 to 1–0. All available players featured and contributed in what was undoubtedly the team’s most complete performance of the campaign so far.
Emma McHugh in goal was rarely called into action, but when needed she impressed with excellent puck-outs. In front of her, a rock-solid defence of Keira Costello, Siobhán Leonard, Eve Downey, Emma Dillon, Lauren Heraty, and Alice Brosnan stood firm throughout, dealing superbly with the Luttrellstown attack. Their display was marked by strong tackling, crucial blocks, and composed, skilful hurling, particularly in their ground work and distribution.
At midfield, Grace Jolley delivered a powerful performance, driving forward on several solo runs and supplying quality ball into the forward line. Alongside her, Ruth Byrne showcased excellent vision and passing, consistently picking out teammates in scoring positions.
The Mount Anville forwards—Annie McAuliffe, Lily Martin, Isobel Bailie, Peggy Meehan, Erin Bowen, and Emma McGuane—proved relentless, racking up an impressive 5–9 in the first half alone. Peggy Meehan led the charge with a superb hat-trick of goals and two points. Annie McAuliffe contributed two fine points and provided several key assists, highlighting her all-around skill. One of her scores stood out as the point of the match, as she won possession, evaded her marker, and struck brilliantly from 50 yards on the left.
Erin Bowen impressed at full-forward, finishing with 1–1 and demonstrating excellent strength and awareness to create scoring chances. Lily Martin dominated at centre-forward, tallying 1–3 and controlling the area around the 45-metre line with authority. Jolley also chipped in with a well-taken point to help secure a commanding half-time lead.
The second half saw several changes, with Erika O’Mahony and Ciara Buckley making notable impacts. Buckley displayed excellent skill and composure in possession, while O’Mahony proved lethal off the bench, scoring 2–1. Further goals from Emily Mason and Hillary Daly underlined Mount Anville’s attacking depth. McAuliffe added 1–2 more, including a superb point from a 45, while Brosnan and Meehan also added to the tally.
This was a thoroughly impressive team performance, with standout displays across the pitch. Eve Downey excelled in defence with her composure and vision, while Grace Jolley was instrumental in linking play from midfield. Peggy Meehan’s scoring was a major highlight, but the Player of the Match honours were shared by Annie McAuliffe, Erin Bowen, and Lily Martin. McAuliffe’s long-range scoring and dynamic play were exceptional, while Bowen’s intelligent movement and ability to create opportunities made her a constant threat. Martin’s scoring touch, tireless work rate, and her ability to win possession in the heat of battle set her apart, as she consistently came out on top in contests and drove her team forward with determination and skill.
The other quarter-finals: St Louis Rathmines vs Colaiste Chiarain; Colaiste Cois Life vs Rosemont S.C.; Donabate vs Loreto Foxrock. Mount Anville will face one of the winners in the last four in the coming weeks.
Team & Scorers:
Emma McHugh; Keira Costello; Siobhán Leonard; Eve Downey; Emma Dillon; Lauren Heraty; Alice Brosnan (0–1); Grace Jolley (0–1); Ruth Byrne;
Isobel Bailie; Lily Martin (1–3); Annie McAuliffe (1–4, 1 from 45); Peggy Meehan (3–3);
Erin Bowen (1–1); Emma McGuane; Lucy Hassett; Amber Enright;
Hillary Daly (1–0); Ciara Hall; Emily Mason (1–0);
Erika O’Mahony (2–1); Lucy Campbell; Ciara Buckley; Alison Hickey Dwyer.