Match Report: SMI Newcastlewest vs Ballyhaunis Community School, Mayo
Friday, 7th March – Banagher, Co. Offaly
Referee: Sinéad McHugh, Donegal
Final Score: SMI Newcastlewest 3-7, Ballyhaunis Community School 2-5
SMI Newcastlewest booked their place in the final after a hard-fought victory over Ballyhaunis Community School in Banagher, Co. Offaly. Led by twin sisters Isabelle and Olivia O’Brien, the team showed incredible resilience to overcome a tough Mayo side and secure a 3-7 to 2-5 win.
The game began with a strong statement from SMI, as captain Isabelle O’Brien struck the opening point with a superb right-footed effort from play. SMI built on their early momentum, racing into a 1-2 to 0-0 lead, with first-year Emma Horgan showing no signs of nerves as she buried a goal into the bottom left corner. However, Ballyhaunis responded in kind, matching SMI’s tally with 1-2 of their own to leave the sides deadlocked at halftime.
The second half saw SMI tested, as Ballyhaunis edged two points ahead at one stage. Goalkeeper Maeve Cussen produced two stunning saves to deny the Mayo side a bigger lead and keep SMI in contention. Up front, Emma Horgan continued to impress despite a tough collision with the Ballyhaunis goalkeeper. After recovering from being winded, she responded in style with her second goal of the game, keeping SMI in the fight.
With just eight minutes remaining, the tension rose as Isabelle O’Brien was sin-binned for a high tackle. The decision left SMI down a player at a crucial moment, but the team refused to back down. Instead, Ciara Lanigan produced a moment of brilliance, smashing home a vital goal to put SMI in control. The introduction of Eva Power at halftime also proved decisive, as she injected pace into the attack, scored a well-taken point, and created numerous chances.
When the final whistle blew, SMI emerged victorious, securing a place in the final against Bailieborough Community School, Cavan, on Wednesday, 19th March (venue TBC).
Scorers for SMI:
• Emma Horgan 2-2
• Ciara Lanigan 1-3
• Isabelle O’Brien 0-1
• Beanne Larkin 0-1
SMI Starting Team:
Maeve Cussen, Grace Kelly, Keelin Carr, Eabha Kelly, Cora Long, Ailis Kelly, Olivia O’Brien, Kate O’Gorman, Gracie O’Doherty, Ciara Lanigan, Aoibhinn Dore, Beanne Larkin, Isabelle O’Brien, Emma Horgan
Subs Used:
• Eva Power for Gracie O’Doherty (30’)
• Molly Madigan for Anna Horgan (47’)
A superb team performance sees SMI march on to the final, where they will aim to lift the title, under the guidance of their incredible coaches Evan Murphy and Ciara Brosnan.
Scoil Mhuire Agus Íde Ladies Gaelic Football Munster LGFA Munster GAA Limerick
Leader Sport / Limerick Live Sport LimerickGAA Lidl Ireland Her Sport
The game began with a strong statement from SMI, as captain Isabelle O’Brien struck the opening point with a superb right-footed effort from play. SMI built on their early momentum, racing into a 1-2 to 0-0 lead, with first-year Emma Horgan showing no signs of nerves as she buried a goal into the bottom left corner. However, Ballyhaunis responded in kind, matching SMI’s tally with 1-2 of their own to leave the sides deadlocked at halftime.
The second half saw SMI tested, as Ballyhaunis edged two points ahead at one stage. Goalkeeper Maeve Cussen produced two stunning saves to deny the Mayo side a bigger lead and keep SMI in contention. Up front, Emma Horgan continued to impress despite a tough collision with the Ballyhaunis goalkeeper. After recovering from being winded, she responded in style with her second goal of the game, keeping SMI in the fight.
With just eight minutes remaining, the tension rose as Isabelle O’Brien was sin-binned for a high tackle. The decision left SMI down a player at a crucial moment, but the team refused to back down. Instead, Ciara Lanigan produced a moment of brilliance, smashing home a vital goal to put SMI in control. The introduction of Eva Power at halftime also proved decisive, as she injected pace into the attack, scored a well-taken point, and created numerous chances.
When the final whistle blew, SMI emerged victorious, securing a place in the final against Bailieborough Community School, Cavan, on Wednesday, 19th March (venue TBC).
Scorers for SMI:
• Emma Horgan 2-2
• Ciara Lanigan 1-3
• Isabelle O’Brien 0-1
• Beanne Larkin 0-1
SMI Starting Team:
Maeve Cussen, Grace Kelly, Keelin Carr, Eabha Kelly, Cora Long, Ailis Kelly, Olivia O’Brien, Kate O’Gorman, Gracie O’Doherty, Ciara Lanigan, Aoibhinn Dore, Beanne Larkin, Isabelle O’Brien, Emma Horgan
Subs Used:
• Eva Power for Gracie O’Doherty (30’)
• Molly Madigan for Anna Horgan (47’)
A superb team performance sees SMI march on to the final, where they will aim to lift the title, under the guidance of their incredible coaches Evan Murphy and Ciara Brosnan.
Scoil Mhuire Agus Íde Ladies Gaelic Football Munster LGFA Munster GAA Limerick
Leader Sport / Limerick Live Sport LimerickGAA Lidl Ireland Her Sport
