On the Line: June 2023

Wednesday 28 June 2023

Match 5 Ireland vs Israel

Ireland 5

Israel 6

A strong final quarter comeback wasn't enough for Ireland as they lost by a solitary goal to European opponents Israel.

It was Israel who opened the scoring just after a minute in this tie. Ireland took control for the rest of the opening period but the Israeli goalkeeper pulled off a number of great saves. After the first time out with five minutes left Ireland kept possession for a number of minutes. As the first break grew closer Patrick Corbett expertly levelled the tie.

Brian Smyth won the face off at the start of the second period and eventually the ball found its way to Palmodesso whose effort flew off the post. For the rest of the second quarter both sides battled it out but unfortunately for the attack men both goalies were in great form leaving the score 1-1 at half time

It was all Israel at the beginning of the third quarter and this resulted in them scoring four goals inside the opening six minutes. With the game looking like it was going to be Israel's Conor Foley stepped up with five minutes left in the quarter to narrow the gap. Leaving three besides at the end of the period.

The opening plays of the final period were tough and tense as both sides knew the next game was going to be crucial. Eventually the Israelis took a four goal lead with eight minutes left. This goal resulted in what was a nearly miraculous recovery from the Irish boys. It was that man Foley who started the comeback with seven to go. Ireland began to put intense pressure on their opponents back like which resulted in Israel getting two men sent to the penalty box. Ireland took complete advantage with Corbett doubling his tally before Foley narrowed the gap to the minimum. Unfortunately this wasn't enough as Israel going on to win by the narrowest of margins.

Ireland:Conor Kelly,Ruairi Dunbar,Tiernan Donovan ,Tadhg O'Riordan,Thomas Burke,Patrick McShane,Luke Palmadesso,Sean Gibson,Kevin Somerville,Conor Foley,Luke Maloney ,Gearoid Dunbar,Conor Shears,James Fennessy,Joe Walsh,Andy Meyers, Jack Galvin,Brady Morin,Patrick Corbett,Brendan Boles,Brian Smyth,Pat Smyth,Aidan Dempsey

Sunday 25 June 2023

Match 4 Ireland vs Peru

Ireland 14

Peru 9

SDSU

A strong third quarter was enough for Ireland to see off Peru and finish top of their group in San Diego.

It was Peru who opened the scoring 2 minutes into the tie. Straight from the faceoff Ireland had levelled through Conor Foley. With five minutes gone in the opening period Tadhg O’ Riordan gave Ireland the lead after a period of sustained pressure .Tv time out. Peru levelled the tie again as both attacks were causing damage. With four minutes left foley stepped up again to give Ireland the advantage again, The game was levelled within a minute again as Peru looked dangerous.. In the final play of the opening quarter Ireland took the lead when Aidan Dempsey found the net. After a pass from Patrick Corbett.

Within four minutes of the restart the tie was level again after this Ireland started to gain a bit more control with Corbett and Dempsey both netting again in between a Peru effort . This left the minimum between the sides at half time

The third quarter was all Ireland as Corbett finished his hat trick inside three minutes. Conor Kelly then pulled off a fine save in goal before Ireland gained complete control. After the timeout Ireland went on a scoring spree scoring five goals with a solitary response from the opposition. Thomas Burke netted his first of the day before O’ Riordan doubled his account. Paddy Corbett was on fire firing in two more goals before Peru responded down the other end. The final goal of the term came from Kevin Sommerville who powered through to extend his sides lead.

The final quarter was nearly a carbon copy as after an early Foley goal Peru mounted a mini comeback. They fired in three goals to make a contest out of it with seven minutes left. This was until Corbett stepped up with five minutes to go to finish the scoring and ensure his side victory

Match 3 Ireland vs Latvia

Match 3 WC

Ireland 8

Latvia 7

Ireland needed a second over time period to overcome European counterparts Latvia on Saturday morning

Ireland got off to a flying start when Luke Palmadesso netted inside the opening minutes. The next couple of minutes of play were hardly fought until Conor Foley doubled Ireland's lead with 8 left in the quarter/ After the Tv time out Lavia started to gain control and after a great save from Conor Kelly they eventually fired past Kelly with 2 left minutes left in the quarter. With the final play of the first period Brian Smyth slotted a fantastic goal leaving Ireland 2 up at the end of the first break.

Latvia took control of the tie early in the second quarter and narrowed the gap inside a minute. Two minutes later they had managed to level the tie.. After the Tv time out it was the Irish who took control again with Patrick Corbett netting before veteran Sean Gibson extended his side's lead. With Ireland in control Lavia managed to break away before half time to narrow the gap with their fourth goal of the game.

Just after the resumption Ireland lost their influential Ruarí Dunbar to an injury after the first face off. After this tough strat Ireland managed to battle away valiantly in the tie and eventually netted again through Thomas Burke with eight minutes left. Latvia narrowed the gap to the minimum right at the end to ensure we were in for an exciting last term.

It was Latvia who came out firing in the final term and with three minutes left they had netted twice to take the lead as the final whistle drew closer. Straight from the face off Ireland broke away and Burke found the net meaning the tie was going to overtime ( first goal wins)/

7_7 G Burke A Corbett 2 left

In the first period of overtime it was the defenses and the goalies who came out on top with Joe Walsh excelling in the Irish net. In the final period Latvia gained possession but Brian Smyth managed to dispossess the defender before feeding Tadhg O’ Riordan who gave the Irish a hard fought win.

Ireland have won their group and now play Peru in there final group game on Sunday night

POTM ( Brian Smyth)

Saturday 24 June 2023

Ireland vs Korean Game 2

Ireland 14

Korea 2

Eoin Horkan

SDSU

Ireland’s men's lacrosse team continued their fine form with a dominant display from start to finish to see off Korea by twelve goals.

Ireland won the first face off and went straight towards the opposition goal. After three great saves by the Korea goalie Tadhg O’ Riordan eventually broke the deadlock four minutes into the quarter.Within minutes Irekabd and O’ Riordan had doubled their advantage with his second goal assisted by Conor Foley with even left in the opening quarter . R Dunbar was battling well at every face off which gave Ireland the platform to attack at will. In the final four minutes they fired in three more goals first from Brian Smyth before Kevin Summerville, Patrick Corbett . Leaving the Irish six up at the first break.

After the whistle Aidan Dempsey fired in a seventh goal before Korea managed to narrow the gap by one. With both defenses on top in this quarter it was Ireland who eventually broke through twice more, extending the lead by 2 with efforts from Corbett and Dempsey again. This left them eight up at the break.

Goals were more difficult to come by in the third quarter until Conor Foley grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck..Korea hit their 2nd goal which at this stage was only a consolation.

Ireland netted twice in the final quarter as the heat was starting to tire both teams.Luke Palmadesso extended the lead with Luke Ma;loney netting the final goal of the game.

Ireland play Latvia on Saturday 10.00 SD time

Thursday 22 June 2023

Ireland vs Netherlands World Lacrosse Championship 2023

Ireland 12

Netherlands 6

Eoin Horkan

SDSU

The Irish senior men's team got off to the perfect start in the World Championships with a comfortable victory against European counterparts the Netherlands.

Ireland flew out of the blocks in the opening quarter as they fired in 3 early goals before the first time out of the game.It was Patrick Burke who led the way for the Irish netting twice with Brian Smith adding the third goal of the opening term.

Ireland were winning every face off through Ruairi Dunbar this gave them the platform to attack and cause damage as much as they could. Ireland's defense finished off the first quarter strong with goalie Conor Kelly standing strong between the sticks.

It was the Netherlands who took early control in the second quarter and after another fine save from Kelly they eventually broke through to score. This didn't phase the Irish boys as they used the time out to their advantage. Moments after the break a solo run from Pat Smyth saw Ireland restore their three goal lead. Two more Irish goals came before the half time interval with Conor Foley slaloming his way through the defense to score before Patrick Corbett finished the scoring.

Leaving the score 6-1 at the break.

The third quarter or the moving quarter was all Ireland as they extended their advantage.

Tadhg O Riordan opened his account for the tournament with a lovely finish after a great solo run. With eighth minutes left in the quarter it was the turn of Aidan Dempsey to find the net. The Irish attack led by Conor Foley added three more before the end of the term . Foley assisted Smyth and Luke Maloney as they both found the net. It was then the turn of Maloney to turn provider as Foley completed the scoring giving his side an 11-1 lead.

With the game well and truly over the Netherlands mustered a comeback of sorts firing in five goals in the last quarter. With the final play of the game it was the aforementioned Foley who netted his sides 12th and final goal to ensure victory.

Saturday 10 June 2023

Gaynor Cup Group 3 Round 2

Limerick District 4 (E Loftus 2,14,44 L Hannon 30)

Mayo 3 (G Carroll 10,36 E Coleman 52)

Eoin Horkan

Anyone in attendance at this round 2 game Tuesday morning was treated to a great game of football with the home side coming out on top in a seven goal thriller

It was the home side who broke the deadlock early on with a goal from E Loftus inside the opening minutes. Within 5 minutes the tie was level as G Caroll equalized with an assist from S O' Donell

After this opening ten minutes it was the home side who gained control of the game firing in two more goals through E Loftus and L Hannon just before the interval.

Minutes after the resumption it was that girl Caroll who had buried her second goal of the morning as Mayo pushed forward. It was all Mayo then until a break away goal from the aforementioned Loftus gave the momentum back to Limerick.

As the final whistle drew closer it was the Connacht side who were pressing forward at every opportunity . This pressure resulted in a 3rd goal through E Coleman with 8 minutes left . This was the last goal of the game as Limerick held out to win this thrilling second round match.

Mayo; A Mcgreal, M Curran, A Glavey, S O’Donnell,S Flanagan,G Carroll,C Breslin, L Tiernan, R Gallagher, C O' Donnell, E Coleman.

Limerick District; E Waters, D Galvin, L Cusack, A Sheehy,M Moloney, E Goggin, E Loftus, L Hannon, M McGuane, E Butler, G Geary

Gaynor Cup Mayo vs Carlow Group 3 Round 3

Mayo 2 ( Mulroy 10 R Moynihan 65)

Carlow District. 4 ( Milton 15, 38, Sinnott 61)

Eoin Horkan

The final game of this group was a battle between top and bottom of the table.

It was the westerners who took control of this tie from the start with captain Emily Coleman looking dangerous inside the first few attacks. The deadlock was broken ten minutes in when Coleman fed a great ball through to Grace Mulroy who found the corner of the net.

This goal was well deserved but the lead didn't last long as Carlow sharpshooter Ciara Milton latched onto a through ball to finish neatly into the corner.

Both sides battled for control of this game after the water break. The final chance of the half fell to Mayo C Kearney whose effort narrowly missed the upright . Leaving the sides level at the break

After the interval Carlow started to control the tie with Smith in the middle playing some excellent passes. The mayo rearguard led by A Doherty were standing firm. This was until a corner was swung in which was unfortunately directed into her own net by a Mayo defender.

Carlow kept the pressure on and doubled their lead when Milton broke through again one on one before finishing expertly.

Mayo started to empty the bench and one of these subs Caroll nearly brought them back into the tie but her effort hit the outside of the post.

With the one of the final attacks of the game Carlow ensured victory as Sinnott broke away before finishing into the net.

It was the mayo side who finished the tie stronger as R Moynihan came off the bench to narrow the gap just before the full time whistle.

Mayo: A Mcgreal, A Doherty, M Lavelle, S Flanagan, G Mulroy, C Kearney, A Mitchell, N Barrett, K Corcoran, R Gallagher, E Coleman ( Captain).

Subs; G Caroll , R Moynihan, S O'Donnell

Carlow; C Tynan Bynre, H Kerfah, A Bergin, E Malone, A Gurhy, G Grennan, A Cullen, S Sinnott, E Bolger, A Smith, C Milton

Referee; Michael Meehan

Gaynor Cup Trophy SF Mayo

Gaynor Cup Trophy SF

Thursday

Mayo 4 ( C Kearney 22, 39, G Carroll, 37,E Coleman 72.)

Clare 1 ( A O'Doherty 41)

Eoin Horkan

Mayo produced a fantastic team performance from start to finish on Thursday evening against the Munster side.

It was Mayo who controlled the tie from the outset which led to C Kearney rattling the net after a great pass from Sarah Gallagher. They went in at the break with a well deserved lead.

After the interval it was all Mayo as they fired in three more goals to make sure of the victory. Kearney was the provider this time as she fed Grace Carroll who finished neatly. Within two minutes they had extended the lead as Caroll this time created a chance for Kearney who doubled her tally for the day. Clare managed to grab a goal back through A Doherty.

As the final whistle drew closer and in the final minute of added time Mayo fired in there fourth goal of the day when Sarah O'Donnell found herself in the perfect position after an great Emily Coleman pass.

This result meant Mayo would face Donegal side Inishowen in the final early Friday morning.

Mayo Sarah Gallagher, Niamh Curran, Sophie O’ Donnell, Amy Doherty, Grace Carroll, Ciara Kearney, Ava Mitchell, Clodagh Breslin, Lola Tiernan, Caoimhe O’ Donnell, Emily Coleman.

Subs Aoibhinn McGreal, Amber Glavey, Riona Moynihan, Maggie Lavelle, Sive Flangan, Grace Mulroy, Niah Barrett, Katie Corcoran, Rachel Gallagher .

Clare; R Murphy, A McMahon, N Hogan, K Lee, H Lynch, R Horan,A O Leary, M Treacy, A O'Doherty, K Monahan, C Power.

Subs; E McNamara, O Cusack, S McNamara, A O'Grady, J Deegan Herlihy, M Cusack, M Hassett, A Byrnes, A Adelu.

Referee Denis O'Rourke

Wexford Thursday

Shield SF

Wexford 4

Longford 1

Eoin Horkan

Wexford produced the performance of the day beating Longford to ensure their place in a Gaynor Cup Shield Final.

Right from the outset Wexford had control of this tie as Niamh White burst forward to break the deadlock inside three minutes. Within a minute Katie Tompkins had doubled the lead giving the southeast side the perfect start.

After the first water break White had doubled her tally for the day with a well taken strike. With two minutes left in the half Jodie Rankin extended her side's lead in what was a fantastic first half performance.

After the resumption Wexford had complete control playing the ball around at their ease. They started to empty the bench as the half went on which meant it came slightly disjointed. As the final whistle loomed Longford struck for a late consolation strike from M McGovern

This wasn't enough as the southeast made there way to the final where they would play Roscommon District on Friday

Wexford;Wexford; Eilis Moran Aoibheann Clarke, Lauren Kehoe, Page Gainfort Katie Ryan Ruby Murdiff Kate Tomkins Jolie Rankin Niamh White Lucy McCormack, Emma McEldowney.

Subs Used; Saoirse Flannery, Isabelle Redmond,Kate Hendy, Ciara Redmond Evie Moroney, Ellen Goggin

Referee Eugene Nunan.

Wexford Wednesday

Wednesday

Gaynor Cup Shield QF

Wexford 2

Limerick Desmond 0

Eoin Horkan

Two late goals in the second half was enough to see the southeast side beat one of the hometown teams.

The opening minutes of the half saw Desmonds push forward as Elanor Blake was dangerous on her wing any time she got the ball. After this early control Wexford battled back in gaining control of the tie as the half went . Right on the stroke of halftime Wexford fired in two quick goals. The first coming from striker Katie Tompkins who broke away to finish well, before her winger and partner in crime during the tournament Niamh White doubled the advantage with a well taken effort

The second half a strong defensive display kept the Desmonds as bay as anytime they pushed forward Eilis Moran in the goal along with Lauren Kehoe stood strong. This resolute defending resulted in a two goal win at the end ensuring Wexford would play in a semi final on Thursday.

Wexford; Eilis Moran Aoibheann Clarke, Lauren Kehoe, Katie Ryan Ruby Murdiff Kate Tomkins Jolie Rankin Niamh White Lucy McCormack, Georgia Waugh Emma McEldowney.

Subs Used; Saoirse Flannery, Isabelle Redmond,Kate Hendy, Ciara Redmond Evie Moroney, Ellen Goggin Paige Gainfort

Referee Darragh White

Midlands week Review

Midlands Week.Review

Day 1

Match 1

Midlands 2

Kilkenny 0

The Midlands side opened up their Gaynor Cup tournament with a two goal win over Kilkenny .

From the outset the Midlands controlled the tie, after thirteen minutes they went ahead through Neasa Trainor who finished well.

As the half went on Midlands pushed forward but couldn't add to their tally as Kilkenny stood resolute at the back.

After the break it was much the same as both sides created half chances but couldn't add to the scoreboard. With twelve minutes left Midlands deservedly doubled their lead as Caoilfhinn Brett fired in her opening goal of the tournament.

They held out for a comfortable two goal win in the end.

Day 2 Match 2

Cavan Monaghan 0

Midlands 4

It was a second win in two days for the Midlands as they controlled this tie from start to finish running out four goal winners

In what was a complete first half performance from Aoibheann Slattery all the way up to Leah Concannon for the team in Navy and Blue. They opened their account in the tie through Emma Mooney. The aforementioned Concannon doubled the lead within five minutes. In the final play of the half Neasa Trainor netted her second goal of the tournament.

The second half was all about containment as Cavan Monaghan pushed forward trying to find a way back into the game. Chloe Glynn marshaled her back line well sniffing out any threat from the opposition.

As the game drew to a close up stepped Caoilfhinn Brett to ensure of her sides victory will a well taken goal

Match 3

Midlands 1

Donegal 0

As the result showed this was a tight battle from the outset.

Both sides battled for early momentum around the middle. Neither side managed to create many noteworthy chances as both defenses stood strong. Leaving the score level at the half time whistle.

As the second half went on both sides began to tire meaning chances were becoming more dangerous. It was Midlands who had the best of these opportunities but couldn't convert.

With the final play of the game Emma Mooney burst forward feeding the ball to Sophie Bynre who rattled the back of the net giving her side a last gasp victory.

This meant Midlands finished the group unbeaten without conceding a goal.

Match 4

Gaynor Cup SF

Sligo Leitrim 0

Midlands 1

The day's break on Wednesday clearly did the Midland girls well as they battled their way into the final with a one goal win .

The first half was a tough affair as both sides pushed forward at.any given opportunity. Both goalkeepers were in great form keeping the opposition at bay any time they attempted to break the deadlock.

After the interval the Midlands started to gain a foothold in the tie. This led to Sophie Bynre breaking the deadlock eight minutes into the second half. With a lead to hold onto, Midlands managed to defend expertly to guarantee their place in the cup final on Friday .

Midlands Midlands;Aoibheann Slattery Birr Town, Chloe Glynn St Joseph's, Christina Waldron Belnamulla LFC, Alison Judge Killeigh FC, Roisin Bradley Abbeyleix FC, {c) Erin McHugh Temple Villa FC, Leah Stack, Emma Mooney Killeigh FC, Neasa Trainor Ballinahown FC, Sophie Byrne Willow Park, (vc)Leah Concanno! Ballinahown, Niamh Coughlam Killeigh FC, Caoilfhinn Brett Hudson Bay Celtic FC, Kacey Lee Finnmor Tullamore Town FC, Sophie Padden Temple Villa FC , Ellen Gorman Killeigh FC, Sarah Burke , Ciara Conroy , Lily Mae Conroy All Mountmellick FC.

Kildare District Gaynor Cup Review

Kildare + District Gaynor Cup Review

Day 2

Game 1

Kildare 3

Kerry 1

Kildare got their round 2 fixture's off to a great start with a two goal win against the Munster side.

The opening half of this game both sides found it difficult to break each other down as both defenses snuffed out any chance of a goal threat. With the half time whistle looming Sophie Poole found the back of the net giving the Leinster side the lead.

After the break it was all Kildare as they went on to fire in two more goals.

It was Erin Killian who extended the lead early in the second half. These goals either side of the break kicked Kerry until gear and they pushed forward looking for a way back into the tie. As the full time whistle loomed Kidare broke away on the counter attack as Clodagh Sweeney finished the scoring off. Kerry added a consolation goal in the final play but Kidare held on for a well deserved victory.

Game 2

Round 3

Kildare 2

Roscommon 2

The final game of the group on Tuesday evening turned into a four goal epic with the points shared.

The opening few minutes of this tie both sides had managed to score with effectively their first attack . The Leinster side took the lead when Erin Killian finished neatly into the corner two minutes in. Five minutes later the tie was level when E Daly finished off a flowing move to level the tie. Roscommon began to control the game and had taken the lead five minutes in when A O Toole rattled the back of the net.

With half time approaching Kildrar broke away before Clodagh Sweeney found herself in the right position to level this end to end group game

After the interval the game calmed down as both sides had sussed each other out . They both created half chances but ultimately neither side could take advantage leaving the game level at full time.

This meant Kildare finished 2nd in the groups on goal difference ahead of their opponents.

Day 3 No Game

Day 4

Gaynor Cup Bowl Place Match 1

Game 1

Kildare Dul 2

Limerick District 2

Pens 4_5

A last minutes leveler saw Kildare and Limerick take on the dreaded penalty shoot out Thursday morning

A great first half performance from Kildare led by Sophie Poole and Erin Killian around the middle had them a goal up at half time. The performance deserved more than a one goal lead after Megan Hurley Mullally gave them an early lead. They couldn't grab a second as the home team defended well putting in some last minute blocks and challenges.

The second half the home side had the wind and took advantage of this by taking the lead. The two Limerick goals came from corners as M McGuane volleyed home to level the match . Moments later G Geary gave them the lead.

With the final play of the game uo stepped Erin Killian again for Kildare firing gone sending the match to penalties

Kildare Pen Scorer's ; Clodagh Sweeney,Clodagh Butler, Sophie Poole, Erin Killian (Winning Penalty).

Game 2

Gaynor Cup Bowl Place Match 2

Kildare Dul 1

Kilkenny 1

Pens 8-7

In what was Kildare final game of the tournament it was penalties again as themselves and Kilkenny couldn't be separated in normal time.

Kilkenny flew out of the blocks early in this evening's match when A No Chasaide grabbed the first goal.of the game six minutes in. Just before the first water break Kildare had broken up the field to level the game with Amh Wall. Both sides battled on until the end of the half but neither team could gain a foothold around the middle.

The second half was a much tighter tenser affair as both sides battled for control. As the half went on both sides did have purple matches but couldn't make the pivotal as the game headed towards the final whistle.

This meant Kildare's final game of the week would be decided on penalties.

Kildare Penalty Scorers; Amy Wall, Clodagh Butler, Sarah MacNamee, Sophie Poole, Erin Killian, Grace Walsh, Chloe Donnelly, Jessica Rust (Winning penalty)

Squad; Chloe Donnelly, Sarah MacNamee,Niamh Byrne,Grace Walsh, Sophie Craven, Megan Hurley Mullally, Lilly Daly , Katelyn Magee, Amy Wall, Sarah Dignam, Jessica Flood, Jessic Rust, Katie Hand, Clodagh Butler, Katie Wynne,, Sophie Poole, Erin Killian , Clodagh Sweeney, Emily Geraghty, Sophia Kenna