Spa Senior Ladies were crowned Kerry Credit Unions Donal Curtin Cup Division 2 Champions on Monday evening after edging out a determined Laune Rangers side by the finest of margins, 1-14 to 1-13, in a thrilling final played before a large and vocal crowd in Spa.
Played in glorious sunshine but in challenging conditions due to the heat, both teams produced an entertaining contest that kept supporters on the edge of their seats right to the final whistle. The occasion was a wonderful advertisement for Ladies Football, with a fantastic atmosphere created by the large attendance from both clubs.
Spa nearly made the perfect start with their opening attack when Ciara O'Sullivan broke through on goal, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Laune Rangers goalkeeper Sarah O'Connor. It was Rangers who struck first, registering two well-taken points inside the opening two minutes to seize the early initiative.
Mairead Bennett opened Spa's account, but Laune Rangers continued to make the most of their opportunities during the opening twenty minutes while Spa produced plenty of promising attacking play without always getting the reward it deserved. Scores from Liadh Tobin, Saoirse Kelly and a second point from Bennett ensured Spa remained firmly in touch.
The game's first goal then swung the momentum in Spa's favour when Saoirse Kelly’s shot looped high over the Rangers goalkeeper and into the net, giving Spa the lead for the first time. However, Laune Rangers responded impressively with two late points to leave the sides level at the interval.
The second half resumed with Rangers adding two points, while Spa replied with one of their own before one of the defining moments of the contest. Laune Rangers were awarded a penalty, but Spa goalkeeper Alma Cronin came to her side's rescue with a magnificent save, standing tall and getting fingertips to the effort to divert it over the crossbar. It proved to be a huge turning point and ultimately saved two priceless points.
The teams continued to exchange scores before Spa produced their strongest spell of the evening. Trailing by a single point, Spa found another gear and reeled off six unanswered points from five different scorers in a superb display of teamwork and determination. Liadh Tobin struck twice, while Mairead Bennett, Sarah Fleming, Saoirse Kelly and the tireless Ciara O'Sullivan all added their names to the scoresheet as Spa opened up a five-point advantage.
There was still one final twist to come. Spa were reduced to fourteen players following a yellow card, and Laune Rangers refused to surrender. A well-worked goal followed by another point quickly reduced the deficit to the minimum, setting up a dramatic finish.
With the large crowd watching anxiously, Rangers threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. However, Spa's defence stood tall when it mattered most, throwing their bodies on the line and producing some outstanding defending to preserve their slender advantage until the final whistle sparked scenes of celebration among the players and supporters.
Following the match, Liadh Tobin was deservedly named Player of the Match after an exceptional all-round display that yielded five points alongside an incredible work rate throughout the sixty minutes.
Captain Saoirse Kelly was then presented with the Donal Curtin Cup and, in her acceptance speech, paid tribute to Laune Rangers for a tremendous contest while also thanking the match officials, the large Spa support, her teammates and the management team.
It was a memorable evening for Spa and for Ladies Football, with so many young supporters in attendance to witness a wonderful occasion and hopefully inspire the next generation. Every Spa player made a valuable contribution, with outstanding performances across the field and substitutes making a real impact when introduced.
Attention now turns to the Championship, with fixture details to be confirmed in due course.
The Spa panel for the final was Alma Cronin, Aisling Mahony, Gina Crowley, Isabel Waters, Alana Collins, Edel Slattery, Sinead White, Vanessa Dineen, Mairead Bennett, Meghann Cronin, Mags Cronin, Liadh Tobin, Sarah Fleming, Saoirse Kelly, Ava Brosnan, Olivia Cremin, Katie Cronin, Katie O'Brien, Caoimhe O'Neill, Maeve Fitzmartin, Niamh Daly, Ciara Lawlor and Ciara O'Sullivan.
The Spa management team comprised Mike Brosnan (Manager), Cassandra Buckley, Aidan Fleming, Emma Cronin, Aoife Cronin and Caitriona O'Carroll.
You can see the photos from the match on our Facebook page HERE, and the Trophy Presentation HERE..
Played in glorious sunshine but in challenging conditions due to the heat, both teams produced an entertaining contest that kept supporters on the edge of their seats right to the final whistle. The occasion was a wonderful advertisement for Ladies Football, with a fantastic atmosphere created by the large attendance from both clubs.
Spa nearly made the perfect start with their opening attack when Ciara O'Sullivan broke through on goal, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Laune Rangers goalkeeper Sarah O'Connor. It was Rangers who struck first, registering two well-taken points inside the opening two minutes to seize the early initiative.
Mairead Bennett opened Spa's account, but Laune Rangers continued to make the most of their opportunities during the opening twenty minutes while Spa produced plenty of promising attacking play without always getting the reward it deserved. Scores from Liadh Tobin, Saoirse Kelly and a second point from Bennett ensured Spa remained firmly in touch.
The game's first goal then swung the momentum in Spa's favour when Saoirse Kelly’s shot looped high over the Rangers goalkeeper and into the net, giving Spa the lead for the first time. However, Laune Rangers responded impressively with two late points to leave the sides level at the interval.
The second half resumed with Rangers adding two points, while Spa replied with one of their own before one of the defining moments of the contest. Laune Rangers were awarded a penalty, but Spa goalkeeper Alma Cronin came to her side's rescue with a magnificent save, standing tall and getting fingertips to the effort to divert it over the crossbar. It proved to be a huge turning point and ultimately saved two priceless points.
The teams continued to exchange scores before Spa produced their strongest spell of the evening. Trailing by a single point, Spa found another gear and reeled off six unanswered points from five different scorers in a superb display of teamwork and determination. Liadh Tobin struck twice, while Mairead Bennett, Sarah Fleming, Saoirse Kelly and the tireless Ciara O'Sullivan all added their names to the scoresheet as Spa opened up a five-point advantage.
There was still one final twist to come. Spa were reduced to fourteen players following a yellow card, and Laune Rangers refused to surrender. A well-worked goal followed by another point quickly reduced the deficit to the minimum, setting up a dramatic finish.
With the large crowd watching anxiously, Rangers threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. However, Spa's defence stood tall when it mattered most, throwing their bodies on the line and producing some outstanding defending to preserve their slender advantage until the final whistle sparked scenes of celebration among the players and supporters.
Following the match, Liadh Tobin was deservedly named Player of the Match after an exceptional all-round display that yielded five points alongside an incredible work rate throughout the sixty minutes.
Captain Saoirse Kelly was then presented with the Donal Curtin Cup and, in her acceptance speech, paid tribute to Laune Rangers for a tremendous contest while also thanking the match officials, the large Spa support, her teammates and the management team.
It was a memorable evening for Spa and for Ladies Football, with so many young supporters in attendance to witness a wonderful occasion and hopefully inspire the next generation. Every Spa player made a valuable contribution, with outstanding performances across the field and substitutes making a real impact when introduced.
Attention now turns to the Championship, with fixture details to be confirmed in due course.
The Spa panel for the final was Alma Cronin, Aisling Mahony, Gina Crowley, Isabel Waters, Alana Collins, Edel Slattery, Sinead White, Vanessa Dineen, Mairead Bennett, Meghann Cronin, Mags Cronin, Liadh Tobin, Sarah Fleming, Saoirse Kelly, Ava Brosnan, Olivia Cremin, Katie Cronin, Katie O'Brien, Caoimhe O'Neill, Maeve Fitzmartin, Niamh Daly, Ciara Lawlor and Ciara O'Sullivan.
The Spa management team comprised Mike Brosnan (Manager), Cassandra Buckley, Aidan Fleming, Emma Cronin, Aoife Cronin and Caitriona O'Carroll.
You can see the photos from the match on our Facebook page HERE, and the Trophy Presentation HERE..
