CLARE got their Division 2 Lidl National Ladies Football League underway at Clarecastle on Sunday afternoon, earning a share of the spoils in their meeting with Donegal.
Clare 1-4
Donegal 0-7
Venue: Clarecastle
Originally scheduled for Shanahan McNamara Park in Doonbeg, a decision was made on Friday to switch the fixture to the Clarecastle astro pitch due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Difficult conditions dominated the game on Sunday, with players having to contend with rain and wind, which led to a low-scoring contest.
The visitors had marginally the better of the first-half exchanges, helping them to a three-point lead at the interval with a scoreline of 0-5 to 0-2.
Ailish Considine got through for the only goal of the game, edging Clare in front in the second half. Points came from Fidelma Marrinan and Chloe Moloney. Indeed, it looked like this score would help Clare to victory as they led by the minimum with the game in injury time.
Four minutes of added time had been played when the Northern side struck for the equalizer.
“Of course, I am disappointed not to have come away with the points, but I am happy that we secured a draw. Donegal are a senior side,” commented Clare manager Graham Shine. “Conditions were difficult for the players, with a tricky crossfield wind and rain making life difficult.”
Clare will be on the road this weekend, traveling to play Roscommon in what will be a repeat of last year’s Division 3 league final, which Clare won. They will also be on the road on Sunday week when they go to play Westmeath.
“None of these will be easy as all teams in Division 2 are strong and well-matched,” according to the Kerryman, who was part of the backroom team last year before stepping up to the manager’s position this year.
Clare Team Lineup:
Aoife Griffin (Fergus Rovers); Lucy Power (Doora-Barefield), Grainne Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Rebecca Doohan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane); Louise Griffin (Fergus Rovers), Joanna Doohan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Shauna Melican (Fergus Rovers); Caoimhe Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Roisin Martyn (Banner); Roisin Considine (Liscannor), Megan Dowes (Cooraclare), Aine Keane (Miltown); Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels), Ailish Considine (Kilmihil), Chloe Moloney (Kilmurry-Ibrickane).
Emer Burke (Banner), Edel McNamara (Kilmihil), Hannah Doyle (Doora/Barefield), Ellie Hanrahan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane).
