Timahoe power to LGFA Division 4 League title

Timahoe 6-16 

Graiguecullen 2-6 

TIMAHOE were crowned LOETB Ladies Division 4 League champions after an outstanding team performance saw them overcome Graiguecullen by 22 points in a one-sided final at Arles-Killeen on Tuesday evening.

From the opening whistle, Timahoe looked determined to claim silverware and they produced a display full of pace, power and precision to deservedly lift the title. Six goals, a commanding midfield performance and clinical finishing proved too much for a battling Graiguecullen side, who never stopped trying despite finding themselves under enormous pressure throughout.

The victory was built on a superb collective effort, with Frankie Gorman, Niamh Ramsbottom and Keelin Moore leading the charge. Gorman finished with a brilliant hat-trick, Ramsbottom contributed 1-2 and influenced the game throughout, while Moore's energetic display at half-back continually drove Timahoe forward.

Timahoe made a dream start and immediately set about imposing themselves on proceedings. Within ten minutes they had raced into a five-point lead thanks to scores from Sinead Larkin, Frankie Gorman, Niamh Ramsbottom and two points from Keelin Moore. Their movement and work rate caused Graiguecullen problems all over the field and they looked dangerous every time they attacked.

The opening goal arrived after twelve minutes and it was no surprise that the influential Gorman applied the finish. Excellent approach play from Ramsbottom carved open the Graiguecullen defence before Gorman clinically found the net to leave Timahoe firmly in command.

Edel Deegan stretched the advantage further with a well-taken point as Timahoe continued to dominate possession and territory. Graiguecullen eventually settled into the contest and got themselves on the scoreboard through Abbie Phelan and Ava Byrne, whose scores offered some encouragement to the challengers.

However, any hopes of building momentum were quickly halted as Timahoe intensified their grip on the final. Edel Deegan added another point before two goals in quick succession effectively put daylight between the teams.

The second Timahoe goal came through the excellent Frankie Gorman, who once again showed her eye for goal by firing low to the net. Moments later Niamh Ramsbottom produced one of the scores of the evening when her ambitious long-range effort beat the goalkeeper and finished in the back of the net.

Credit to Graiguecullen, they responded positively before the break. Shayna Howe pointed to lift spirits before Alissa Murnane struck for a valuable goal after good attacking play. Abbie Phelan then converted a free to leave the scoreboard reading 3-7 to 1-4 at half-time, but Timahoe still held a comfortable six-point margin.

The opening exchanges of the second half suggested Graiguecullen might fight their way back into contention when Gorman and Phelan traded points. However, Timahoe quickly extinguished any hopes of a comeback with a devastating spell that showcased their attacking quality.

Sarah Deegan struck the fourth goal after her effort looped over the goalkeeper and dropped into the net, giving Timahoe even greater breathing space. Shortly afterwards, substitute Aoibhinn Burke made an immediate impact. Having only been introduced a minute earlier, she found the back of the net to register Timahoe's fifth goal and put the outcome beyond any doubt.

Timahoe continued to attack at every opportunity. Sinead Larkin and Niamh Ramsbottom both added points before the outstanding Frankie Gorman completed her hat-trick. The Timahoe forward pounced on another scoring opportunity to finish confidently and cap a memorable individual performance.

Rachel Kelly also got her name on the scoresheet as Timahoe's dominance continued. Graiguecullen did manage a second goal through substitute Evie Stynes, who finished well with ten minutes remaining, but it proved only a temporary interruption to the Timahoe scoring spree.

The champions finished the game in emphatic fashion. Sarah Deegan started a sequence of five unanswered points before Rachel Kelly added two excellent scores. Sinead Larkin and Aoife McKittrick also found the target as Timahoe closed out the contest in style.

Hanna Kerfah registered the final score of the evening for Graiguecullen, but there was never any doubt about the destination of the trophy as Timahoe celebrated a thoroughly deserved success after one of their most complete displays of the season.

Their defence was solid throughout, their midfield controlled possession and their forwards punished every opportunity that came their way. It was a performance worthy of champions and one that underlined the progress being made within the Timahoe panel.

Scorers Timahoe: Frankie Gorman 3-2, Niamh Ramsbottom 1-2, Sarah Deegan 1-1, Aoibhinn Burke 1-0, Sinead Larkin 0-3, Rachel Kelly 0-3, Keelin Moore 0-2, Edel Deegan 0-2, Aoife McKittrick 0-1 (free).

Graiguecullen: Abbie Phelan 0-3 (0-2 frees), Alissa Murnane 1-0, Evie Stynes 1-0, Ava Byrne 0-1, Hanna Kerfah 0-1, Shayna Howe 0-1.

Timahoe Georgie Gorman; Orlaith McNamara, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Lilly Bennett; Grainne Buggy, Keelin Moore, Grainne Ramsbottom; Aoife McKittrick, Sarah Deegan; Ruby Guinan, Sinead Larkin, Niamh Ramsbottom; Edel Deegan, Frankie Gorman, Rachel Kelly.

Subs: Aoibhinn Burke for Grainne Buggy (40), Lucy Scully for Grainne Ramsbottom (40), Pippa Casey for Edel Deegan (46).

Graiguecullen Sophie Shaw; Carley Corcoran, Chiara Corcoran, Hannah Matthews; Kayla McCartney, Sarah Doogue, Holly Brennan; Shayna Howe, Chloe O'Rourke; Abbie Phelan, Sarah Breslin, Hanna Kerfah; Alissa Murnane, Ava Byrne, Nicole Osbourne.

Subs: Kiyah Mahony for Brennan (14), Evie Stynes for Byrne (half-time), Lesley Fennelly for Breslin (50).

Referee: Padraig Whelan (Barrowhouse).