Drom & Inch survive stern test from Moneygall to win championship opener in The Ragg

FBD Insurance Senior Championship - Group 1 - Round 1

Drom-Inch 3-5

Moneygall 1-5

Drom & Inch opened their FBD Insurance Senior Championship campaign with a hard-earned victory over Moneygall, prevailing by six points in what was a low-scoring but fiercely competitive encounter. 

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For Moneygall, it marked their long-awaited return to senior ranks after last year’s Intermediate success, and they pushed Drom & Inch all the way in a contest that was defined by tenacious tackling, tight marking, and no shortage of physical exchanges.

Niamh Treacy opened the scoring with an early point inside the first minute, but Drom found scores hard to come by until Marion Campion pointed after 14 minutes. Treacy and Campion added further points to give Drom a four-point lead after 17 minutes. 

However, Moneygall responded strongly. Bronagh Kenneally pointed before Mairead Teehan rattled the net before adding a point from play, leaving the sides finely balanced approaching half-time.

Just before the break, Drom were awarded a penalty when Niamh Treacy was fouled going through on goal. Goalkeeper Caoimhe Bourke stepped forward to take it and, despite Eimear Ryan’s best efforts, she buried the shot to hand Drom a 1-5 to 1-3 advantage at the interval.

The second half continued in the same combative vein, with scoring chances rare. Caithlyn Treacy pointed a free before Mary Burke’s effort from distance found its way to the net, giving Drom a 2-5 to 1-4 cushion after 43 minutes. 

Moneygall replied with a free from Mairead Teehan to put just three between the sides once again. The game was, however, sealed when Niamh Long, who had been lively throughout, burst through and was brought down in the square. 

Again, Caoimhe Bourke stepped up, and this time Eimear Ryan had no chance in the goal as the umpires reached for the green flag. The goal ensured Drom & Inch ran out 3-5 to 1-5 winners in what was a tough, physical contest rather than a free-flowing spectacle.

Moneygall can take a lot of positives from the performance – the defence, well marshalled by the strong and composed Caitlin Tracey and the tenacious corner-back Julie Kelly, stood firm, limiting Drom to just two scores in the second half. While up front, Mairead Teehan was a constant danger. 

For Drom & Inch, Mary Burke and Tara Hoare worked tirelessly at midfield, with Niamh Treacy dangerous throughout the first half, while Nimah Long also impressed.  

Drom & Inch: Caoimhe Bourke (2-0 pens); Maria Connolly, Christina Brennan, Eimear Cahill; Aoife McGrath, Mairead Eviston, Aine Greed; Mary Burke (1-0), Tara Hoare; Niamh Treacy (0-3), Maureen Ryan, Caroline Shanahan; Niamh Long, Miriam Campion (0-2, 0-1f), Laurie Mullen. 

Moneygall: Eimear Ryan; Julie Kelly, Stephanie Kenny, Alice Maher; Mary Teehan, Caithlyn Treacy (0-1f), Maria Maher; Edwina King, Mary Ryan; Mairead Teehan (1-3, 0-2f),  Ciara Maher, Bronagh Kenneally (0-1); Orlaith Treacy, Orlaith Cleary, Emma Costello. 

Subs used:  Katie Hayes, Katelyn Deane.

Referee: TP O’Sullivan (Nenagh Éire Óg)

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