Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields under-16 girls team who completed the league and championship double by virtue of their last gasp, dramatic victory over a gallant Burrishoole side in the division 3 league final played at Fr O`Hara Park, Charlestown recently.
This was a game full of drama and incident with the Sarsfields snatching victory from the jaws of defeat as they looked doomed to defeat with seconds remaining on the clock.
The game never had a dull moment with the final scoreline reading 3-15 to 5-8 in the Sarsfields favour which indicates the topsy turvy nature of a match that had everything one could wish for in terms of excitement and goalmouth incident.
The Sarsfields recovered after a tardy start to lead 1-7 to 1-2 as the game ticked towards half-time. Amy Mahon was the Sarsfields goalscorer as she cut her way through the West Mayo side`s defensive wall to blast the ball low and hard to the net to give the Sarsfields just the tonic before the interval.
Burrishoole roared back however and scored a terrific goal right on the blow of half-time to haul themselves back into the game as they trailed by just two with the Sarsfields holding a slender enough 1-7 to 2-2 lead at the first whistle.
The second half was a proverbial thriller as scores rained down consistently with both sides enjoying periods of control and dominance. The Sarsfields scored a goal courtesy of Leah O`Grady and hit some fine points from a myriad of distances and looked to be coasting to victory midway through the second half when they were well in control. Burrishoole, however , had a great ability to score goals at crticial times in the game and this kept them in contention at all times with the Sarsfields unable to deliver the sucker punch so to speak.
It was Burrishoole who came on strong in the closing stages as they hit two goals in the final ten minutes to hit the front as they led by two points with the time almost up. The Sarsfields goose looked to be cooked but they summoned up one final attack which resulted in Megan Meehan playing in Amy Mahon who was just in the act of shooting when she was fouled.
The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot with Amy Mahon the nominated penalty taker for the Sarsfieds. She was the epitome of coolness and composure as she stepped forward and buried the ball low and hard into the bottom corner of the net to ignite wild and hysterical celebrations in the Sarsfields camp as the final whistle sounded immediately after. What a way to win a match and credit to Amy who handled the pressure admirably as she hit the kick with total conviction to seal a sensational victory for the green and white.
Another great day for this courageous, battle hardened group of players who have brought such glory and pride to a club that continues to hit the high notes at girls underage football in the county.
Erica O`Connor was a proud captain as she hoisted the cup high into the cold evening air which set in train an evening of great celebrations in the town and community at large.
Immense credit goes to the management team of Geraldine McDonnell, Kevin James Durkin, Rosaleen Durcan and Sinead Halligan on a job well done as they kept the girls focused on the job at hand and got the best out of a very willing and honest group of players. The team and panel which did the club proud on another stellar day for the club and its members was as follows : Zoe McDonnell, Carla Gavaghan, Mary Kate Casey, Megan Meehan, Rachel Hopkins, Kate O`Donoghue, Megan McDonnell, Katie Gavin, Laoise Harkin, Ella Durkin, Erica O`Connor (capt), Amy Mahon, Jessica Casey, Leah O`Grady , Sarah McEntire, Maoliosa Durcan, Kevina Walsh, LauraO`Toole, Leah McDonnell, Zoe Buckley, Katie Connor, Caitlin Kelly