Dundalk IT lose to MTU Cork in Lynch Cup

DKIT lost out in the opening round of their Lynch Cup campaign to last year’s finalists MTU Cork, in a repeat of last year’s semi final between the two sides.

On reflection, DKIT will rue only amassing 0-1 from 10 first half shots, while their opponents, rattled off 1-5 in that opening period, leaving the Dundalk side with a mountain to climb at the break.

In the turnover, MTU Cork were quick to move the ball into the inside line, on a night when referee Kevin Phelan was keen to let play continue, allowing for a physical encounter between two sides who have developed quite a rivalry in recent times.

Immediately, DKIT were on the back foot, when a left footed strike from Shannen Morrissey on the swivel following a neat passing move through the hands, flew through a gap between DKIT’s crossbar and a broken part of the net, for the Rebel county’s opening major.

MTU Cork caused DKIT problems when they moved the ball at pace. Katie O’Driscoll who played such a key role in their run to the final of this competition last year, landed a point moments later, which was quickly followed by efforts by Ann Looney (f) and Maeve Daly, as they opened up a 1-3 to no score lead by the end of the first quarter.

DKIT who had to weather this storm, still came out fighting, creating presentable chances of their own, in a game where they finished with 11 wides, having had the same number of shots as their opponents over the hour.

Players like Holly Lambe Sally and Caoimhe Dooley epitomised those fighting qualities in abundance, coming out with a myriad of turnovers to their credit.

However, their profligacy was punished by MTU Cork, with the outstanding Katie O’Driscoll firing over two further scores for her side, who led by eight points, approaching the break.

DKIT did manage to get off the mark when a neat turnover from the hardworking Megan Benson, saw a Kate Lennon pass find the dangerous Rachel Casserly, who fired over the bar from open play, a score which her own efforts deserved.

Second Half:

DKIT needed a strong start to the second half, as they went for broke, in a bid to get back into the game. Abi Keenan (f) traded scores with Aoife Cummins of MTU Cork, who were keeping DKIT at arm’s length at 1-6 to 0-2 after 35 minutes.

However, DKIT asked a serious question of their opponents, who started to punish their opponents on the turnover.

Half time sub Aisling Maguire enjoyed a lively cameo following her introduction, and a turnover from the St Kevins’ club player, saw Rachel Casserly beat her mark for pace on the right wing, before crashing the ball to the back of the net to leave four between the sides.

Following clever work by Abi Keenan, Aisling Maguire calmly slotted over the bar to leave three between the sides at 1-6 to 1-3, six minutes after the restart.

However, MTU Cork came back fighting, with Katie O’Driscoll once again at the forefront.

Points from Kayleigh McGlashin, and Katie O’Driscoll stretched out MTU Cork’s lead to five, before a clever O’Driscoll pass set up the Cliona McTaggart, who fired passed DKIT keeper Rebecca Lambe Fagan to give them a 2-8 to 1-3 lead by the end of the third quarter.

Despite facing this mountain, and growing frustrated with passes in the final going astray, DKIT once again fought back, with Holly Lambe Sally, Caoimhe Dooley continuing to carry the fight from defence, while Megan Benson, Caitlin O’Reilly, and Gemma Grimes supported the lively Rachel Casserly Ciara Lennon and Aisling Maguire inside.

Moments after MTU’s second goal, Rachel Casserly almost ripped another hole in the netting, when her shot flew passed keeper Molly Murphy, to close the gap to five, following a neat move involving Lucy Sheridan and Megan Benson.

Katie O’Driscoll traded frees with Abi Keenan to leave six between the sides after 52 minutes.

DKIT continued to battle and fight. Aisling Maguire set up Gemma Grimes for a fine score, as DKIT pressed up on their opponents.

Despite another fine strike from Rachel Casserly following neat set up play by Megan Benson, DKIT just came up short, as Ann Looney sealed a four point victory for MTU Cork on the opening night of the Lynch Cup, leaving DKIT with a must win home tie on February 18.

Dundalk IT: Rebecca Lambe Fagan; Caoimhe Dooley, Holly Lambe Sally, Tara Reneghan; Kate Lennon, Caitlin O’Reilly, Megan Benson; Vanessa Brennan, Ciara Gilsenan; Lucy Sheridan, Abi Keenan (0-2) (2f), Sophie Grey; Gemma Grimes (0-1), Rachel Casserly (2-2), Ciara Lennon.

Subs: Aisling Maguire (0-1) for Grey (HT), Sophie Grey for Sheridan (55).

MTU Cork: Molly Murphy; Siobhan Callanan, Molly Bourke, Margaret Collins; Chloe Brosnan, Rachel Evans, Ellen Moore; Aoife Cummins (0-1), Katie O’Driscoll (0-5) (4f); Shannen Morrissey (1-0), Kayleigh McGlashin (0-1), Leah Quane; Ruth Shanley, Ann Looney (0-2) (1f), Mave Daly (0-1).

Subs: Cliona McTaggart (1-0) for Quane (HT), Izzy Maher for Morrissey (47), Muireann Fitzpatrick for Daly (58).

Referee: Kevin Phelan (Co Galway).