Limerick FC Ladies travelled to Nenagh to take on Tipperary Ladies League in the first round of the FAI Umbro Women’s Senior Challenge Cup on Sunday last.
The LWSSL season has only just commenced and preparation for Limerick FC Ladies is only going for a few weeks so this was their first competitive game of the season. Limerick were playing into a strong breeze blowing straight down the pitch. They started the game positively and dominated for the first ten to fifteen minutes. The first shot on target came following a good move down the right starting with Nicole Cronin playing the ball down the right to Laura Hughes whose cross found Danielle Sheehy on the left of the Nenagh box. Danielle laid the ball back to the in rushing Deirdre O’Doherty whose shot from just outside the box was well saved by the Nenagh Keeper.
After this the Tipperary Ladies came more into the game but the Limerick defence was being well marshalled by Aine Ni Cormack and supported by Nicole Cronin, Marie Leahy, and Lorna O’Connell. Despite coming under pressure from the Tipperary Ladies, Limerick were still dangerous on the break and were creating the better opportunities. Marie Curtin was holding the ball up well and linking well with Kiara Hannon upfront.

Clodagh Dunworth and Deirdre O’Doherty were working hard in the centre midfield with Laura Hughes and Danielle Sheehy supporting them on both wings. Whilst the Tipperary Ladies had good possession midway through the first half the best they could do was to win the odd corner or have the occasional shot from distance. This was meat and drink to Limerick Keeper Michelle Fahy who marshalled her box well and confidently handled all shots and crosses on the day giving the Limerick defence total confidence. As the first half wore on Limerick started to control the game again and on the stroke of half time got their rewards. Following a Nenagh attack the ball was cleared to Clodagh Dunworth in centre mid field who found Kiara Hannon who played a decisive ball in past the Tipp defence for Marie Curtin to run in and shoot home from about ten metres out just to the right of the goal – a good time to score but a terrible time to concede.
Tipperary kicked off but for the final whistle to be blown for completion of the first half. 1-0 to Limerick FC at half time.

Limerick came out for the second half and immediately got down to business pressurising the Tipperary defence. Three minutes into the second good play down the left with Lorna O’Connell finding Deidre O’Doherty who played the ball down the left to Danielle Sheehy. Danielle crossed the ball low into the box to Kiara Hannon whose first touch was perfect to beat the defender and go on to score Limerick’s second goal of the game.
This was the start to the second half Limerick wanted and gave the team the cushion of a 2 goal lead which allowed the confidence to grow. Limerick were now playing some exhibition football throughout the team with many good passing moves starting from the back and working all the way up to the front line. After fifteen minutes the Limerick management of Donal Magee, Grainne Cross and Linda Treacy made their first change Leanne Boyle coming on for Laura Hughes on the right wing. Limerick were now totally dominant and added to their tally when Marie Curtin finished off a move down the middle to give Limerick 3  nil lead.
Ciara Barrett replaced Danielle Sheehy on the left wind and had an instant impact. Laura O’Connell played the ball to Deirdre O’Doherty in mid field who in turn played the ball behind the Tipperary defence for Ciara to use her speed and run on and hit a fine shot into the top corner of the net from just inside the box. 4-0 to Limerick.

The final change for Limerick saw Alma Conroy come on for Deirdre O’Doherty. Alma Conroy slotted in well and worked tirelessly pressurising the Tipperary defence resulting in a loose ball breaking for Clodagh Dunworth to hit a first time shot from just outside the box giving the Tipperary keeper no chance. The final score 5-0 to Limerick.

This was a good performance by the Limerick ladies with plenty of good passing moves and confidence growing as the game progresses. The solid defence kept a clean sheet to the delight of the Limerick management team as this is not a club side with a team made up of the best players from several clubs in the Limerick Women’s’ and Schoolgirl’s Soccer League (LWSSL) and is vitally important that all players commit to regular training sessions with the panel so that the Manager and Coach can build the platform for future games. The potential is there and the management are confident that Limerick can look forward with confidence to the quarter finals on the 29^th of May. Here is to a favourable draw for the Limerick ladies.

Subs:-Sheila McAteer, Ciara Barrett, Alma Conroy, Leanne Boyle, Emily Clery, Clare Neil, Catherine Cronin, Jessica O’Donnell, Shona Ryan.