Lankill joy as Jennifer turns on the style
The girls of Lankill NS who got the better of Lisaniska NS. Picture: Michael Donnelly
Lankill National School produced a powerful performance to capture the Division 4 title, overcoming a determined Lisaniska team in a high-scoring and entertaining final. The game was lit up by the outstanding Jennifer McGuire, who finished with an incredible 4-3 to her name, but this was very much a team effort from the West Mayo Mini 7s champions.
The match started at a frantic pace, with both teams finding the net in the opening minute. Kayla Brogan struck first for Lisaniska, but McGuire quickly responded with a well-taken goal for Lankill. Shona Gibbons added a point as the West Mayo side began to find their rhythm, moving the ball seamlessly from defence to attack. McGuire hit her second goal just six minutes in, followed by points from Aine Hughes and Karla Gibbons.
Lisaniska continued to press, with Katelyn Moore and Anna Holmes showing great determination. Holmes raised a white flag with a fine point in the eighth minute. However, Lankill maintained control. McGuire completed her hat-trick after excellent team build-up, while Aine Hughes and Karla Gibbons added further points to give Lankill a 3-5 to 1-1 lead at the break.
Lisaniska came out strong in the second-half. Kayla Brogan netted again after a superb pass from Holmes. But Lankill responded with points from McGuire, two, and Karla Gibbons to steady the ship. Lisaniska battled back through points from Aoibhinn Hopkins and another Brogan goal, again assisted by the influential Anna Holmes, who also added a point as she took control in midfield.
McGuire wasn’t finished yet, slotting home her fourth goal into the bottom corner. The teams traded scores late on through Aoibhinn Hopkins, a free, and McGuire with another point, before Karla Gibbons got the goal her performance deserved. A late goal from Holmes was a consolation for Lisaniska before Karla Gibbons rounded off the scoring with one final point to bring the title West.
