Dundalk Gaels took to the field on Sunday morning to face off against Dundalk Young Irelands ladies for the fourth time this year. The girls went into the game as slight favourites having won the previous three contests but knew they had to be at their best after the last match was a closely contested affair with the Gaels eventually running out winners with just two points to spare.
Sunday’s fixture started in a similar fashion with both teams settling into the game well. Centre half forward Alanah Kelly scored 1-1 in the first quarter for the visitors to leave the sides level at the first water break. The next quarter proved decisive as the Ramparts side built up a four point lead they wouldn’t relinquish thanks to 1-1 from Grace Quigley and a point a piece from Alanah Kelly and Sarah McAleer left the half time score line 2-04 to 1-03.
This trend continued into the second half with the Gaels maintaining a four point lead for nearly the entire half with goalkeeper Coleen Mulpeter and her defence standing firm as the home side throw everything at them as they tried to get closer. Ruth Burlingham’s energetic display in midfield provided the platform for further points from Alanah Kelly bringing her personal tally to 1-3, Caoimhe Crichton, Sarah McAleer and Hannah Culligan.
At the full time whistle there was joyous scenes as Gaels ran out four point winners on a score line of DYI 1-7 Dundalk Gaels 2-8 to claim a place in the Junior showpiece decider.
