Sliabh Rua Girls No Longer the Bridesmaids

(JJ Hurley)

Sliabh Rua banished the bridesmaid tag on Sunday, overcoming recent league and championship final heartbreak to claim the SE System Intermediate County Title with a dramatic victory over Newtownshandrum.

Played in atrocious conditions at Castle Road, both sides deserve huge credit for serving up an exciting contest that kept a large crowd on the edge of their seats right to the final whistle.

While the tension proved almost unbearable for spectators, Emma McSweeney remained ice-cool when it mattered most, slotting home a crucial penalty on 58 minutes to turn the game in Sliabh Rua’s favour.

With just two points separating the sides, Rua outscored their opponents by three points to two in the closing stages to seal a famous victory.

From the outset, it was tit for tat. Newtownshandrum opened the scoring before two points, including a 45 from player of the match McSweeney, settled Sliabh Rua’s nerves.

A brace from the North Cork side put them back in front before Niamh Nash struck an important equaliser on 20 minutes.

With five minutes remaining in the half, the sides were level at 0-4 apiece after Katie Redmond got her name on the scoresheet. McSweeney then registered her third point of the half to ensure the teams went in level at the break.

With the rain showing no sign of easing, Sliabh Rua had the advantage of playing towards the scoring goal in the second half.

The sides were level again on 38 minutes as the contest continued to ebb and flow.

Sliabh Rua had goalkeeper Kayleigh Murphy to thank shortly afterwards, as she produced the first of two outstanding second-half saves to keep her side in the contest.

Three unanswered scores from Newtownshandrum put them three points clear with 13 minutes remaining, leaving Sliabh Rua facing another difficult finish.

However, the introduction of Abbey O’Brien proved crucial. Her physical presence unsettled the previously resolute Newtownshandrum defence and helped swing momentum back in Rua’s favour.

Two scores followed, including a superb effort from Jillian O’Leary, who showed all her experience to land a vital point and reduce the deficit to one with less than ten minutes remaining.

Newtownshandrum restored their two-point advantage shortly afterwards, but McSweeney had other ideas about where the county cup was heading.

A point followed by a goal from the penalty spot on 58 minutes dramatically changed the complexion of the contest, putting Sliabh Rua in the driving seat.

From there, despite six minutes of additional time, Rua did enough to see out the victory.

Further scores from McSweeney and Hannah Deasy helped seal a memorable day in the club’s history and finally put the bridesmaid tag to rest.

Scorers for Sliabh Rua: E. McSweeney 1-8 (1-0 pen, 0-6 frees, 0-1 45); K. Redmond, H. Deasy, N. Nash and J. O’Leary (0-1 each).

Sliabh Rua: K. Murphy; O. Cummins, A. Sheehan, A. Coleman; A. Halpin, C. Bernard, C. O’Donnell; C. O’Mahony, L. Kelleher; C. Horgan, H. Deasy, K. Redmond; N. Nash, J. O’Leary (capt.), E. McSweeney.

Subs: A. O’Brien for C. Horgan (47').