n the first match of the year this League match was a close battle from start to finish, with only a kick of the ball separating the neighbouring teams of Clooney Quin and Doora/Barefield.
It was a perfect day with no wind and dry conditions although cold. Doora/Barefield started well with two points, but Clooney came into the match at this stage and scored six unanswered points from six different players(Emma Deegan, Marie Begley, Mary Clune, Aisling Corbett, Michelle Meere, Jessica O’Neill). Both teams had their share of wides, with lack of match practice evident. At half time the score was Clooney/Quin 0-6; Doora/Barefield 0-2. Clooney opened the second half with a point from Michelle Meere, this made it 5 points between the teams but following some attacks from Doora/Barefield this was reduced to a 1 point deficit. In this period Doora/Barefield scored a point and after a hard tackle a penalty were awarded and converted. Clooney 0-8; Doora/Barefield 1-3. Clooney followed with two points from Emma Deegan, before Doora/Barefield scored their last point of the game, followed by Clooney’s final score of the day.
Final score: Clooney/Quin 0-10; Doora/Barefield 1-4. Clooney’s backs were superb and were called on time and time again to defend against the fast paced skilled forwards of Doora/Barefield. Sheelagh Daffy in goals while could do little against the penalty, made two great saves which but for her intervention were sure scores. Clooney’s forwards worked well with mid-fielders Jennifer O’Neill and Aisling Corbett. Next outing for Clooney is against Doonbeg in 3 weeks while Doora/Barefield play Kilrush in two weeks.