Aisling Annacotty's senior women's team overcame a valiant Limerick FC team in an enthralling Munster Womens Senior Cup semi-final contest at Hogan Park. The match was played in ideal conditions before a sizeable appreciative attendance. Aisling in their first season as a senior team went into the match as favourites but Cup competitions are notorious for surprises and shocks. Limerick FC were hoping to build on their excellent Quarter final result when they defeated Ballincollig.
Aisling got off to a great start when on their first attack, Alma Conroy squeezed in between goalkeeper and centre-half to head a spectacular opener. Both teams settled with Aisling playing an expansive high tempo passing game and Limerick FC defending in a composed organised manner. Unfortunately for Limerick FC, on the half hour after strong Aisling pressure, a defensive mix-up in the goal mouth resulted in an unfortunate own goal. Nevertheless Aisling were not allowed dictate the game and Limerick FC with Joan Ryan outstanding gradually regained mid fireld possession.
An extraordinary sequence of play just after half time gave Limerick FC a great opportunity to redress the difference. With Limerick FC threatening initially through a forceful Ellen Butler run and with the referree playing advantage, Sheila McAteer went one on one with the Aisling keeper, Deirdre Cremin who reflexly interupted the attackers march on goal. The referree had no option but show the red card to the unfortunate Aisling keeper. Aisling sacrificed attacker Catherine Cronin to allow versatile substitute Linda Treacy to take up goal keeping duties, However Jenni Lyttle coolly converted the spot kick and it looked like the momentum would swing in favour of Limerick FC. For the next 10 minutes the game was very much in the balance with Aisling initally struggling to adjust.
However at this stage, Aisling midfielder Niamh Mulcahy put in the proverbial "player of the match" performance. In a mesmerising passing interchange with Alma Conroy, she hammered home the third goal against the run of play. Aisling introduced 2 substitutes Rachel Stack and Kyla Maxwell to relieve the hard working 10 player Aisling team. Five minutes from the end Niamh Mulcahy wrapped up proceedings with a 30 yard rasping drive to the roof of the net.
Best for Limerick FC on the day were goalkeeper Natalie Walsh, Ann-Marie Leahy and Sinead Leahy in defence, Jenni Lyttle and Joan Ryan in midfield and Sheila Mc Ateer always threatened up front. For Aisling Annacotty, Jessie ODonnell raided up and down the right wing with boundless energy, Sarah Stack battled tirelessly in midfield complementing Naimh Mulcahy`s performance and Lorna OConnell always threatened from left wing.
The match overall was a credit to Limerick Ladies football with prolonged periods of skilful play, excellent passing moves and some outstanding individual top quality performances by both teams. Aisling Annacotty now go onto the Munster Senior Cup final to play the winners of Wilton versus Cork League in what should be an excellent showpiece for women's football.