Congratulations to Castleisland Desmonds who had a tricky quarter final tie in the Tesco HomeGrown Intermediate Club championship. They defeated Dunedin Connollys Edinburgh to secure a home semi final against Leinster Champions Kilmacud Crokes 16th November. Desmonds were against the wind in the first half and started extremely well with two goals in quick succession by Andrea Murphy which set the team up for the victory. This was followed by 2 points from Leanne Mangan and one by Stephanie Murphy .The Scottish side upped the anti then as Elaine Guiney corner back saved what could have been a goal .This was followed by 2 points and then a goal for Dunedin & they proceeded to add 2 more points. Castleisland started feeling the pressure a little. Fortunately Leanne Mangan and Lorraine Scanlon stepped up to the mantle & scored a point each before half time to give a half time score of 2-5 to 1-4 to Castleisland Desmonds. The second half started tit for tat with both sides pointing; Leanne Mangan for Desmonds. Things looked settled for the Desmonds when they added further points by Stephanie Murphy, Rachel Cronin and Leanne Mangan. However with the journey perhaps taking effect & perhaps an eye on the next game it started to look shaky when Dunedin put away another goal – leaving just 4 pints between the teams. Dunedin had the momentum and Castleisland were lucky when they hit the side netting. A point from Marion shine helped steady things. This was followed up by Leanne Mangan with 2 more points and Lorraine Scanlon 3 points. Dunedin had 2 last attacks with Melissa Holland in goals pulling off a great save, the final attack adding a point. Castleisland hung on in the end. Final score of 2-14 to 2-6.
Team: 1 Melissa Holland, 2 Marian Shine, 3 Aoife Lyons, 4 Elaine Guiney, 5 Tina Mangan, 6 Cait Lynch, 17 Eda Mangan, 8 Aisling Leonard, 9 Eilish Lynch, 10 Rachel Cronin, 11 Lorraine Scanlon (captain), 12 Andrea Murphy, 13 Stephanie Murphy, 14 Lee Anne Mangan, 15 Aine O’Connor, 16 Karen Mangan, 18 Lee Anne Cahill O’Connor, 19 Alicia O’Sullivan, 20 Shauna O’Connor, 21. Moriah Curtin. 7. Jane Lynch (inj) Bainisteoir: Billy Mangan, Selectors: Steve Murphy, Dan Kearney, Pa White & Aileen Lynch.