Terrific Footballers Just Miss Out on County Final

Herbertstown girls represent the South and the school admirably in County Semi-Final

A week on from claiming a first ever South Premier Football title our girls team travelled to Rathkeale for the county semi-final. The South champions’ opponents were Monaleen NS who had a formidable 58 players on their panel compared to the 16 available for Herbertstown.

Minutes into the game it was clear to everyone in attendance that these numbers mattered little as both teams contested a fantastic game of end-to-end football. Herbertstown got the better of the first half exchanges and led at the half time whistle by one point.

The second half continued to be evenly matched but the final five minutes would provide much excitement for supporters on both sides. Despite some brilliant defending, Monaleen had managed to stretch in front of Herbertstown by two points. Then, a long Herbertstown free from the middle of the field went straight to the Monaleen net with time just about up. However, there was just enough injury time for the city side to make their way back down the field where they won a free of their own. A nerveless kick from their freetaker with the last act of normal time brought the game to extra time.

In the first half of extra time Monaleen struck for a brace of goals just after Herbertstown had a goal disallowed and this proved to be the deciding of the tie.

Final score: Monaleen NS 4:06 Herbertstown NS 2:05

A fantastic effort from the Herbertstown girls and everyone at the school is very proud of what they have achieved this year.

Monaleen were crowned county champions after beating Doon Convent in the final later on the same day.