Sarsfields not at their slickest in falling to lively Oulart outfit
Oulart the Ballagh 4-8
Sarsfields 2-9
Eanna O’Reilly at Nowlan Park
SARSFIELDS’ reign as All-Ireland club champions came to an end on Saturday when Oulart the Ballagh produced a tremendous performance to triumph at Nowlan Park.
On the day, the Wexford club were full value for their win, as they outplayed Sarsfields for large spells, particularly in a first half in which they blitzed the defending champions and produced a level of intensity which Hopper McGrath’s side struggled to match.
Throughout the pitch, Oulart were sharper, more physical, and more effective in their team play, as they linked up impressively and used possession very well. Their forward unit also carried more threat on the day, particularly their inside line and the imposing Úna Leacy on the edge of the square. The veteran full forward scored a hat-trick of goals, while her sister and team captain Mary, another county veteran, had an outstanding game in defence.
With the Kehoe twins also in tremendous form, it made for a very difficult afternoon for Sarsfields. Midfielder Stacey Kehoe took home the player of the match award, only 24 hours after her wedding. Centre forward Shelley Kehoe, meanwhile, was a major thorn in Sarsfields’ side, scoring 1-3 and having a huge influence, particularly in the first half.
The likes of Katie Roche, Ciara Storey, Anais Curran, Katie Gallagher, and Ursula Jacob also put in outstanding performances, as Oulart claimed their third All-Ireland club title.
In contrast, Sarsfields struggled to get their game going and didn’t play with the sort of fluency which typically characterises their performances. From an early stage, it was clear that they were in a ferocious battle and were being challenged to a level they haven’t experienced in Galway for a considerable amount of time.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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