Ballymackey Senior Women hosted a strong Birdhill side in Ballinree in the Tipperary League. From the off Birdhill were on top pinning Ballymackey in their own half but the home side defended determinately as Birdhill pressed for a goal. Having look like we had weathered the storm and we we’re starting to get into the game we were caught out with a long ball from the Birdhill goalkeeper, the ball falling kindly for Emma Flanagan to poke home for the visitors. Ballymackey started to get some joy in attack and had a few chances of an equaliser before the break but we were a goal down at the turn around.
A excellent second half by the Ballymackey women saw them strongly take the game to Birdhill and push and push for an equaliser. The second half was played with a high intensity and impressive physicality with no quarter been given by either side, The home side looked good for a goal with Joanne O Brien in particular looking dangerous but Birdhill just about to hold out and win by the smallest of margins 1-0. We were very disappointed not to get something out of this match but gain a lot of confidence from going toe to toe with a excellent and seasoned Birdhill outfit. At this stage our players are really enjoying their involvement in a very competitive League and we are just mad for as many matches as we can get as we are improving week on week. Our stand out performers were all that operated in our defence against a very talented Birdhill attack, Aíne Tuohy continues to be an able deputy for the injured Christine Coffey, Niamh O Brien, Leah McLoughney and Miriam Murphy all had impressive stints at full back and the Slattery sisters were in uncompromisable form in defence with Aoibheann just about piping Dani for player of the match.