Ballinteer St John’s vs Naomh Mearnog Match Report – 05/05/26

Ballinteer St John’s (BSJ) continued their Senior 2 League campaign with an emphatic Round 4 victory away to Naomh Mearnóg on Tuesday evening .

In a performance defined by squad depth, superb defensive structure, and clinical finishing, BSJ pulled away in the second half to secure a comprehensive nine-point win.

The opening thirty minutes were a tightly contested affair.  After conceding 1-01 early in the game, a strong team effort saw Kirsty Scanlon open the scoring for BSJ with an excellent point which settled BSJ into the game.   Scores followed from seven different players during the next 50 mins.  

BSJ established their continuous lead through patient build-up play and disciplined, relentless defending, with Sophie Quinn particularly influential in the half-back line and all over the pitch .    Midfield battled hard in a fiercely competitive contest but BSJ’s ability to create space in the forward line proved decisive and we went into the break leading by two points.

The game opened up in the second half as BSJ’s intensity never dropped, either in defence or attack, and this was reflected in a scoring surge from across the pitch.

In the forward line, Siobhra Andrews impressed with a strong performance dropping back to offer support in defence as did Isabel Keddy with an impressive work rate from mid-field.     Goalkeeper, Juliet Wall put her body on the line with a number of impressive saves throughout the game.

A major highlight of the evening was the successful integration of youth. Minor players Iona Wu, Isabel Keddy, Katie Mai Leonard, Kirsty Scanlon, Rose McGrath, and Ruby Brunton lined out alongside six U16 players—Aisling Power, Aoife Magee, Bria Hedden, Ciara Lane, Ellie Watters, and Leonora Perry— who made their senior debuts. Each player contributed with confidence and skill, underlining a very bright future for the club.

This was a true squad performance. To record such a convincing away win while introducing so many young players speaks volumes about the coaching, preparation, and character within the group.

 

BSJ Senior Camogie Squad:

Amy Burke , Chloe Toher , Aisling Larkin, Juliet Wall , Anna McGrath, Rose McGrath, Iona Wu, KatieMai Leonard , Ruby Brunton, Aisling Power , Brea Hedden, Ellie Waters , Leonora Perry,

Ellie Doran (0-5, 0-2f), Ciara Kellegher (0-3), Siobhra Andrews (1-00), Aoife Magee (1-01), Kirsty Scanlan (0-1), Isabel Keddy (1-0), Ciara Lane (0-02) and Sophie Quinn (0-01).

 

Final Score:

Ballinteer St John’s 3-13 – 2-07 Naomh Mearnóg

 

Player of the Match:   Isabel Keddy