Raheny United 9 - 2 Castlebar Celtic

Castlebar Celtic gave Raheny United the toughest test they’ve had so far this season in the first half of Sunday's match in Morton Stadium, but the league champions pulled away in the second - even if the scoreline of 9-2 flattered them somewhat.

Sinead O’Farrelly’s wonder goal on the stroke of half-time gave United the lead at 3-2, after a half in which Celtic were arguably the better team. Noelle Murray had put the home side ahead after just two minutes, with the striker scoring the first of her hat-trick with a header from a Siobhan Killeen cross.

But it wasn’t long before Castlebar equalised, Sarah Rowe - who had shot tantalisingly over minutes earlier - levelled on 12 minutes finishing well from a cross.

Rebecca Creagh restored the lead 12 minutes later with a deft close range volley, following a Katie McCabe cross. Celtic levelled again, though, with Aisling Egan heading in from a corner on 37 minutes.

Celtic threatened a few times after that, but the game’s defining moment came just before half time. Sinead O’Farrelly struck from at least 30 yards out, leaving Castlebar ‘keeper Caoimhe O’Reilly with no chance.

If that didn’t knock the stuffing out of Celtic, then Siobhan Killeen’s goal straight after the break definitely did. Killeen probably didn’t mean to score, but her cross-cum-shot still beat O’Reilly. Raheny came out with a renewed hunger to put the match to bed, and did so through two contentious penalty decisions.

First, Rebecca Creagh converted a penalty after an apparent handball on 55 minutes. Then, Noelle Murray got her second goal from the penalty spot on 64 minutes.The reason for the second penalty weren’t entirely clear, but Castlebar’s fans were very upset with the decision.

Katie McCabe, who had assisted already, scored next on 73 minutes. A flowing passing move let McCabe in unmarked on goal. She finished calmly, to make it 8-2.

In her last match for Raheny before leaving to play for England’s Durham WFC, Seana Cooke capped a clinical second half performance with a goal three minutes later, tapping in after Caoimhe O’Reilly spilled a cross. Soon afterwards Noelle Murray finished the rout, and completed her hat-trick with another easy finish.

Raheny United: Niamh Reid Burke; Rachel Graham, Kerrie Ryan, Sinead O’Farrelly (Seana Cooke ‘60), Pearl Slattery; Rebecca Creagh [c] (Clare Shine ‘69), Siobhan Killeen, Ciara Grant, Caroline Thorpe, Katie McCabe; Noelle Murray.
Subs Not Used: Joan Daly, Kate McKeever, Niamh Walsh, Shauna Newman.

Yellow Cards: None.

Castlebar Celtic: Caoimhe O’Reilly; Aisling Egan, Kim Flood, Nicole Fowley, Yvonne Hedigan; Aileen Gilroy, Emma Hansberry [c], Rachel King, Sarah Rowe; Sarah McGeough, Rachel Kearns (Emma Mullin ‘56).
Subs Not Used: Trisha Coyle, Maz Sweeney, Niamh Kerins, Katie Walsh.

Yellow Cards: None.

Referee: Paula Brady.

Attendance: 50 (unofficial estimate).

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Katie McCabe.