Hennessy stars for Greenfields in derby success

Greenfields Hockey Club began 2015 in style with a comprehensive 5-0 win over arch rivals Galway Hockey Club last Sunday.

Played in terrible conditions, Galway started with the wind at their backs and enjoyed some good early possession, but Greenfields withstood the pressure and took a lead when Kate Hennessy fired home after good work from Mary McDonald and Elaine Hall.

Greenfields’ second goal came a few minutes later following excellent play from New Zealand native Alex Hunt, which resulted in Hennessy receiving the ball on the right hand side from Noone, and she in turn fed Hall, who doubled Greenfields’ lead.

Greenfields kept the pressure on throughout the first half and were rewarded with a penalty corner 10 minutes before half time. A well-executed corner saw Captain Neasa McGettigan deliver a perfect pass to Hennessy, who deflected it into the net getting her second of the day and Greenfield’ third.

Greenfields were unlucky not to go four up before the break following a great individual run from Sinead Minihan carrying from the half way then laying off a ball to Alma Whelan which was courageously intercepted by Galway’s Catherine Clancy to deny Greenfields a certain goal. Galway continued to play attacking hockey and were awarded with several penalty corners following good work from Katie Codyre and Dee Hatton.

The second half commenced as the first half ended, with some fine work up the right hand side by Carmel Heery and Kate Hennessy. It wasn’t long before Greenfields made it four after Minihan dropped the ball into the circle to Whelan.

She found the unmarked Noone who scored a spectacular goal to the top right corner. Captain McGettigan controlled proceedings from centre midfield throughout and Hall got her second goal and Greenfields fifth after a great run from Trish Garrett.

Following this victory Greenfields have taken a step closer to retaining the Connacht Senior League. The winner of this will qualify for next season’s full Irish Hockey League where the top 10 teams in the country will compete on a home-and-away league basis throughout the season. Greenfields face NUIG 1sts next Sunday at 2.30pm in Dangan.