MUCKROSS will be in control of their own destiny in next month's European championship in Germany after claiming the laurels with a 3-2 win over Pegasus in yesterday's All Ireland title decider at Malone, Belfast.
The Leinster champions must finish in the top six in Russelsheim in order to retain premier division status next year, but their chances of doing so have been dealt several setbacks. International midfielder Mary Logue, who scored twice yesterday, has been ruled out of the trip due to examination commitments, while Orla Bell missed the weekend tournament with a back complaint and it is doubtful whether she will be able to travel.
In addition, Sandra O'Gorman, voted best goalkeeper in the 1994 World Cup at Belfield, will miss two of the four fixtures on the Continent, as she will be attending her brother's wedding midway through the tournament.
Losing a player of Logue's calibre represents a major blow, as her performance yesterday personified the fact that Muckross moved up several gears after two uninspiring displays in beating Catholic Institute and Galway 2-0 on Saturday. Their profligacy, notably from penalty corners, left the Dublin side needing nothing short of victory to take the honours and exact retribution for last month's Irish Senior Cup final defeat by Pegasus.
The picture looked decidedly bleak when Irish captain Jeanette Turner put the Belfast team in front after 26 minutes when she reacted quickly to score from a rebound after Claire Samways' short corner had been saved by O'Gorman. It was a goal which came against the run of play but Logue levelled within 60 seconds when she converted from the penalty spot after being fouled in the circle.
Pegasus coach Glynis Taylor had to rewrite her half time pep talk when an incisive thrust by Teresa Hurley, allied to a good advantage by umpire Mary Power, allowed Logue to put Muckross 2-1 ahead seconds before the hooter sounded.
It was back to square one in the 44th minute when Kim Mills displayed remarkable athleticism to reverse stick home the loose ball after Arlene Thompson's penalty corner drive had been blocked by O'Gorman.
Pegasus looked uncharacteristically vulnerable in defence and after Logue had earned a corner three minutes later, Ciara McGrath drove in the winner after Heather McCullough had saved from Trish MacHugh.
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