I was in the USA recently and met a number of young sports women who surprised me with their knowledge of ladies Gaelic football. They were in awe of the game and envious that they could not play it in the USA. I was pleasantly surprised and reflected how lucky are Irish ladies (and my daughters) to be able to play this wonderful game. I explained how it was a big part of our local community and how it unites families and friends. I left the group proud to be part of this great game and proud of the club my children play for. 

Tonight’s game against Lucan highlighted all those attributes. It had everything you would want from a game. It was tense, it was very skilful and was supported by a great local crowd (and local pets) cheering on their daughters, friends and cousins. 

This BSJ ladies team is growing and the standard and quality of their play went from a 6 in the first game to a 8. It was a joy to watch the movement up and down the pitch and the passages of play were gold standard. It is clear that the work done by the dedicated coaches on the training pitch is paying off. This is a team on an upward spiral. 

The first half was controlled by BSJ and within fifteen minutes they lead by 1-1 to 0-1. The backs were winning the 5050 balls and their distribution to the mids and from mids to forwards was copybook. 1-1 could have been 2-3. The Lucan keeper who plays from Dublin kept them in the game with some brilliant saves. At the early-stage Lucan won a penalty and Katie’s reputation for saving penalties must precede her and it put the fear of God in the penalty taker. She either opted to take the point or the nerves made her miss shoot. No doubt that two top quality keepers were on display. 

The half ended 1-03 to 0-3 with a goal and a point from Niamh and two points from Emily. The wind was going across the pitch, but Lucan had the advantage of the hill in the second half. Would it make a difference? 

Our midfield was reshuffled as Lauren had an injury and a few subs were brought on into the second half. All subs made a very positive contribution. There is depth in this squad.  

On a Lucan attack a BSJ defender legitimately blocked a Lucan forward and the referee unfairly (in my biased opinion) showed yellow. The loss of a player for ten minutes put us under pressure and Lucan began to find new patterns and space. In the Lucan number 12 they had an exceptionally speedy and skilful player who would have left Adeleke and Becker in the dust. Close games are decided in seconds and the no 12 played a major part in the two Lucan goals that turned the game. Bar building a trump wall there was no slowing her momentum. Within minutes the scoreboard went from a BSJ lead of 1-03 to 0-4 to a 2-05 to 1-03 in favour of Lucan. We struggled to break the defense as easily as we did in the first half and the ball broke down too many times in the final quarter of the pitch. Two points from Emily and Rebecca were never going to be enough to win this game and Lucan won the second half shoot out. 

Again, the ladies fought with determination, grit and passion and this young team are an upward journey of growth. I predict great things from this team in the very near future.  I am going for two wins from the next two games. I do know that my America friends would have been in wonder at the spectacle and craved to be part of two fantastic clubs and such a special night. I raise a glass to ladies Gaelic football and all the players coaches and volunteers involved.