In a time of global turmoil, the things that make us who we are need to be highlighted with a fluorescent pen: the importance of togetherness, community, family, and volunteerism………. all of which show up in our GAA clubs. In that context it was great to get out again for the first league game of the year.

As I arrived up to BSJ and walked into Marlay Park on Wednesday night, I could feel those vibes illuminated. The place was buzzing with girl power, as both BSJ’s adult ladies’ teams were in action side by side against St. Brigid’s & Wanderers, respectively. A bright evening welcomed a good crowd of parents and supporters from all 3 clubs, and I was grateful that all was good in this square mile of the world.

When Ballinteer St John’s and St Brigid’s meet, it is always a high-standard, competitive game and this turned out no different. As the first league game of the season, I am guessing the coaches were looking for a quick start and a positive overall performance on home turf. From a BSJ perspective, mission achieved and more.

The BSJ girls started well and enjoyed most of the early possession, but scores were hard to come by. Both team’s defences were on top as the forwards struggled to create clear chances. This was a night for the defenders to take a bow as they put themselves on the line to limit scoring opportunities.

At half-time it was more like a soccer score, 0-02 apiece and 10 minutes after the re-start the teams remained deadlocked on 0-03. Despite the low score, the game was played with real gusto and energy. At times, the BSJ ladies moved well and in tandem with each other - like a pride of lions on the hunt for their dinner! But credit to St. Brigid’s they were very disciplined and tigerish themselves in their defending. But the pressure was building…...

And sure enough, if you keep banging on a stone, cracks start to appear and BSJ were now getting on top around the middle third as a platform to pin Brigid’s back. Eventually the pressure paid off, with a Brigid’s defender was forced into a loose pass that was intercepted by Ellie Doran who finished clinically to the net. Pressure on the very next kick out saw BSJ gain possession and work a quick one-two to free up Alana Doran for a second goal. When further pressure yielded a third goal from Laura Dunne with less than 10 minutes remaining it was a long road back for the Brigid’s girls. To their credit they never gave up and finished strongly scoring 2 frees and giving the BSJ goalmouth a couple of scares.

With the light starting to fade the referee called time and BSJ had the result 3-03 to 0-05. Six scores to five but goals were the difference on the night. A good start for the ladies to their 2026 league campaign. Congrats to Ciara Andrews on being nominated Player of the Match. She covered every blade of grass and contributed hugely to the team effort despite picking up harsh looking “ticks”! Well done, Ciara!

Next week the girls are away in Clan Na Gael Fontenoy (Wednesday 8th April @ 7 pm throw in). They would be delighted for any traveling support to cheer them on.

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