Go Ahead Ladies Adult Cup Division 2

Balinteer St John 2 10 I O Dwyers 6 16

The first challenge of the night was to overcome the rush hour traffic to Balbriggan. Google maps read and hour and 25 mins! A detour on the tunnel got us there in jig time, an hour and 7 mins. The next obstacle was to play an inform team that was occupying 2nd position in the League. Alas there was no short cuts and with 15 mins they were showing us why they are on a winning streak. The parents and locals were out in big numbers, I am guessing 50 people on the opposite side. Great to see. I love their old clubhouse that is soon to be replaced.

This game was not about the result but more about building the panel as the coaches introducing five new players to the senior set up. It’s a big leap with a more frenetic pace and less time on the ball to think. The new players were Isabelle Ryan, Eibhlin Barry, Lauren McGrane, Christine McCambridge and Naoise Stack. It is fair to say they adapted to the new environment like to musicians to a session at the Wille Clancy Festival.  It was a baptism of fire as O Dwyer’s play a high-speed high tempo passing game that is a joy to watch but a nightmare to mark and to close down. They led the charge and every player impressed. The future looks bright. Their next game will be more competitive and allow them to show more of their attacking skills.

We fought well and scored two excellent goals and ten sweet points against one of the best defences in the Cup. Niamh was at her very best shooting from every angle and landing 80% of her kicks. Magic Johnson is a paltry 50%. The team never dropped their head and fought to the bitter end. Great experience for the new ladies and lots to be positive about.Alas our five game winning streak ended.  The building process continues with many of our players already gone or heading abroad for the summer giving us the opportunity to bring the up and coming into the fray and have a super strong panel to pick from for the championship.  

Scorers: Niamh Sweeney 1-05 (f), Lauren McGrane 1-0,Rebekah Fitzpatrick 0-03, Orla Glancy 0-01, Christine McCambridge 0-01,

Team

1 Emily Naughton

2 Elaine Egan

3 Kate Barr

4 Isabelle Ryan

5 Eibhlín Barry

6 Laoise Tully

7 Ruth Nolan

8 Katie Fearon

9 Alana Doran

10 Orla Glancy

11 Rebekah Fitzpatrick

12 Niamh Sweeney

13 Róisin Toumey

14 Lauren McGrane

15 Belen Swords

16

17 Christine McCambridge

18 Naoise Stack

Thank you to Jimmy Fearon for the match report & photo 👏👏