On Monday the 2nd of November, Stranmillis fielded its first ever ladies’ Gaelic team. Team member Claire Doherty provides the match report:
‘We arranged to play an 8-a-side training match (four 10 minute quarters) against our student opposite numbers from St. Mary’s University College on their 3G pitch. It was a great training exercise, allowing us to find out what positions suited which player etc. The Stranmillis girls got stuck in from the start against a tough, experienced opposition and it was the girls in Blue and Yellow of Stran who got the first shot in. St. Mary’s reacted quickly and pressure was soon put on the Stranmillis defence. Both teams gave it their all for the first quarter, but the St. Mary’s girls dominated the game at this early stage.
As the game progressed Stranmillis settled down and got steadily stronger. In the final quarter our girls showed their potential, as the score in this quarter was extremely close! St. Mary’s ‘won’ the game – not that that was the important thing; however Stranmillis played some great football and took some fine scores. The scorers were: Eimear Donnelly (first ever point!!), Lucy Backus (first ever goal!!), Niamh Harley and Lisa McArdle. A special mention must go to Jillian Jones who played her first ever Gaelic match and showed huge potential (next Derry star!!?).
The history-making team were: Claire Doherty, Megan Mullan, Leona Russell, Jillian Jones, Lisa McArdle, Niamh Harley, Eimear Donnelly and Lucy Backus. Caoimhe McBride unfortunately was injured and unable to play but provided great support from the line!!
Thanks to St. Mary’s for the game and all the feedback and encouragement they gave us and a massive thank you to St.Brigid’s for the loan of the kits – very much appreciated!
http://www.stran.ac.uk/informationabout/theuniversitycollege/newsevents/title,425032,en.html
