8th/9th March 2008
The first outdoor training for the senior ladies on Saturday morning was followed by a friendly match against Bredagh at Cherryvale on Sunday to kickstart the ladies season.
With many seniors returning for the weekend to celebrate Helen Keenan’s 21st birthday, there was a great buzz on the training ground on Saturday morning and even the sun came out for a few hours to join in the festive mood. Ciara Loughran made the long trek home from Spain – arriving home at 2am only to rise at 7am to prepare for training on Saturday morning. Fortified by her dad’s fry, she was one of the first to arrive at the training ground. Others to make the long trek home for the weekend were the birthday girl herself who travelled from Scotland with two supporters, Sarah Mc Guckian who travelled from Cork and Orla Montague who came from Galway. Catherine Mullan has been a stalwart in the revival of the senior ladies this year and was again on hand to encourage, cajole and lead by example. Unfortunately her cousin, Rachel Mc Keogh, who has also been everpresent at training in St Brigid’s Parish Hall on Wednesday nights, is temporarily out of action and we wish her a speedy return. Typical of Rachael’s commitment, she turned up the following day to support her team mates against Bredagh,
The match was a competitve affair relished by both sides who were keen for action after the winter break. Bredagh had a much bigger squad and their fitness and greater experience told in the end but not before they endured a real scare. They only edged out St Brigid’s by scoring a late goal to win 3 – 5 to 3 – 3. This was a very encouraging performance by St Brigid’s who were missing a number of regulars including star centre forward, Catherine Mullan, who was on County duty. However the returning senior players, Sarah Mc Guckian, Orla Montague, Bronagh McKendry, Helen Keenan and Ciara Loughran put in a gritty performance which was mirrored by every member of the squad who showed great spirit in battling to the final whistle. It is a measure of this squad’s determination and desire that they were very disappointed not to win.
St Brigid’s scores came from the ever reliable Aoife Montague [2-1] and Anna Finnegan [1-2] with Anna very unlucky not to score a goal when a wonderful effort hit the cross bar to go over for a point. Anna showed she is back to her scintillating best. There were notable performances also from Katie McMullan and Kate Finnegan whilst Mary Keenan, Ellen Mc Grath worked very hard in defence. Minor coaches, Fergal Mc Cann and Turlough Montague, were most impressed with the performance of all the minors who comprised the majority of this team.
There is much work to be done but this performance was very encouraging.
U16 players please note that there may be a friendly match this Sunday. Please advise of your availability at Wednesday’s training or otherwise contact your coaches.
FINALLY a big thanks to the club committee for their support of the Ladies and particular thanks to Enuan Conway, Noel McGuckian and the Club Chairman.”
