U-13B Ladies footballers claim Division 5 Runners Up Spot

With their fellow colleagues on the A squad, having already claimed the Division 1 league crown, it was now down the U-13B squad to see if they could also claim some form of silverware from their league. With top spot out of their reach following defeat by the narrowest of margins to the eventual winners, there was still plenty for the girls to play for in their remaining matches. Both St Judes and Stars of Erin, were breathing down their necks to try and claim that second spot.

This group of girls had already achieved something special, by being part of the first squad in the club’s Ladies Football history to have two teams at the same competitive age group, so anything after this would surely be a bonus. However, not content to be just making up the numbers, the girls grew from strength to strength with every game.

In their very first competitive game, where they were beaten by Star of Erin, the whispers afterwards of ‘if the match was only 10 minutes longer’, rang around, as it was clear that the girls grew in confidence with every kick. This theme was to continue for the remainder of the league. This group of girls have really bonded over the last 6 months in particular. There have been numerous memories which reflect this, and which show that the girls really deserved all that they got. We all still remember the long trip out to Star of Erin in Glencullen. A narrow first half lead, didn’t appear to be enough against the hill and a strong wind. However, the girls rose to the occasion to run out easy winners, with a workrate that was second to none. Of course the two clashes against the eventual winners, St Mary’s Saggart were also memorable for various different reasons. We can still hear the call of ‘SQUARE BALL’ for at least one of their goals, but to no avail. There was rumours that the mentors would be looking for €5 million in compensation afterwards, for the poor decision making, but everyone agreed that, it would be a bit silly to do that, wouldn’t it?????!!!!!!!! In hindsight, this match was a great learning curve for the girls as they appreciated even more that hard work and non stop effort are what it is all about. Sometimes decisions go with you, and sometimes they don’t, and all you can do is put the head down and continue on. Just to prove that the first St Marys Game was no fluke, the second one was even closer, a 0-4 to – 0-4 draw. Along the way also, the girls also overcame St Judes and Ballyboden with some great teamwork being displayed.

This group of girls should be really proud as to how they have grown and progressed this year and the future is really bright for them. Thanks to the U-12 mentors aswell in working so closely with us during the year, as 5 of their girls are also a very important part of this squad. As always, thanks to the parents for all of their support, and we look forward to many more days together. The full U-13 squad can now enjoy their summer day trip to Zipit Forest Adventure this Saturday, with both a Division 5 runners up, and a Division 1 winners title safely tucked away.

U-13 B Squad: Aoife Murphy, Aoife Cleary, Lauren Finnian, Aimee Clyne Farrelly, Aoife Seery, Mia Dunne, Amy Walsh, Anna O’Connor, Carla Wynne, Lily O’Reilly, Holly Thunder, Aoibheann Higgins, Coaimhe Enright, Ellie Wisdom, Abaigh Rock, Grainne McGee, Kate O’Grady, Eve Murray, Nicole Ryan, Jessica Hegarty.