CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY FOR GERS U-15 GIRLS

Congratulations to our Gers U-15 girls who enjoyed a decisive victory over Cooley in the u-15 A championship final last Saturday morning in DKIT. The girls saved their best till last to earn a comprehensive win, and add to their Louth Féile championship they won in early June.

Early on it was evident the girls were nervous. They were not at the pitch of the game, and went behind to an early point. A few moments later Cooley were awarded a penalty which was converted to leave the girls trailing by 4.

But to the girls credit, their heads never dropped and it wasn’t long before they roared back into the game. A pointed free from Tara and a point from play from Clodagh settled them. From here, they drove on winning most of the 50/50 battles around the middle. A great team move saw Aoife S find the back of the net and suddenly the Gers were in their groove. Some of their passing was incredible, finding their inside forwards with ease. It wasn’t long before Aoife S added her and the team’s second goal, with another composed finish after a brilliant move. Tara added her second and third point of the day before Julie thundered home a third goal to widen the gap between the teams. At this stage the gers were in full control all round the pitch.

To their credit Cooley pulled a point back to cut the deficit but two more excellent points from Rachel and Aoife S before the break left the girls with a half time 10 point lead. 3-6 to 1-2.

After half time, and playing against the breeze the Gers came out all guns blazing. Our water tight defence continued to mark tightly, intercepting opposition passes, and holding on to possession. Once again they laid the platform from which the midfielders and forwards could play their football. A couple of early pointed frees from Clodagh and Tara increased the lead but two well taken points from the Cooley forwards reduced the gap. Then came that 10 minute spell where the girls played some outstanding football. Early ball from Erin into the full forward line of Molly and Laura F cut Cooley open. They in turn selflessly set others up for great points. As the girls beared down on goal two penalties were awarded in quick succession. In fairness to the Cooley netminder, she pulled off a fantastic double save to deny Tara a goal. But Clodagh stepped up to take the second and rifled her penalty to the corner of the net. Both teams traded points in the closing stages, Molly deservedly getting on the score sheet and Tara, putting the disappointment of the penalty miss behind her, confidently stroked over the final two points. Jubilant scenes followed the final whistle.

Full time Gers 4-12 Cooley 1-7.

Scorers

Aoife Soroghan 2-1

Tara O’Connor 0-7

Clodagh Corcoran 1-2

Julie Soroghan 1-0

Molly Whately 0-1

Rachel Cunnife 0-1

A huge thank you to our two goalkeepers on the day. Their preference is to play outfield but they sacrificed their game for the team each playing in goals for a half a game. Rachel and Ava were both tremendous.

Our defence of Megan, Sarah, Ailish, Emmy Dearbhla and Ruby marked tight all game, tackled tigerishly and never allowed the opposition forwards settle into a rhythm. When Ava, Anna, and Annie were called upon in the second half, they played with the same tenacity and energy.

In midfield Tara and Keelan led by example. Both got on the ball and showed remarkable composure bringing the ball out of defence or starting the attacks. A wonderful pairing.

In attack Rachel, Aoife S, Clodagh, Julie S, Erin and Molly were on fire. They won their 50/50s made intelligent runs, passed the ball well and proved ruthless in front of goal. When Laura, Saidbh and Nia were sprung from the bench they proved a constant thorn in Cooley’s side.

And to the remaining members of the squad who never stopped cheering the team on, a huge congratulations. To Aoife F, Alice, Ruby, Edie, Zoe, Meabh O’H, Meadhbh O’N, Phoebe, Bláithin, Anna, Heather, Kate and Bianca, you all played your part in a huge TEAM performance and in every game you played this year. A mighty squad of players who continue to improve. 👏

Well done to our full back Ailish Fee who deservedly took home the Player of the match award. A very accomplished performance 👏

Well done to Tara, our captain, who spoke so elegantly after the game. Not an easy thing to do. She has promised to do it “as Gaeilge” the next time she wins a trophy😜

Thank you to Zoe’s dad, Peter Durnin , who kindly sponsored the delicious food in Uncle Toms after the game. Very much appreciated Peter👏

And to Kevin Soroghan for taking us in on such short notice. 👏

Parents, take a moment and congratulate yourselves on a wonderful year. You have supported these fantastic girls, journeyed all round Louth and as far as Dublin for the Féile. On behalf of all the coaches and girls thank you very much for your unwavering support.

We would like to wish Aoife F all the best on her recovery from knee surgery. The team can’t wait to have you back.🤞🤞

A final thank you to our jersey sponsors, Sports Direct.

Na Gearaltaigh Abú 🇳🇬

Photo 📸 Warren James, thank you.

Geraldines-Where Everyone Plays 💚🤍