The Geraldines U14 Girls kicked off their Division 3 league season in Stabannon last night, which turned out to be a thrilling display of football.

19 girls togged out and treated anyone lucky enough to see the game to a show of skill, determination, and great excitement.

The first half started well with some superb defending from Katie Geoghan, Alannah Lynch and Muireann Rogers. Covering ground at 100 miles an hour, was Eva Neary, Aoibhe Clark, Emily Clune and Naomi Read who carried and fed the ball up and down the field.  Jenny Hawe impressed in goals especially when the Stabannon side favoured the net over the crossbar. Aoife Sweeney notched up an impressive 1 goal and 5 pts. in the first half assisted by a strong forward line. Fia Healy and Lily Mae Fennelly kicked some impressive balls up the wing which could have put us ahead in the first half, had the wind not working against us.

Half Time ended with the hosts leading by 1 goal 2-05 Stabannon to Geraldines 1-05

As the girls got into a rhythm, some incredible tackling from Abbie Durnin, Miliani Lauaki and Ruby Walker kept Stabannon on their toes. Elizabeth McGahon won us a free which resulted in our first point of the 2nd half, quickly followed by an impressive goal by Aoife Sweeney. The ever-steady Issey McGeough and Aimee Lynch fed some good balls into midfield resulting in an impressive point by Emily Clune and Nessa McCrystal who added to her tally with a goal which saw the Gers leading by 4 points with 5 mins to go. The girls fought hard to equalise with sheer determination to secure a victory. A last-minute goal by Anna McGrory brought us close and had everyone on their feet. Sadly, it wasn’t to be and the final whistle was below with one point in it.

Final Score – Stabannon 5-07 and Gers 4-09

The girls have an exciting season ahead if this game is anything to go by.