Flourishing youth set-up the standard for Royal Gaels
November 27, 2010The season started with the resumption of the 2009 U19 Championship at the quarter-final stages on the 28th February and saw the Gaels face Donaghmore Ashbourne, who had narrowly defeated the girls in the 2008 final. Played in Dunshaughlin it was a great display of football by both teams. Both sides were quite evenly matched and it was a closely competitive game from the throw in. Royal Gaels played some great football in the first half but a lack of composure in the last third of the pitch coupled with solid Ashbourne defensive work left numerous opportunities squandered and the opposition led by two points at the half time whistle.
Royal Gaels upped the pace in the second half and took the game to Ashbourne. Constant forward pressure saw the girls register 1.06 to Ashbourne's one point in the second half. Laura McMahon, Jenny Kelly and Amy Ennis kept the Donaghmore defence guessing with their busy display and were a constant threat (Final score, 1:09 to 1:03). An unfortunate wrist injury to Laura Murray midway through the second half put her out of the final stages of the competition but she made a massive contribution to set the squad on the road to ultimate victory. The quarter final was an excellent performance by the team and they moved on to face Oldcastle in the semi.
A week later on the 7th March the girls faced Oldcastle. This semi saw us pitched against old foes Oldcastle in a battle to the final. Over the years Oldcastle have always come out the better against the Gaels when it came to the crunch so the girls knew they had to put in a massive performance to overturn past trends. It was nip and tuck throughout the first half and Oldcastle went in at the break one point to the good.
At the resumption Royal Gaels got off to a quicker start pointing three scores unanswered. This certainly seemed to annoy the Oldcastle girls as they rose to the challenge and clawed back the scoreline until Maeve Scanlon pounced on a loose ball in the six yard box and nestled the ball in the net for the black and amber side. This was quickly followed with an own goal by Oldcastle after some intense Royal Gaels pressure. Jenny Kelly's ceaseless running and effort in the forward line was a contributing factor to several of the Royal Gaels scores while Orla McLoughlin in goals pulled off a series of brave saves to deny an Oldcastle lead. In front of Orla, Siobhra Delaney and Leanne McMorrow in defence, supported by an industrious Niamh O'Sullivan, ensured there was no easy passage through.
Tara Ryan's quick thinking, after being awarded a free kick in lobbing the keeper to score a goal, finally sealed the win for Royal Gaels. It was an excellent game for the neutral as both teams truly gave everything for the win (Final score, 3:11 to 2.11). It will be difficult to find a match were two teams gave more effort, guts, determination and commitment than Royal Gaels and Oldcastle displayed in this semi. It would be fair to say that the spectators, parents and clubmates were as equally drained as the girls coming off the pitch! Clan na nGael now stood in the way of picking up the silverware.
Having been the finalists in the 2008 competition, and having dispatched the reigning holders in the quarter finals this time around, nothing was going to stop the girls clinching the trophy. Mentors Colum Bracken and Maria Kealy prepared the girls carefully for the 26th March final under lights in St. Michael's.
Royal Gaels showed their intent from the get go with full forward Tara Ryan slotting the ball between the posts on four minutes. This was swiftly followed by two further points by Ryan settling any lingering nerves and the game was underway! It proved to be a lead that wouldn't be relinquished with the momentum building from there. Royal Gaels were the better team for most of the first half, displaying incredible levels of hunger and intensity with superb link up play, passing and support, instigated by the midfield pairing of Rebecca Considine and captain Niamh O'Sullivan. With superior possession Royal Gaels continued to attack in waves and lively corner forward Laura McMahon showed her pace and sharpness when she found herself one on one in the corner, breezing past her opponent and hammering the ball into the top corner from a tight angle. McMahon contributed a second goal minutes later and with Amy Ennis also finding the back of the net it was a surprisingly comfortable lead for the Gaels at the half time whistle.
Although Royal Gaels had five forwards contribute to the scoreline in the first half great credit has to go to the defence, paroled by Amy McQuillan and Laura McMorrow who limited a quality Clann na nGael forward line to just two points in the opening half. The Gaeltacht side were forced to shoot from distance as they could find no way through the resistant defence. The defence was the catalyst for the attack and with Laura Ryan smothering attacks on the right wing, her link up with the midfield pair proved very effective.
Lesser teams would have folded but Clann na nGael recollected themselves for the second half and emerged a more confident side. They opened the scoring on two minutes with a fine point from distance, but a well worked point by Maeve Scanlon and a free from O'Sullivan smothered any hope of a revival from Clann na nGael (Final score, 3.10 to 0.06).
The emphatic final score reflected a fantastic footballing performance from the team that were completely focused on bringing the silverware home and it was certainly no more than they deserved. The same squad of girls has emerged resiliently from a number of underage final defeats and, still a young squad, there is great potential....retaining the title is the next challenge!
Another county title soon followed the u19 triumph with our u14s quietly going about their business, winning their eight group games ahead of the semi final. Having dispatched St. Ultans, Navan O'Mahonys, Dunsany, St. Michaels, Moylagh, Skryne, Summerhill and Clann na nGael in the round stages the girls once again faced near neighbours Skryne in the semi final.
The semi final was played in Skryne on a beautiful sunny evening. The home side took the upper hand going 2.02 up before the Gaels got on the scoreboard. Clare O'Brien opened our account with a point and shortly after won a penalty which was neatly taken by Niamh Hetherington. Niamh Kennedy popped up for another point to leave the girls trailing by one goal at the half. It was nail biting action as each side replied with score after score. At the final whistle it was a draw and the sides faced extra time. The first half of extra time was mainly dominated by the defences with neither side giving anything away easy. Niamh Kennedy pointed for Royal Gaels to capture the only score of the first half of extra time. Hannah O'Briens magic goal in the second half, topped off with a point by Niamh Gallogly sealed the win for the girls. Without a doubt each and every girl gave their utmost, fought to the end and never gave up. Given that it was such a hot and sunny evening the girls have to be commended for the effort and attitude they displayed throughout the contest. Now the girls faced playing their final two days later versus Clann na nGael.
It was a test of endurance for the black and amber outfit as they strode out to face a strong Clann na nGael side in the ultimate decider on another beautiful sunny evening in Navan.
Clann na nGael were the first out of the blocks and caught Royal Gaels out with a long range point to get the game underway. Both sides battled well in the middle of the field to gain the advantage and Roisin Bruce led by example with her hard work and endeavour in linking up excellently with the busy half forward line. Ciara Murray and Niamh Kennedy consistently made darting runs to keep the opposition defenders guessing which made space for Niamh Hetherington to score 1.02 in the opening half. At the break Clann na nGael were two points to the good.
This Royal Gaels squad again showed their character and composure, as they have throughout this campaign, to bounce back and started to dominate possession with some terrific performances throughout the pitch particularly in the second half. They confirmed their intent on the resumption of the second half with an excellently taken and well worked goal from a fleet footed Niamh Hetherington who spear headed the forward line. This was swiftly followed with Hannah O'Brien nestling the ball in the back of the net at the end of a play involving Marissa Horan and Cara Usher. Royal Gaels were gradually getting the upper hand on the game and some excellent rearguard defending by Sarah Darby and Cliodhna O'Riordan, and Gemma Donoghoe snuffed out several Clann na nGael attacks. Niamh Gallogly and Chalkey not only excelled themselves in the back line but surged forward to mount attacks and each contributed valuable scores to help keep Clann na nGael at bay. It was Galloglys goal that nudged Royal Gaels in front and it proved to be a lead that was not going to be relinquished. Cara Usher chipped in with the final score of the game to seal the victory and claim the silverware. (Final score, 4.05 to 3.06)
It was a tremendous victory over the combination side who gave everything in their cause and must also be congratulated for making this an exciting final for all. Clann na nGael must be tired of the black and amber of Royal Gaels as this was the second time in a matter of months the two clubs have clashed in underage finals, Royal Gaels also having come out on top in the u19 championship final in March.
Royal Gaels exhaustion turned to exhilaration on the final whistle, their months of hard work and training bringing them the ultimate prize. Each girl contributed hugely to a terrific season and displayed their skill, determination, courage and fantastic teamwork in all their efforts to claim the second county title of the year for the club. On a glorious summers evening, and in front of a great crowd of supporters, Royal Gaels captain Roisin Bruce hoisted the cup and so the celebrations began! Back to Dunshaughlin for a summer BBQ and much deserved celebrations into the night!
The u16s had a mixed year competing in the highest Division 1. Unfortunately the girls were only able to complete four of the seven group stage matches, so didn't progress beyond the group stage. The u16 competition is held during June and July which does not help when trying to fulfil matches, with many girls at the Gaeltacht and taking holidays, which impacted on our ability to field teams. Despite this several of the squad were part of the u14 title win and others are now training and playing in the u19 competition, the title of which the club currently holds.
The u13's competition kicked off on a good note with a home victory over Na Fianna. This being the girls first outing as a new unit they were slow to start but soon found their rhythm and worked hard to overcome the tough opposition.
The second challenge of the campaign was equally as rewarding, the girls had really gelled together and lead by team captain Alannah Chalkley defeated Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2:08 to 0:02. Even on very heavy ground the girls battled on well
In the third round the girls faced Skryne. Playing under lights for the first time and as Skryne football has been strong all year it was expected that this would be the toughest test yet, and so it proved. Skryne came out all guns blazing and made our girls dig deep. Saoirse Patchel and Cara Usher did an immense amount of work in centre field. Some fine saves by keeper Amy Mulvanney kept the blue and white forwards at bay and the girls went in only a point behind at the half time whistle. As the second half drew to a close we were unlucky that balls didn't sail the right sides of the uprights and Skryne punished us by rattling the net twice before the final whistle. The final score 3:04 to 1:03. Excellent defending by our full back Sarah Darby ensured the opposition's score line was kept in single digits.
After the defeat the girls showed no sign of slowing down or giving up and they have continued to work as hard as ever. In September the girls played Summerhill which saw players throughout the team get on the score sheet. The girls were brimming with confidence and it showed in the way they all played. The ball was passed with precision and forwards Ailish Bruce, Niamh Hetherington and Emma Murray had an exceptional game.
Despite a narrow defeat to Clan na nGael in the final round game the girls once again faced them in the semi final on the 7th November in Dunshaughlin. Royal Gaels versus Clan na nGael seemed to be a recurring theme throughout the year! The girls stepped out with every confidence and rightly so they took to the field and got off to a great start with Gemma Donoghue and Sarah Darby solid in defence and Cara Usher and Niamh Gallogly working the engine in midfield. Goalie Amy Mulvaney made some brave saves at the feet of incoming Clan na nGael forwards to prevent any dents into scoreline. Half forward Tara Scanlon proved very effective at moving quick ball into the forwards where once again Hetherington and Bruce did the job up front. Once again the talent, hard work and enjoyment of the game visible within the underage teams is showing through and another grade is achieving much deserved credit for getting to the final of another competition. (Score; 5.05 to 2.04). The final is due to be played on 14th November against Skryne. Congratualtions to the girls and mentors on their achievements. Watch this space for more silverware!
During the year we fielded two u12 teams in competitions with the u12b side doing excellently in getting to the Shield final only to be beaten narrowly by Kilbride on the day. The u12b had already shown their mettle by beating Kilbride in the earlier rounds but unfortunately the summer holidays and the final clashed and the team were missing several stalwarts for the final, but those that stepped in did exceptionally well and only for a very forceful Kilbride forward Royal Gaels would have pipped them to the post! Many of the u12b side are currently competing in the u11 competition where they have reached the final against St. Colmcilles.
The U12a team had a challenging year and were graded in Division 1 which might have been a step slightly too high for the team considering the u12s troop of girls were split into two squads based on age. The girls were pitted against Ratoath, Simonstown, Boardsmill, Seneschalstown, Dunboyne and Oldcastle and although they gave the campaign a mighty effort and had some great displays they didn't progress to the latter stages. These girls are now competing in the u13 competition which has reached the semi final stage and are waiting to play Donaghmore Ashbourne.
The u11s hit the ground running and left no one in any doubt of their intentions for their campaign from the off! Round 1 saw the girls face Gaeil Colmcille at home and with little known about the opposition it was a tentative start to the match. It didn't take long until Rachel Huijdsens took control in midfield and drove her team on, and, with the sharp Kelly O'Dwyer, flanked by Georgie Benson and the busy Laura Quinn in the forward line the girls soon found their shooting boots. Steadied by Kevagh Slater and Rachel Ennis in the backline the girls conceded just 2points and it was a positive start to the Division 2 League campaign for Royal Gaels (Score: 1.07 to 0.02). Up next the girls faced Dunsany, once again at home. The girls picked up from where they left off a week earlier and showed little mercy in front of goal, Orlagh Moyles and Hope O'Dwyer popping up to latch onto loose balls and register scores. Once again the strength down the centre of the team proved to be the basis for driving on and finishing the game off (Score: 3.08 to 1.03).
Next up was a trek to St. Michaels where there was a comprehensive win but not without some individual battles throughout the pitch. St. Colmcilles were up next in Dunshaughlin and this was a fantastic game with both sides really having to dig deep. Eimear Traynor and Rachel Huijdsens in midfield covered massive amounts of the pitch in their efforts to support both the defence and attack. It was nip and tuck throughout and but for a little more luck in front of goals we might have come out with the win. Orla Keane in full forward and Ava Fox and Kelly O'Dwyer in support showed well in this game. The girls lost by two points (21pts to 23pts). The girls quickly got back to impressive winning ways defeating Clan na nGael (2.12 to 0.01) and then Summerhill and Na Fianna (5.13 to 0.00) without conceding any scores. With just one narrow defeat from seven games the girls strode into the semi on the 25th October away to Gaeil Colmcilles.
The semi saw the girls face Gaeil Colmcille who we had beaten in the earlier rounds but seven games on it was a much improved Kells side that we faced. The girls had to draw on every reserve within to clinch this semi and it was an enthralling battle from goalmouth to goalmouth. Royal Gaels never fell behind in this match but it was close from the off with the girls never able to take their foot off the pedal for a second. Kelly O'Dwyer pointed the first score for Royal Gaels followed by another from midfielder Eimear Traynor. The defence had to be on their toes as the Gaeil Colmcille forwards were very clever in building attacks from defence. On the 12th minute after smothering a Kells onslaught the ball fell loose to a Colmcille girl on the edge of the box and the ever dependable full back Mollie Regan showed true bravery making an inspirational block which stopped a certain point sailing over the bar. Mollie and Saoire Carey in the full back line were at their best on the day, and alongside Caoimhe Rooney and Kevagh Slater in defence, ensured that any score the Kells side notched up was hard fought. At halftime Royal Gaels were one point to the good 0.03 to 0.02. Rachel Huijsdens who, must have covered every blade of grass on the pitch, managed to pull the girls further in front on the resumption of the second half with a distance point with her trusty right boot. Not to be outdone Kells pulled another back to leave it 0.04 to 0.03 with 10 minutes to go. The Gaeil Colmcille defence were very tight on our forwards and were just managing to get slight touches on the ball to take the momentum from our girls. However Royal Gaels are not a team to ever give up and they mounted attack on attack, Georgie Benson and Laura Quinn showed exceptional work ethic in doing a lot of the tough work in closing down defenders, chasing loose balls and generally harassing the Colmcille defence so they never had a moment peace. Halftime substitute Ava Foley made some inroads in full forward almost nicking the ball from the goalie before Kelly O'Dwyer crossed a perfectly flighted ball into Ava's path on the edge of the 6 yard box and Ava's quick thinking to punch instead of catching the ball deceived the keeper and the ball flew into the net. A much deserved and needed goal! Goalie Lara Reynolds has to be commended for her performance which was outstanding; quick off her lines, great decision making, excellent kick outs finding her midfielders and one particular great save from a goal bound lob, she really played her part in winning this semi. Throughout the field the girls were outstanding, every single one showing true team spirit, huge effort and working fantastically well together. Without doubt the final few minutes were nerve wracking but the girls bravely fought it out to face Clan na nGael in the final. (Semi Score: 1.04 to 0.04).
The u11 Division 2 final saw Royal Gaels take on Clan na nGael in Ashbourne. Royal Gaels have been in imperious form throughout the u11 campaign and having beaten the Gaeltacht side in the earlier round games were not taking anything for granted when they took to the field. The opening minutes were edgy with both sides not taking any clear advantage and Royal Gaels saved by the crossbar to prevent the opening score for Clan na nGael. This rub of the green seemed to wake Royal Gaels up and they began to take the upper hand and control the ball with some excellent passing from defence to attack.
Royal Gaels sharpshooter Kelly O'Dwyer was on great form, always an eager outlet for the midfield and backs getting herself in great forward positions, and got the opening point on six minutes. Her partner in attack Niamh Curtin also chipped in with a superbly taken point following a great passage of football, involving the tireless worker Laura Quinn. From their central positions Rachel Huijsdens worked the length of the pitch while her midfield partner Eimear Traynor took an anchor position in the centre field to help protect her defenders. Both popped up in the box to contribute to the scoreline. Throughout the pitch the black and amber side worked solidly and with Molly Regan and Kevagh Slater paroling the defence they snuffed out any chink of light for a Clan na nGael score. Super sub Ava Foley came on in the second half and as ever hovering in the penalty area latched onto a loose ball and had the net rattling! Without doubt this is an excellent squad of players and to keep any team to no score in a final is a great achievement and definitely no slight on the enthusiastic Clan na nGael players who never dropped their heads. The Royal Gaels u11s squad are a great talent with every girl offering something different to the efforts (Score: 4.07 to 0.00). Captain Eimear Traynor proudly accepted the Cup for Royal Gaels and another title for the club!
The u11s have been a fantastic unit throughout the period. With this team split between the u12s and u10s there is a great unity and camaraderie. The input of the u10s that were brought up to compete with the 11s has been great for their development and this added year of involvement will prove very beneficial for them in next year's competition.
The u8/10s enjoyed a positive year with over 30 girls registered and regularly getting 20 to training and matches. Despite not winning any of their competitive matches a huge improvement could be seen with each game and, with the extended training season for this group and a number of challenge games under their belt, the young guns are growing stronger and more confident with each week. The u10 competition saw the girls play Seneschalstown, Donaghmore Ashbourne, Navan O'Mahonys, Dunboyne, Ratoath, St. Colmcilles and Simonstown. Several of the u10s have already shown their potential and progressed to help out the u12s in their campaign and are heavily involved in the u11 competition which is still running at the time of writing. An u10s summer outing to Croke Park gave the girls more enthusiasm for the game and we've no doubt that several of these young Royal Gaelers will be playing on the sacred turf in the years ahead! The girl's enthusiasm has not waned throughout the season and with challenge matches continuing it has been great fun for the girls and mentors alike!
It must also be mentioned that an u12 selection came runner up in a blitz hosted by Blackhall Gaels while an u15 team won the Meath County Blitz in Trim beating Moynalty in the final, so all the underage teams have been part of some successes this year which is a great for their development.
The Senior side had a mixed season with some great performances coupled with equally forgettable displays. For the fourth season running the senior side have competed in the Senior Championship, League Division 1, and Feis Cup competitions. In the Championship the girls were pitted with Donaghmore Ashbourne, Na Fianna and Dunboyne. Unfortunately they failed to win any games and were unlucky to lose out to Donaghmore Ashbourne by one point and Dunboyne by three points. Ultimately the girls were in a relegation play off against local side Blackhall Gaels in September. Played under lights in Ashbourne the game couldn't have been closer and it was an enthralling watch with neither side pulling too far ahead. In the final ten minutes Royal Gaels managed to retain their sharpness in the forwards and were able to weave through the tired Blackhall defence. The ever calm Maeve Scanlon, always a perfect outlet for the defence, came into her own in the last quarter, constantly challenging the weary Blackhall defence. She still had the strength and will to mount an attack and sped into the box receive a pass from Gemma Flanagan and slam the ball into the back of the net. Laura McMahon came off the bench and bagged herself two points with some typically clever moves. Throughout the game the defence had to soak up the Blackhall pressure and Maria Kelly, Laura and Leanne McMorrow, and Cliodhna Delaney made some momentous tackles and blocks to shut down the shooting options. Laura Murray proved to be a great asset in reliving some pressure in carrying the ball out of the danger area and releasing it to her midfielders and half forwards. At the final whistle Royal Gaels came out the winners by 2.02. Senior Championship status retained for 2011 and Blackhall relegated.
During the year Royal Gaels have fielded teams under nine age grades - Senior, u19, u16, u15, u14, u13, two u12s, u11, u10/8s. The club has also had representatives play for the green and gold of the County at Senior, u16, u14 and u12 levels. Well done to all. Senior and u19 captain Niamh O'Sullivan also won a national title this year captaining her college NUI Maynooth to claim the Giles Cup beating Waterford IT at DCU. In November, with the u13s in the final and the u19s still competing, the club have already claimed silverware at u19, u15, u14, u11 grades for 2010 with all other underages getting to latter stages of their competitions.
Massive thanks is extended to the Royal Gaels Committee, particularly Mary O'Regan (Secretary), Veronica Conlon (Chairperson) and Dan O'Sullivan (Vice Chairperson) who undertake all the club administration and ensure that the girls and mentors can just turn up and play football which is what its all about! Their support for the progress of the club and their enthusiasm and willingness to support all grades on wet and windy sidelines is fantastic! Mary has also been Secretary of the Meath Ladies County Board for the past three years which is a great achievement and recognition for the club and a reflection of the esteem Mary is held. Thanks also to all the mentors and coaches who give their time so generously in organising and taking trainings and arranging matches. Thanks from all the girls! Roll on 2011!
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