These were the words of Bill Barrett, manager of the Claddagh Girls Ladies Gaelic Football team in Luton, as he produced a bottle of Champagne to celebrate their 20 point win over St Barnabas from Nottingham in the Warwickshire Ladies League Final played in Birmingham on Sunday.

It was a physically challenging game on a surprisingly hot September afternoon ending in a score line that didn't reflect how competitive it really was. The Claddaghs started comfortably with scores from a majority of the forward players with the Barnabas keeper making some impressive saves throughout.
Not long into the first half, Claddagh corner back Theresa McAree made a fantastic interception and broke towards the middle of the field only to be tackled (fairly) and end up on the ground with a badly dislocated shoulder. After a 20 minute break to let the paramedics on the pitch, St Barnabas took their first score hitting the back of the net after a total of just four passes starting from the keeper, taking advantage of a laid back and naïve Claddagh side.

The second half offered a shaky start from both sides with Barnabas then coming into their own to score a further goal and two points, but on the day they were no match for the strong Claddagh side which saw a squad of 26 make the trip from Luton to Birmingham.
Some fantastic interceptions from centre half back Aisling Frizlell, consistent defence from Debbie Power, constant running from midfield Louise Gibbons and impressive scores from Grainne Clendenning and Sophie McCafferty led the Claddagh Gaels to a much deserved victory with a score of 6-10 to 2-2 meaning they defended their title as Warwickshire league champions and brought the cup back home.

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