Our Under 15 girls rounded off an outstanding season this weekend with a Championship victory, overcoming a strong Bredagh team to add to their League and Feile Championship titles.
The game was played in front of a large crowd at St. John’s Drumnaquoile, and for added excitement, the game was being streamed live on Facebook by Bredagh, with commentary from none other than Jerome Quinn and messages of support streaming in from friends and family all over the country and further afield.
Both teams put on fine performances on the day, with the scoreboard ticking over well for both teams and the lead changing hands a number of times. In the end, the Carryduff girls edged Bredagh out by 2 points with some super scores from Ciara McLornan & a superb point from distance under pressure from Eimear Napier in the dying seconds.
Composure under pressure sees the girls through
The girls’ ability to play under such pressure was impressive for all to see. Consistently, the Duff girls worked tirelessly to put the Bredagh team under pressure, create turnovers and patiently built play against a stubborn Bredagh defence. Cara Donnolly and Ellie Sergeant came out from halftime with fire in their belly – notching the point and goal which edged Carryduff back into the lead and settled the team down after a rallying call from the coaching team at the break. Eimear McReynolds chipped in with 3 impressive scores – 2 in the vital 3rd quarter as Carryduff fought back to take a dominant lead.
Head Coach Shane Donnolly was clearly delighted with the performance recognising outstanding performances across the pitch, and across the whole squad who’ve performed so well all season.
“This group of girls has developed and delivered for us all season. They’ve been a fantastic bunch and today’s performances across the pitch – particularly in the second half when we stepped up to a massive challenge – is something which makes us very proud as a coaching team.”
“Our midfield and attack linked up so well, particularly in the second half when they got the bit between their teeth. We know what they are capable of and the threat they can bring to any team.
“But it’s the tough work that impresses us so much. We have girls like Lara Deegan, who was on crutches 4 weeks ago, who worked her socks off to get fit and was unlucky not to get a couple of goals late on. Meabh Napier was in her sickbed this morning and was touch and go to start. She got through enormous and important work for us in midfield today. Our captain Roisin was immense. You could see she was determined we would take the trophy home. Her point in the first half showed everything she has in her locker but she was end to end the whole game. Great to see and a great example for the younger players around her.
“Our defence was solid as a rock against a talented attacking threat. Sophie Kelly Bradley tracked a very pacy forward today, winning her battle. Orla McCaul, Shauna Cooney and Eimear Napier were so dependable throughout the game – as they have been all season. Anna McArdle played superbly the whole game, up-front in the first quarter and defensively after a switch in the first half. Ashling Wojcieszak and Sarah Ella were both playing well and were unlucky to come off as we made some tactical switches to deal with the pressure they were putting us under. Caoimhe Sherry and Maria McLornan both came into that match, at that pace and did great jobs too.
“We’ve Cara Cassin, who’s stepped into goals for us in recent weeks and has done a great job. She’s shown great commitment to the team, demonstrated composure in a very challenging game today – with the distribution from kickouts which gets us moving again and she’s also produced some important saves, following a vital one in the dying minutes vs Burren in the semi-final.
“It was a performance from the whole squad, the players who didn’t get to play played their part by pushing everyone hard in training.”
“Special mention must also go to the girls who weren’t able to attend for various reasons today Katy Quinn, Isa McCarron, Zara Armstrong, Sophie Kerr and Sophie White – all of whom have been with us all season.
“What’s also impressive is that 10 of the players on the pitch at the final whistle will remain at this age group next year – demonstrating the strength of the group and potential for the future.”
We can certainly echo those thoughts. Well done to all involved. Carryduff Abu.
Commiserations too, to a very talented Bredagh team who lost narrowly on the day.
Final Score
Carryduff 1-13 vs Bredagh 2-8
Scorers
Ellie Sergeant (1-4); Eimear Mcreynolds (0-3); Ciara McLornan (0-2); Eimear Napier (0-2); Roisin McKenna (0-1); Cara Donnolly (0-1)
Highlights from the game
Please use a desktop device to watch video snippets – skip to scene may not work on mobile.
Vital Score from Ciara McLornan puts Carryduff into the lead in dying minutes
Stunning Score from Eimear Napier in final seconds
Cara Donnolly & Ellie Sergeant with Vital Scores straight from 2nd Half Throw In
Solo Score from Roisin McKenna in First Quarter
Why not sit back and watch the game in full on the video below. Thanks to Bredagh GAC and to Jerome Quinn Media for the fantastic footage and commentary of this great game which both teams should be so proud of. What a great advertisement for Down Ladies Football, which demonstrates the potential for the future Down Ladies teams.
