Our Under 16 Girls beat neighbours Strokestown to secure the Division 3B Championship yesterday evening.
St Barrys held the upper hand throughout, and won out in spite of a threatened late rally from Strokestown.
St Barrys were at full strength for the first time all year, welcoming back captain Ann-Marie Murphy and Zoe Morris who missed the recent semi final. A goal from Edel Beirne early on settled our girls, and with Ailigh Ni Muiri and Sarah McVeigh on top at midfield, further scores from McVeigh, Lana Fallon, Shannon McGuinness, and Chloe Rogers secured a six point lead at half-time.
Scores were more difficult to come by in the second half in an awkward crosswind. A second goal from Beirne opened up a good lead, but Strokestown responded and narrowed the gap to 4 before another point from the hardworking McGuinness. Strokestown pushed hard at this point, but the Barry’s defence held firm, well marshalled by Murphy and the outstanding Rachel Frayne at centre back. After a scrappy last five minutes, the St Barry’s girls won out on a final score of St Barrys 2-8 Strokestown 2-4
The girls and supporters went on the traditional ‘tour of the parish’ after the game, before going for food and refreshments, kindly sponsored by Stephen & Andrea McGuinness – many thanks folks!
Team:Eimear Diffley, Rosie Trautt, Ann-Marie Murphy, Zoe Morris, Lauren Hannifan, Rachel Frayne, Elizabeth O’Boyle, Ailigh Ni Muiri, Sarah McVeigh(0-2), Katie Rogers, Edel Beirne(2-0), Shannon McGuinness(0-4), Annie McGarry, Lana Fallon(0-1), Chloe Rogers(0-1). Roisin Burke, Karen O’Boyle.
This game ends the Under 16 season, but we hope to see all the girls involved at either U14 or minor as the year progresses. Thanks to Liam Murphy and Fiona McVeigh for mentioning the team throughout the year, and you the parents for bringing the girls to training and games.
The Under 16 boys opportunity to win some silverware tonight when they face Kilmore/Shannon Gaels in the Division 3 League Final. The lads had a good league campaign, topping the league table. A win here will also see the team promoted to Division 2 for the championship season ahead.
Our Adult Men’s team begin their Intermediate Championship campaign when they play Creggs tomorrow. The team have had a steady league so far, and still have an outside chance of promotion in that competition. We face a Creggs team back at Intermediate after winning last year’s Junior Championship. St Barry’s are missing a couple of key players through injuries and exams, but will be quietly confident of getting the championship off to a winning start.
Our Under 12 girls get their Championship campaign underway on Sunday evening next. The squad have been working hard in the background in recent months, performing well in a number of blitz and in the Eastern Spring League. The girls have been thrown into the deep end, playing at Division 1 level, but given the work they have done, they will be well placed able to compete at that level.