Na Gaeil Ladies All Ireland Féile Champions
Na Gaeil Ladies u 14 All Ireland Féile Champions
What a weekend for the Na Gaeil U14 Ladies! All Ireland Feile Na nOg champions 2016!
This was a huge achievement for the club and well deserved following the tremendous work put in by the girls and the mentors. The girls had their opening game at the John Mitchel’s complex against a tough Kingscourt, Cavan team.
Both teams put in a huge effort and it looked as if the game was lost as we were 2 points down going into the last minute only for Muire Kingston to pounce on a droped ball by the Kingscourt goalie and slot the ball in the back of the net! Kingscount 1-3 Na Gaeil 1-4.
Friday evening saw the girls second game again at the John Mitchel’s complex this time against a Scotland combination team. The girls were much more relaxed in this match and proved too strong for the visitors. Na Gaeil 4-13; Scotland 0-0.
Following a great night of food and entertainment at the club on Friday night the girls faced the London girls in Kileen in the Sat. morning match.
Again the home side proved too strong and Na Gaeil girls ran out comfortable winners. Na Gaeil 5-09; London 0-0. The girls had no further games on Saturday which gave them plenty of time to prepare for the parade. The girls looked superb in their new gear – a big thank you to our main sponsors: Costello Builders, Garyowen Transport and O’Neill Van Rentals.
Also we extend a big thank you to all the supporters who cheered the girls on during the parade. Saturday night saw another great night at the club where the visitors and home teams were fed and entertained – thanks to Sean and all the staff and parents who provided the food.
Then came Sunday, not a day for the faint hearted! Our semi final saw us up against a very strong Finuge/St.Senan’s team at the Kilcummin pitch.
Na Gaeil played into a tough wind in the first half and some strong defending by the girls and some great saves from Aine O’Sullivan in goal saw us concede only one goal.
While at the other end Mary and Caragh scored a point each. With the wind advantage in the second half the girls in green were controlling much more of the play and putting together a lot more attacks. Mary scored a point from a free followed shortly by a point from Freya O’Connor. Mary then took a nice point from play.
Abi then showed her skills with a sweetly taken goal. Mary rounded off the scoring with another point from a free. Na Gaeil 2-06 Finuge/St.Senan’s 1-00.
The team got an hours break to get some food and rest before the final. At 4:00 in the Lewis road pitch in Killarney Na Gaeil captained by Mary O’Connell and Abi Casey faced Cromane. There was a great atmosphere at the ground thanks to the big support.
Cromane started the game at a fast pace and were linking very well together. Our defenders were under pressure and Cromane got an early goal followed by a point. Abi got Na Gaeil off the mark with a well taken point. However, Cromane came back strong again and scored another goal.
Approaching halftime things were not looking good for our girls then from well out the pitch Dearbhla Quirke took a huge kick that looked like it was going over for a point but dipped under the bar to give us a great lift. Mary followed with a point from a free leaving the halftime score at Cromane 2-01 Na Gaeil 1-02.
There was some hard talking at half time and the girls went out for the second half with fire in the bellies! This was Na Gaeil showing what they are capable of when the chips are down.
Every one of the girls gave 100% and played for each other. Cromane kept battling and added two more points. Then Mary got possession around mid field and did one of her trade mark runs getting past five Cromane defenders and driving the ball to the back of the net. Things were starting to turn but time was running out.
Muire then slotted a lovely point from a tight angle. And then came the game changer, Na Gaeil were attacking on goal when one of our players was brought to ground in the Cromane square.
The ref pointed to the penalty spot and Mary stepped up for what must have been one of the most pressured kicks she would ever take. But cool as a breeze she again hit the back of the net. Game level at 3-03 a piece and the ref blew the final whistle.
The girls were out on their feet but somehow dug deep to go the extra ten minutes for extra time. There was very little between the teams at this stage and both sides were giving it their all.
Then during one of the Na Gaeil attacks Cromane cleared the ball only for Muire to intercept and kick a crutial goal. The game was far from over and Cromane came close on levelling the match again only for another great save from Aine and a fine clearance off the line by Brid Sinnot. Then came the insurance point, Abi burst through from the wing and calmly put the ball between the posts.
Two minutes later the ref blew the final whistle and there was the greatest ever Na Gaeil cheer from the crowd, the mentors but most of all the gallant Na Gaeil under 14 girls team! Abi introduced the girls as they received their medals and Mary gave a heart felt speech. Cameras were clicking and there was a wonderful atmosphere around the stand. We then made our way back to Tralee will a trail of cars following the bus home making plenty of noise.
We were greeted at Faranfore by a Garda car to give us an escort for our return to town. Philip kept the girls singing and cheering all the way. We finally reached the Na Gaeil clubhouse to a great welcome.
The girls received a well deserved party. Great credit goes to Eddie Sheehy who put so much work into the preparations for this Feile weekend. Also, thanks to the other mentors Susan Fernane, Philip Dewy and Troy O’Connell.
But most of all three cheers for : Aine O’Sullivan, Megan Fernane, Brid Sinnot, Sophie Lowham, Megan Lynch, Kayleigh Murphy, Kayleigh Costello, Abi Casey, Mary O’Connell, Muire Kingston, Emma Savage, Ciara De Rath, Dearbhla Quirke, Sarah Barrett, Freya O’Connor, Kayla O’Brien, Eimer O’Sullivan, Caragh O’Neill, Emily Crowe, Isabelle Crowe, Ailbhe Daly and Emma Dewy
Féile U 14 After months of planning and preparation, Féile finally took place last weekend.
The boys travelled to Mountcoal on Friday evening to play St Senan’s and Longford Slashers. Our first game was against the host team St Senan’s and Na Gaeil kicked off the weekend with a good start winning the game 2-10 to 1-3. Na Gaeil were ahead in this game from the start and went in at half time leading 1-5 to 1-2.
The got into their stride in the second half and ran out comfortable winners in the end. Our second game was against the Longford champions, Longford Slashers.
This was a closer game and there were only two points between the teams at half time. However once again Na Gaeil put in a good second half performance to leave the final score Na Gaeil 2-5, Longford Slashers 0-3. Our aim was to win our two games on Friday evening to ensure a place in the cup completion so all players and mentors were happy leaving Mountcoal on Friday evening.
On Saturday morning, we met our visitors Lucan Sarsfields in Killeen. Lucan had comfortably won their two games on Friday evening so we knew that this would be a tough encounter.
Due to a couple of injuries picked up in the earlier games, we had to change the line out and a number of players had to play in new positions. The opening minutes of the game were close but two goals in the first half from Lucan proved decisive and they lead at half time by 2-6 to 0-3. The second half was much closer but Na Gaeil could not reduce the visitors lead and the game finished Na Gaeil 0-6 Lucan Sarsfield’s 3-7.
We made the short trip in the afternoon to Connolly Park to play our quarter final against Naomh Eanna from Gorey. We knew that there would be no easy games at this stage especially against a team who reached the division one final last year. The first half was a close affair and despite trailing by a goal at half time Na Gaeil were still confident of victory.
However, Gorey made a great start to the second half and scored their second goal in the opening minutes. This score drove the Wexford side on. Na Gaeil struggled to gain possession in the second half, and a second goal later in the half proved decisive. Despite this Na Gaeil never gave up and were rewarded with a goal in the closing minutes to leave the final score Na Gaeil 1-3; Naomh Eanna 3-5.
The players were very disappointed at the final whistle but soon realised that they should be very proud of their performances over the weekend. They were excellent representatives for the club and playing Féile Champions from other counties will only improve this young team.
Off the field, the weekend as a tremendous success as once again Na Gaeil proved what a great club it is.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the weekend; our host families who looked after the visiting players and mentors, all the people who supplied food etc. over the weekend, the team on Friday night who fed over 200 people, the bar staff, the grounds team who had the pitch & dressing rooms in excellent condition and everyone else within the club who contributed to a great weekend.
We hosted the London and Lucan clubs but also hosted quarter finals on Saturday and semi finals on Sunday involving another 8 clubs. Everyone who visited left with a great impression of the club, its members and facilities.
Finally, on behalf of the boys U14 team congratulations to the girls on their Féile victory. They were worthy winners and their victory in Lewis Road on Sunday afternoon was a brilliant way to finish off the weekend.
Seniors Our senior team play Moyvane in Round 7 of the County League this weekend.
Juniors Na Gaeil play Austin Stacks at home in the Junior Town League on Monday July 4th at 7.30pm.
Minors Our minors had a very exciting Central Region Div 1 game away to Laune Rangers on Thursday last but went down by a last minute point on 5-14 to 6-12. This was a great exhibition of teamplay and scoring by both sides and played in an excellent spirit and gamesmanship by both teams. Training schedule was issued to players and we can look forward to putting in some good training now for July and August so players can take the next step up in their development.
U 14 Na Gaeil travelled to Castlegregory last Monday evening for the second round of the 2016 Central Region league. The home side opened the scoring with two early points. However Na Gaeil were level minutes later with two unanswered points. Castlegregory regained the lead but Na Gaeil struck back with a goal and three points to open a five point lead. The home side replied with their fourth point but this was immediately cancelled by another score from Na Gaeil on 15 minutes. The scoring pattern continued in the second quarter with the teams swapping scores. However, Na Gaeil got a goal just before half time to leave the score at the interval Na Gaeil 2-9; Castlegregory 0-7.
The home side got the first score of the second half, but as in the first half Na Gaeil immediately replied with a score. The game continued from end to end and Castlegregory scored a goal and a point to reduce the margin to four points. However, Na Gaeil did not panic and got the next three scores to cancel out the home side’s goal. Castlegregory got a further two points to one from Na Gaeil to leave six points between the teams as the game entered the final quarter. Castle got the next score to reduce the deficit but Na Gaeil as so often this season struck back with three unanswered points. Again Castleregory refused to give up and they scored their second goal of the game to give them hope of a comeback. However that was their last score and two further points from Na Gaeil left the final score Na Gaeil 2-19; Castlegregory 2-12.
This was a good sporting game with some excellent scores from both sides. Due to graduations in two schools Na Gaeil were missing a number of players and only had a panel of 16 for the match. Despite this, all players present played well and all contributed to the victory. The next game in the Central Region is home to Ballymac.
Panel: S Daly, S Ryan, E O’Connor, T Walsh, D Henrickson, O Maunsell, J O’Sullivan, T O’Hainiféin, J Sheehan, J Bourke, M Burke, J McCarthy, D Burns, T Reen, D Moriarty, E Sheehy.
U 10 There won’t be any training next Sunday morning July 3rd in Na Gaeil due to the Munster Finals in Killarney that day. But in the meantime don’t forget to keep practicing your skills at home.
U 8 Evening training will continue next Thursday 30th June at 6.30pm and next Sunday at 11am.
Please bring your ball and water/gumshields.
Those who are interested in participating in the Kellogs Cul Camp (1st week of July) and the Na Gaeil football camp, (Last week of July) can get further information at the club house or at the next training session.
Congratulations to the Na Gaeil U14 girls team & management who were overall winners at the Féile Competition. What a fantastic achievement!
Na Gaeil Ladies Na Gaeil Ladies v Rathmore, Mary Jo Curran Cup, Round 1
We played at home on Thursday evening. We came up against a strong experienced Rathmore team. Blaithnaid stood in goals for us and made some fine kick outs with our half backs Kate Anne and Sarah fighting for each one.
Aine had her battle with their centre forward but was winning well until she received a yellow card and a sin bin for 10 mins. It was a harsh decision that cost us as we struggled to settle and Rathmore took full advantage to get a couple of goals and 4 points. Meabh, Meagan and Kate Anne scored our only 3 points for the 1st half as we were playing into the wind. Rathmore’s keeper made a great save from Erika. Aine was restored to the team for the 2nd half and we took control with Nora having the 1st shot on goal but Keeper made a strong save.
We started to batter their goals as we made our comeback. Mairin, Martina and Susan stood firm on the backline and enabled our half backs to get forward. Jadyn scored a point followed by one from Meabh, Meagan got us another point. Meagan had another shot on goal but was saved again. Caoimhe, Blaithnaid, Clodagh O Connor and Clodagh Mc Hugh could not get past a strong Rathmore defence but we put Rathmore to the sword with their keeper making point blank saves from Erika, Jaydn and Meagan. This was a good performance which didn’t merit the loss.
Cash For Clubs Na Gaeil is now registered in the ‘Topaz Cash for Clubs’ initiative. Any club Members who are also Topaz card holders are able to allocate tokens to the Club and help raise funds
Na Gaeil Cycling Club Na Gaeil Cycling Club are now up and running with their full summer schedule: Monday and Wednesday nights at 6.15pm and Saturday mornings at 9am.ALL ARE WELCOME, high vis essential
Fir na Gaeil Light Football Training for Men who have retired from playing football and for those that have not played and would like to try it out. Very little skill is required. We train on Monday and Friday nights from 7.30 to 8.30pm. This is a great way to keep fit with light training, ball games and a bit of a laugh. Contact Eddie at 0876791460 for more info.
Mná Na Gaeil , We are a Gaelic for Mothers and Others team who come together and do a bit of exercise, football training and socialising. Anyone who would like to join are most welcome, No skills are required, just a good attitude and a sense for fun. We are out in the field on Wednesday nights and Saturday evenings. Boots or Runners are all that are required. Contact Eddie at 0876791460 for more info.
Lotto The draw for the jackpot of €4,000 took place on Tuesday evening last. Numbers drawn were 1, 2, 24, 27. There was no winner. €50 winners were Seán Brick, Churchill and Evan Crean, Racecourse Lawn. €25 winners were Marie Dalton, Fairway Heights, Tara O Connell, Oakpark, Tim Coffey, Beaufort and Ml. O Neill, Kilflynn. Next week’s lotto is worth €4,100 .All welcome for draw in club each Tuesday at 10.30pm.
Bingo Bingo is on every Monday night at 8.30pm sharp. We have prize money of over €1,000 guaranteed every week with a mini jackpot that increases fortnightly when not won. A door prize and a half-time raffle with lovely prizes will also take place every week. . A bus service is available at 087 2817577. You can ring this number for pick up and drop off. 100% of the funds raised go back directly into the club. The bingo is run on a total voluntary basis and a huge thank you to all the parents who offer their time to run this vital fundraiser for the club. If anyone wants to donate a spot prize for our weekly bingo raffle, please leave it at the club house and mark it “Bingo”. Thanks to all our patrons who support this event on a weekly basis.
Cards: A card game is held every Wednesday night in the clubhouse. This is a very sociable occasion where you meet your friends for a great night’s entertainment and relaxation. Everyone from novice to senior will enjoy a relaxing game of 45.
