Before we even left Trim, on a very early sunny Saturday morning, our girls were already making history by being the FIRST EVER CLG Átha Troim Camogie team to compete in the 50-year history of Féile.
Our early start and long journey was more that rewarded when we reached Strangford and took the short ferry journey over to Portaferry. A beautiful sunny morning with the stunning scenery of this Marine Nature Reserve and the excitement of a duo of dolphins, Squidey and Squishy, escorting us across the Lough.
We received a warm welcome from Portaferry’s PRO Trevor and some history of the Club where we then moved to Pitch 1 to set up for our three knockout games. Before the games commenced there was a lovely opening ceremony with all teams gathered together for the singing of our National Anthem.
We received a warm welcome from Portaferry’s PRO Trevor and some history of the Club where we then moved to Pitch 1 to set up for our three knockout games. Before the games commenced there was a lovely opening ceremony with all teams gathered together for the singing of our National Anthem.
Rd 1 Mayobridge (Down) Team Captain Caoimhe Barry supplied a strong pre game talk to set the girls for their first game as they came up against Mayobridge (Down) with the girls starting off in flying form setting a tone for the games to follow coming out on top with a convincing win.
Ellen Murray (3:07) Aoibhinn Ennis (1:00) Ellie Saunders (1:00) Emily O Donovan (0:01) Evelyn Williams Bryne (0:01).
Rd 2 Celbridge (Kildare) With their spirits high they prepared for their next game against a strong Celbridge (Kildare) team. Going into half time 4 points behind with Cellbridge showing that bit more want for the win in the first half, the girls dug deep with a fantastic display of camogie and excelled through the second half to come out with a 1 point win.
Ellen Murray (2:01) Aoibhinn Ennis (0:01) Kayleigh Garry (0:01) Evelyn Williams Byrne (0:01).
With the first two games under their belt the girls were enjoying the day on and off the pitch, with an already great bond getting stronger as the games and day moved on making playing together a lot more enjoyable.
Rd 3 Ballymacnab (Armagh) With their final group game approaching the girls reset again to prepare for Ballymacnab (Armagh) aware of a semi-final position to play for they knew they must come out on top. With a one-sided battle the Trim girls kept pushing to the end not slowing down the fantastic camogie they were showcasing they finished strongly with another convincing win making sure they left their mark in Portaferry. This win put the girls into a cup semi-final which was more than deserved for this brilliant group.
Ellen Murray (1:08) Aoibhinn Ennis (2:03) Emily O Donovan (1:00) Neasa Slattery (0:02).
With a well-earned rest the girls awaited their semi-final opposition. After finishing top of their group, they would play second in Group 1 and after a decision based on score difference, they would face the Birr (Offaly) team. The girls went out to play their knockout game, going in at half time 3 points down behind a very strong physical Birr team. This did not dampen their spirits as they knew they had the strength to fight back. Unfortunately, the Offaly sides control towards the end of the game as it neared the final whistle held firm and Trim’s efforts of a final position were narrowly missed out on after a late Birr goal sealed their win. The girls didn’t give up and played strong right up to the final whistle and left everything they could out on the pitch. Ellen Murray (0:03)
After a long tiring day the girls were ready for the long drive home, a strong connection was now there with all the girls as they made friendships that will last them a lifetime and memories they will never forget.
As the first Trim camogie team to ever reach Feile they have made their Club, families and Community more then proud by reaching the semi-finals and the future is looking bright for Trim Camogie with these young girls coming through the ranks with their maturity, team spirit and skills.
A very special thank you to the girls’ families who travelled with us supporting them through the day. For Tosh Barry in bringing the gazebo a welcome shelter during the break in games, for our sponsors and particularly “The Quiet Man” Rory Hannon who never sees the girls short. We, as a Club are truly grateful to each and everyone of you for your support to the girls and Club.
