Another excellent performance from the Peil na mBan Junior A squad yesterday saw them comfortably make their way to the Meath LGFA Junior A final in 2 weeks.  A huge achievement for the team in their first year at this level.

Knowing Clann na nGael were going to be a challenging team was always a given but that didn’t seem to worry our crew as they piled on the pressure, and the scores.  

CnG took first blood 4mins in with a goal, followed quickly by a point. Showing a maturity that belies the youth and inexperience the team have at this level, the Trim side didn’t let this spook them taking it on the chin and regrouping.

While the large crowd of Trim supporters wondered if this was the way the game was going to go, this wasn’t the same attitude on the pitch. It took a few more minutes until Shona White put 2 points on the board doing much to settle all the nerves. Shortly thereafter, the always reliable Aoife McDonnell saw her opportunity, having received the ball from some excellent work up the pitch, and she confidently put the ball in the back of the CnG net. 

Settling into the game at this point, both sides were well matched for physicality and skill which showed as CnG added another goal to their tally. Áth Troim were also fighting hard, working well together and passing well to secure a further 3 points , 2 from Emma Hanifin and 1 from Shona White. The crowd were treated to some fantastically entertaining football, with Shona White taking a shot at a crazy angle, from way off to the right of goal that the crowd were sure had dropped into the net. However, only the umpires white flag was raised and all realised the angle was too tight but if it had been a goal…! 

The indomitable full and half back lines were kept very busy in the first half and what a performance they gave. This was an extremely physical game from the start which took the Áth Troim side took the first quarter to adjust to but were well up for it once they got the measure of the opposition. Emma Gibney and Cliodhna Vaughan were on fire, and despite an early injury that the sideline was sure would see her come off, Megan Carolan Flynn did herself proud by keeping going, only coming off then she was at the wrong end of a collision.

The midfield duo of Sarah Caulfield and Sinead Murphy were challenged again and again, pulling off some brilliant dispossession moves all over the pitch. These 2 have been entertaining to watch all year with their quick thinking and fast pace being the scourge of every team they’ve come up against.

The half forward line of Anna Foley, Emma Hanafin and Bláthnaid Hughes worked tirelessly to turnover possession and push past their markers, feeding balls into other players or taking on the challenge themselves and helping secure the lead for Áth Troim.  Anna received a knock that took her off to be replaced by Aoibheann Diamond who made her presence felt within 30 seconds of taking to the pitch and her skill was pivotal for the home side. 

With a lead of 4 points coming to the end of the first half, a third goal from the visitors was the last thing the home side needed bringing CnG back to only a point behind. The half time whistle blew immediately after, leaving the home crowd nothing short of a little anxious. Going into the break with a 4 point lead would have been more palatable. 

HTC Áth Troim 2:05 (11) CnG 3:01 (10)

Following some half time substitutions, Anna Bolger and Abby Moyles joined the fray. At the throw up, Abby made her presence felt immediately, knocking the ball to the waiting arms of Sinead Murphy who made quick work of putting the ball in the back of the CnG net. A very confident and smooth move from both players to the absolute delight of the home crowd. Both players continued to cause hassle for the opposition throughout the remainder of the half.

Having been given the spark of the goal to reignite them, the Trim side put on a display of football that showed how far they have come this year. Showing excellent teamwork, communication, awareness, skill and talent the Áth Troim side were in full control. With a further 2 goals from Emma Hanafin, supported by her midfield and back line team, the visitors couldn’t seem to catch a break. Áth Troim goalie Gráinne Ní Laoire was on her game today, dealing with numerous attempts on goal and a penalty which thankfully hit the post. 

It’s safe to say Áth Troim dominated the second half and showed the more experienced CnG side why they deserve not only their place in Junior A but their spot in the final. 

Points from Shona White and Sarah Caulfield put the Trim side 5-7 to 3:5 ahead coming towards the close when Emma Hanafin, again supported by the excellent back lines and midfield, made a run through the centre and put another goal on the board bringing her total for the match to 3-02. 

FT Áth Troim 6-07 Clann na nGael 3-06

Áth Troim: 

Gráinne Ní Laoire, Dearbhla Brady, Adelle Carolan Flynn (C), Kate Dunne, Emma Gibney, Clíodhna Vaughan, Megan Carolan Flynn, Sinead Murphy(1-0), Sarah Caulfield (0-1), Anna Foley, Bláthnaid Hughes, Emma Hanifan (3-02), Shona White (0-3), Aoife McDonnell (2-0), Katie Newman (0-1)

Subs: Anna Bolger, Abby Moyles, Aoibheann Diamond, Rian Kierns, Rachel Hannon, Meg Ní Scolaí, Alex Donoghue, Rachel Hannon, Holly O’Donnell

Referee - Ian Dowdall

Thank you to Clann na nGael for a very entertaining game, the scoreline certainly doesn’t reflect the work and fighting spirit of the CnG side. As previously mentioned, this game was a particularly physical one, we want to wish those players who picked up knocks during the game a speedy recovery. 

This team have worked so hard for the last few years get to this standard and achieve their goal of reaching the Junior A Championship final in their first year. Despite the ups and downs that come with playing sport at this level, they have shown time and again what a talented team they are, with the full support and dedication of their management and FLO’s. Anyone who knows them, knows they are only scratching the surface of what they can achieve in the sport they love for the club they have dedicated much of their sporting careers to. The potential of this team is incalculable and we cannot wait to see them in action against neighbours Boardsmill in the final in 2 weeks. 

We have a very busy few weeks ahed of us as a club with numerous teams securing places in the Championship finals! Áth Troim Peil na mBan wish the dual players on the Junior A and Junior C football panels huge luck this coming weekend in their Camogie finals. The Junior Team are out on Saturday and our Senior Camogie panel play on Sunday. We also wish our Senior Hurlers the best for their Championship final, the day after our own. Ádh mór ar fad!