Swinford Killasser Minor Ladies Are Champions

Posted By Swinford Killasser LGFC on Nov 19, 2014

Swinford Killasser Minor Ladies Are 2014 County Champions

Super Finish Wins County Minor Ladies Title for Swinford Killasser

Minor Ladies Final

Swinford Killasser LGFC Minor Ladies won the Clubs fourth County Title of the year with an impressive finish to Saturdays County Minor Final. Trailing by three points with fifteen minutes remaining, the girls put in a stunning final quarter to win by 3-12 to 1-07. Having scrapped to stay in the competition with a late draw in the semi-final against Carnacon, the girls again had to dig deep when Knockmore hit the front at a crucial stage of this County Final.

Minor Ladies Final

And, this amazing group of Swinford Killasser players showed the character of real champions as they once again stepped up to the mark; scoring 3-05 in a spectacular display of football in that last quarter to leave Knockmore stunned, as the Minor Ladies of Swinford Killasser became 2014 County Champions.

It may be the middle of November, but this County Final played in perfect weather conditions on an immaculate playing surface in Bonniconlon, will undoubtedly go down as one of the best Ladies Gaelic Football games of the year. The game had everything any football lover could ask for as the two proud Clubs of Swinford Killasser and Knockmore put in an exhibition of all that is good about football.

Minor Ladies Final

Swinford Killasser aided by the breeze in the first half scored the first two points of the game from frees. Knockmore replied with two of their own to tie the game after ten minutes. Space was very limited in this first half, as two teams who are obviously very familiar with each other’s strengths were set up to cancel each other’s danger players out. Swinford Killasser did edge proceedings and the half time score of six points to three was a pretty accurate reflection of how the half went. In truth, Knockmore would probably have been the happier of the two teams at the break. They were within three points and would be wind assisted in the second half.

Minor Ladies Final

This confidence seemed well founded as in typical Knockmore fashion they tore into their opponents from the restart. Lara Sweeney, Amy O’Connor and Rebecca Langan all threatened to unhinge the Swinford Killasser defence. After ten minutes, they had the scores levelled at six points apiece. In the forty fifth minute they hit the front with a stunning Shauna Howley goal and looked likely to run away with the contest. But, an immediate reply with a point from Orna O’Brien sent out the signal that Swinford Killasser were still here.

Minor Ladies Final

This was followed up by two points to level matters, before Melissa Devaney set up a Roisin Durkin goal for Swinford Killasser to go three ahead. Amy McNicholas made a fantastic save to preserve the lead. Hayley Moore and Rebecca Lenehan drove at the Knockmore defence, for whom Aoife O’Neill was now an added headache. Melissa Devaney added Swinford Killassers second goal and the elusive forward was brought down for a penalty when she looked odds on to add another. Roisin Durkin coolly slotted the penalty away to put the new Champions out of sight. This awesome last fifteen minutes meant that at the final whistle Swinford Killasser had triumphed by 3-12 to 1-07.

Minor Ladies Final

These two Clubs have met in countless big games in recent times and always go hell for leather at each other for the hour. And then, when the game is over they will shake hands in the true spirit of sport, until they meet again. This attitude from both sets of players, helped by a firm but rational display of refereeing, ensured this game was one of the most enjoyable Finals to watch this year. As in all finals there can be only one winner, and over the hour Swinford Killasser were well deserved winners. A beaming Rebecca Lenehan received the Cup on behalf of her team from Mayo LGFA Chairman, Tom Lavelle.

2014 Minor Ladies Final

Minor Ladies Final

This sparked scenes of wild celebrations among the Swinford Killasser Minor Ladies. Although, for many of them this is their fourth County Title this year; this one is sweet. These girls had tasted the bitter pill of their unlucky championship final and had to earn this league title the hard way. These factors always make the taste of victory all the sweeter.

Bonfires by the Moy

Killasser Welcomes Minor Ladies Champions

Our latest County Champions received a deserved welcome home as they were greeted with bonfires when they brought the Cup over the river Moy between Killasser and Swinford on Saturday evening. Our victorious Minor Ladies team then continued their celebrations back to a reception at Swinford Amenity Park.