Swinford U16 Girls Are Connacht Champions
Swinford U16 Girls Are Connacht Champions
Scoil Muire Agus Padraig Overcome St Nathys in Cracking Connacht Final
Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC congratulates our U16 girls and their Parke team mates on their Post Primary Schools Connacht Final win on Tuesday. Scoil Muire & Padraig took on, and defeated St Nathys of Ballaghadereen in a thrilling Connacht Final at The Connacht Centre of Excellence, to become 2015 PPS Connacht Junior Champions. This was a real roller coaster game, where both schools enjoyed periods of dominance. And both sets of players deserve credit for providing the substantial crowd in attendance with such an entertaining spectacle. In the end though, Swinford deservedly emerged as Champions, and will now go on to represent Connacht in the All-Ireland semi-final against the Ulster Champions.
Although played in early February, this final was played in perfect conditions for football. Swinford began strongly and were ten points up after twenty minutes. This lead could have being more but for two shots which rattled the crossbar and a disallowed goal. Buoyed by this, Ballaghadereen finished the half stronger with three goals including one from the penalty spot; to leave the half time score 3-07 to 3-04. St Nathys continued this trend for the first fifteen minutes of the second half and even pushed into a four point lead. But, with the experience of having played so many big games Scoil Muire & Padraig never panicked, kept their shape and turned the score around to lead by five as the game entered injury time. A resolute Swinford defence, in which Liadan Forkan, Anna Tierney and player of the match Michaela Walsh stood out, held back the waves of Ballaghadereen attacks for ten of the unexplainable twelve minutes of added time. A goal after ten of these minutes brought the difference down to two points, but it was never going to be enough to deny the Scoil Muire & Padraig girls.
Swinford captain Roisin Durkin received the cup on behalf of her elated team mates from Connacht Council Chairman, Liam Costigan. This is Scoil Muire & Padraigs first Connacht title since 2009 and is a repeat of the previous year’s U16 Championship win. These girls from Swinford Killasser and Parke Ladies Clubs collectively celebrated their historic victory for their school. They were joined in celebration by their coaches who have gelled them together and guided them to this magnificent win; Ms Keane, Mr Carey and Mr Morley. Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC congratulates each and every one of the players and mentors involved; and we wish the Connacht Champions from Scoil Muire & Padraig the best of luck as they take on the Ulster Champions in the All-Ireland semi-final next month.
Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC Registration
Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC Registration will take place on Friday the 27th of February at Swinford Amenity Park. All players interested in playing with the Club are asked to register between 6 pm and 8 pm on this evening. Also, with the new season fast approaching, we are looking for help in all areas of the Club. 2014 was a very successful year for the Club. To continue this into 2015 we will need many new people to take on roles, varying from training/managing teams to Club admin work. If you are willing to give even a little of your time, please contact Philip, Anne or Brian.