Posted By Swinford Killasser LGFC on Dec 2, 2014

Champions Fireworks Blow Challengers Away To Win Clubs Fifth County Title

Double County Champions

Swinford Killasser Ladies Gaelic Football Club created history on Saturday last when the Clubs U16 team won the Division 1 League County Title. This completed the Double for the U16 girls, as they have already being crowned County A Champions. More remarkable though is the fact that this is the Clubs 5^th County Title this year. Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC are 2014 County Intermediate Champions, County Minor League Champions, County U16 League Champions, County U16 A Champions and County U13 A Champions.

Double County Champions

On top of these 5 County titles, the Club were also county finalists in the Minor A Championship and the Division 1 U14 League. And looking to the future, at Under 10 Swinford Killasser won the Aoife Regan Tournament. Over these last ten years the Club has become accustomed to success on a regular basis; having won four County titles in a year on three previous occasions. But, when Swinford Killassers Mayo U16 star Roisin Durkin lifted the Cup on Saturday last, she was doing so in the knowledge that her team were creating history by winning the Clubs 5^th County Title in a single year.

Double County Champions

Beautiful weather greeted these two teams as they took to the Stephanites Park in Ballina for this long awaited Mayo Ladies Division 1 U16 League County Final. And, when the Swinford Killasser girls hit the pitch on Saturday they showed no mercy for their opponents. Their start resembled the explosiveness of the fireworks that would greet them on their return home as double County Champions. They were lightning fast around the midfield, rock solid at the back and dynamite in attack. Grainne O’Neill scored the first goal after five minutes. Melissa Devaney added the second after fifteen. Points by Roisin Durkin, Aoife O’Neill and the two goal scorers had Swinford Killasser ten clear after twenty five minutes.

Double County Champions

Double Champions

Their opponents lone pointed free for the half received an immediate reply, as Roisin Durkin scored the point of the day from all of forty metres out on the stand side of the pitch. This score and Aoife O’Neills exhibition in the art of high fielding will live long in the memory of the Champions supporters who attended this final.

Leading by 2-05 to a point at the break this game was already over as a contest.The second half was more evenly balanced, possibly thanks to some sympathetic refereeing, but Swinford Killasser were never going to be hauled back.

Swinford Killasser Double County Champions

Double Champions

Aoife in goal was flawless. Maeve and Michaela were unflinching in the centre of the defence. Orlaith and Bronagh dealt comfortably with everything thrown at them on the right. Any attack that attempted to come down the left side of defence was abruptly sent packing by the McHugh sisters, Rebecca and Vanessa.

Double Champions

Anna, Aishling and then Melissa were dominant in the middle of the park; with Geraldine, Aoife and Orna supplying an outlet when needed. The only two scores conceded were a well taken, even if generously awarded penalty, and another free kick. Even though reduced to fourteen players for the final ten minutes, there was only going to be one winner. Alanagh, Caoimhe, Kelly and Gemma were introduced for the Champions as the O’Neill twins and team Captain, Roisin Durkin tapped over the points to maintain Swinford Killassers ten point lead until the end.

Double County Champions

5 Times 2014 Champions

The U16 Division 1 League Champions were presented with the Cup by Mayo LGFA Vice-chairman, Martin Tunney. The Double County Champions deservedly celebrated their magnificent achievement. The girls had begun their historic journey by training way back in February and played the most games of all teams in the Club. Extra training and games were added to the season as Swinford Killasser showed great sportsmanship on route to this League Final by offering re-fixtures in two different games, including this final. For these U16 girls the achievement at their own age is naturally the most important fete; finishing as the best team out of twenty four U16 teams in the most competitive girls team sport in Mayo. And, they did it twice in a county that is one of the top Ladies Gaelic footballing counties in Ireland.

Double County Champions

Added to this, many of these girls were also celebrating their vital roles in the Clubs five teams who became County Champions in 2014. The cavalcade back to Swinford for the fifth time this year was greeted by singing, dancing and fireworks at the Champions Reception at Swinford Amenity Park. They had begun the year here in February and now they celebrated all that they have achieved in these famous ten months with Swinford Killasser Ladies Gaelic Football Club.

Swinford Killasser Double U16 County Champions

Congratulations to Swinford Killasser LGFCs U16 Double County Champions; Aoife Groarke, Orlaith Lynskey, Maeve Peyton, Rebecca McHugh, Bronagh Molloy, Vanessa McHugh, Anna Tierney, Aishling Forkan, Geraldine Walsh, Orna O’Brien, Aoife O’Neill, Grainne O’Neill, Melissa Devaney, Roisin Durkin, Alanagh Durkin, Caoimhe Hennigan, Kelly Walsh, Gemma Kelly, Grace Mullaney, Shauna Fallon, Roisin Prendergast, Chloe Moore, Ciara Henry, Edel Nestor, Claire Walsh, Ronya Benson, Sarah Loftus & Meghan Philbin.

Please Support Very Worthy Childrens Cancer Counselling Charity

We ask all our members to support a very worthy Childrens Cancer Counselling Fundraiser which is being hosted by the LGFA at the Connacht Centre of Excellence this Sunday, December 7^th at 12 noon. The event involves a 1km sponsored walk or run aimed at family participation. All funds will go to set up CLIMB (Childrens Lives Include Moments of Bravery) programs locally in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society. CLIMB® is a programme for children aged 5‐12 who are experiencing the impact of a parent’s, other significant adult’s or a brother or sister’s cancer diagnosis. Throughout the programme the children will develop an understanding of cancer and from this understanding the myths and fears that children can hold about cancer will be dispelled. We could all be affected! By clicking on the following links you can view two short videos by Clare Clarke; a young LGFA mother who is championing the cause, following her own diagnosis. In the video Clare explains the purpose of the CLIMB program and also talks to Marty Morrissey at the All Stars about her experiences. Sponsorship Cards can be got by contacting Philip, Brian or Anne. Please come along on the day to support this very worthy cause.

Back To The 80s Musical

Swinford Killasser Champions prepare for Musical

Champions prepare for Musical

Good Luck to all the girls and lads taking part in Scoil Muire & Padraigs “Back to the 80s” Musical this week. Shows are on this Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8pm.