The U14A Camogie squad made it to the Finals of Division 2 Feile Competition. On the Saturday they started out winning all 3 games in their group stage against St. Brigids, Peregrines and Raheny. All 3 games were won well by Ballyboden, but the game against St. Brigids was probably the toughest and being the first game of the day, set the tone for how the girls were looking to impress in this Feile Competition. The girls then had a semi – final against Plunketts. Another tough match with the girls recovering from an early goal against them to go in at half time on level scores. However, in the second half the Ballyboden girls went out fighting to win well in the end and to earn a game against Good Counsel in the final.
The match against Good Counsel was going to be a tough one and proved as much. We were missing Cora Ryan in midfield through injury from Saturday and Good Counsel had a particularly strong midfield which put us under pressure. The girls started out slow at the start of the first half, but in the last 7/8 minutes finished very strongly with a goal and it looked like we might be gaining the upper hand. However, in the second half, we took a few hard knocks and just couldn’t match Good Counsel, who went on to win the game. Everyone of the girls on the U14A squad and our three girls from the U13 squad, Aoife, Aisling and Erica, played superb camogie over the two days. I think they surprised themselves with just how good they were against such tough competition. It’s practically impossible to pick out individual girls for special mention as they all played so well and all played as a really good team. Having said that, Elisa Corcoran does deserve to be singled out. She played in goals for most of the games (not her normal position) and made an outstanding contribution to the team, particularly in the final when she made some outstanding saves to keep us in the game.
In the end it was all about the superb teamwork from all involved and it is a weekend that will live long in the girls memories. Finally, a sincere thanks to Gerry, Catherine, Orla and Terry for the support to the team in the training leading up to the Feile and on the day itself – it wouldn’t have been half the success or nearly as enjoyable without them!
Barry, George, Trish & Ann-Marie
The U14B Camogie team played their Feile in Naomh Fionnbarra. Arriving early the squad of 23 girls, mentors and parents were in good spirits and eager to get started. First up were Lucan B, in a tight game Boden edged in front with sterling work of our midfield of Elizabeth Manning and Aoife O’Connor. Heading into the final quarter, Boden backs came under enormous pressure but we rose to the challenge and ran out winners. Georgine Carolan, Helen Thompson, Madeline Chivers and Sarah Leach were outstanding. Our second match pitted us against our old foes from St Annes. Once again the girls showed great character with Emily Byrne, Fiona Deane and Orlaigh Kinsella leading the way. Conceding a goal just before half time has been a killer blow to most teams however the Boden girls chased and tackled all over the pitch for the entire second half. Emma McDonald, Sinead Cummins and Anne Shanley digging deep. Despite their best efforts we could not get back on terms and went into our last game knowing that only a win would see us through. The final match was do or die for the boden girls who showed the upmost courage and immense skill against a well drilled Naomh Fionnbarra team that are a division above our girls. Led by Shona Gannon and ably assisted by her namesake Seona O’sullivan the Boden squad battled all the way and it was level at half time. Driving forward for the winner the Boden girls were caught with a cruel goal. Into the last few minutes we upped our game and spend most of the remainder of the half looking for an equaliser. Despite the best efforts we came up short by the narrowest of margins. Despite being knocked of the competition all 23 squad members has a very enjoyable day. Many thanks to all the parents and supporter who travelled and to the under 13s who joined the squad for the day.
The Mentors; Gordon Chivers, Bernie Kinsella, Maria Gannon.
