After a heavy defeat in the group section the previous day at the hands of Lucan, we knew that a plan ‘B’ was needed. Despite the best laid plans, 34 seconds into the Division 1 final, Lucan Sarsfields snatched an early goal. However they never got the chance to build a platform on that score because within a minute we had levelled it. A piece of individual brilliance by Hollyn Kennedy who controlled a long delivery in the air with the stick, took possession and made some ground before firing to the net off her left side.
Lucan regained the lead in the 8th minute with a point from a free by captain Aoife Mahon. Throughout the field Boden were showing well Saoirse Hassett pulled a mighty ball out of the clouds and Faye O’Reilly did superbly in the Lucan goals to deny Hollyn Kennedy another goal.
However Hollyn would not be stopped and when Saoirse Fitzgerald sent a long effort goalwards, the Boden sharpshooter was on hand to first time to the net. Our girls seemed to have a slight edge in attack with Katie McDonald playing superbly on the wing and Aisling Byrne was also outstanding. The latter provided a very clever pass in the 16th minute to place Hollyn Kennedy for an excellently worked point. When Katie McDonald drove over a free on the 20th minute Ballyboden went into the break 2-2 to 1-1 in front.
Both teams showed some tremendous skill in poor underfoot conditions. Chloe O’Connor and Laura Quinn were leading the Lucan charge and in the 25th minute a free from Aoife Mahon cut the gap to just a goal. Our defence started in our full forward line. This was epitomised by full blooded blocks on Lucan defenders by Alanna McGarry, Blathnaid Slater and Robyn Flynn.
Muireann Delaney, Erica Tobin and Olivia Meagher worked tiredlessly to clear dangerous situations. Anything that sneaked through was dealt with solidly by the full back line; Sadhbh, Deirdre and Sinead, with Sinead plucking a ball out of the clouds with authority. Solid clearances were picked up by a very industrious half forward line, with Sarah-Ann working tirelessly. A close range free appeared to offer us the chance to go back four in front but a clever low shot by Katie McDonald’s went all the way to the net for a crucial goal. A ‘stunning’ catch by Hannah Leddy was the response from the puck out. A heart stopping moment followed, when Lucan were awarded a penalty with two minutes of normal time remaining.
However Aoife Mahon’s well struck shot was brilliantly saved by Ally Ramsden and Katie McDonald cleared it away from danger. With the game in added time, Lucan staged one more rally and a great effort by Lucan was saved by Ally Ramsden but the ball had just passed the line.
We were ecstatic to hear the final whistle blow from the puck-out as we deservedly claimed the club’s 10th Dublin Féile na nGael Division 1 crown. The girls performed outstandingly and did the jersey proud. After a lovely speech by Muireann Delaney, Ally Ramsden was deservedly named player of the match. After much discussion Katie McDonald was nominated as player of tournament in this year’s Féile na nGael 2015.
The success of the weekend was built around the squad of 24 enthusiastic and committed girls, who supported each other magnificently over the two days.
Ally Ramsden, Sadhbh Nic Mathuna, Deirdre Murray, Sinead Hussey, Cathy Flanagan, Shauna Walsh, Ciara McCullough, Hannah Tevlin, Saoirse Hassett, Hannah Leddy, Saoirse Fitzgerald, Muireann Delaney (captain), Olivia Meagher, Elaine Whelan, Ciara Woodcock, Hollyn Kennedy, Katie McDonald, Erica Tobin, Sarah-Ann Murphy, Aisling Byrne, Alanna McGarry, Robyn Flynn, Laura Mullen and Blathnaid Slater.
The B team had the unenviable task of getting the five game Sunday Féile programme off to a start in the worst of the cold and rain but they rose to the challenge nonetheless.
A brave, skilful and highly committed Boden side competed for every ball of it their lives depended on it.
From the outset, the game had the appearance of a low-scoring affair and that’s how it transpired. The highlight of the first half was a great save by Ruby Collin in the Ballinteer goals from a determined Beth O’ Neill strike. Beth was the class act on view displaying great footwork and skill but unfortunately most of her excellent work was hampered by the wet, windy weather and the soft ground.
The sides were level at half time and deep into the second half. Extra-time looking like it would be needed until Eve Berry of Ballinteer claimed possession and following a 35m run fired home a spectacular goal – a matchwinner if ever there was one.
From then until the final whistle it was a dogfight between two well skilled teams. Despite the gallant efforts for an equaliser it wasn’t forthcoming. Ciara Duffy (captain) built a strong platform for several brave attacks, and Caoimhe Lynn kept goals superbly, but try as they might the ball would not cross the Ballinteer whitewash.
The rhythm of the Boden play was significantly disrupted with the injury to Emily Sharkey who had led the half forward line with her usual powerful play. We wish her a speedy recovery.
This team over the full weekend displayed all of the winning characteristics of attitude , teamwork, and honesty which we have come to expect of them. This talented team will have many more good days.
Caoimhe Lynn, Zara Beatty, Roisin O’Sullivan, Chloe Curran, Emma O’Riordan, Ciara Duffy (Captain), Aoife Leavy, Lauren Gray, Megan Gray, Rachel Kilmartin, Beth O’Neill, Emily Sharkey, Rena Zervaki, Alice Gell, Victoria Cotter, Mia Doyle, Rebecca Pelosi, Katherine Kelly, Caoimhe Milton, Leah Fagan.