Feile 2017 produced an epic weekend of ladies football action over two days which saw every kind of weather system including pouring rain, hailstones and bright sunshine. The girls from Ballyboden St Endas did the club proud with all 3 teams producing good attacking football and going close to winning their respective Divisions.
The Boden A team hosted Division 1 Group B of the Feile and played 2 group matches on Saturday beating Na Fianna by 2-10 to 1-3 and Clan Na Gael, Fontenoy by 3-8 to 3-3 to qualify for the semi finals where they played Clontarf in Cherryfield. The girls played brilliantly to beat a decent team by 4-5 to 1-2.
The final on Sunday was played in St Peregrines fine grounds in Hartstown which was bathed in glorious sunshine. Ballybodens opponents were familiar rivals Foxrock Cabinteely who we had beaten after extra time in last years Championship final.
FoxCab were ahead by 0-4 to 0-2 at half time after playing with a slight breeze and deploying 2 sweepers which had a stifling effect on the Boden girls. FoxCab were quickly out of the blocks to go 3 points up early in the second half. This prompted the Boden girls into action and they got the next 2 points to cut the lead to the minimum. A head injury to a Boden player disrupted the comeback and FoxCab scored a close in free after a counter attack which meant our girls had to go for goal in the closing stages when there were chances of points. At the final whistle, Fox Cab had won on a scoreline of 0-6 to 0-4.
The Ballyboden girls played their hearts out with all 24 of them getting game time over the four matches including three U-13 girls who were part of the panel to gain valuable experience of Feile. We try to play attacking entertaining football at all times against opponents who usually employ sweepers to contain our girls. We have a talented, committed panel who will have many good days ahead in their GAA lives and they deserve no less.
Thanks to everyone who helped us over the weekend and the last few months. The Feile Committee under Michelle Fitzpatrick who raised funds to kit out the girls and mentors. Fergal Brennan and Theresa Molahan who provided extra training and Gabby Harding who gave goalkeeping coaching to our girls. Mandy McCabe and her team of FLOs who were present at all training sessions and matches. The Ladies Football Committee who ensured we had all the equipment and support needed. Frank Smyth and the Cullen family for sponsorship leading up to Feile. My fellow mentors Colm Bolger and Dave Quinlivan for all their time, advice and patience! The parents and families of the girls for their super support over the 2 days of Feile. Finally and most importantly, our fantastic panel of girls who it is a pleasure to mentor. Hold your heads high girls, you are a credit to your families and your club.
Danny O’Connell
