Feile 2016 – U14C team’s experience sums up the spirit of feile
Our day had an early start. We all gathered at the Clubhouse at 8.15 am and the girls were all kitted out in their new Feile gear looking smart and ready to play the part of Feile participants. The three girls who joined us from the U13 squad were equally as prepared. There was great excitement as we travelled in convoy to St. Monica’s who were playing host to the Division 8 Feile teams. On our arrival we registered and the girls filed into the dressing room. Jerseys were assigned, boots were donned and all trooped out for the reading of the Feile Charter and the singing of the National Anthem.
At 10am we all headed round to the Edenmore pitch where we met our first opponents St. Finians of Swords. We won the toss and opted to play with the wind. The girls got stuck in from the very start much to everyone’s delight and excitement. It was an extremely tight match and there was no room for relaxation or boredom. The supporters were vocal but very positive in their support. The match ended with our girls winning 1-3 to 1-1. All lined up and shook hands with their opponents in a most sporting manner.
Our second match was almost immediately after on the same pitch against Craobh Chiaran. Another absolute heart stopper. The girls gave it their all with the rain pouring down. Umbrellas were dragged from everywhere in the vain hope of keeping supporters and subs dry. It was hard on the supporters to keep track of scores and the match ended in a draw with our girls scoring 2-5 to Craobh Chiaran’s 3-2.
We then all trooped back to the clubhouse where the decision was made to give the girls a little breathing space and grab a drink and something small to eat. It was then back to business with our final match against St. Monica’s on their Springdale Rd. Pitch. Yet again another nail biter for all the supporters as our girls were behind all the time but managed to end in a draw. Our girls capitalising on goals scoring 5-0 to St. Monica’s 3-6. This gave our girls the points to top their Feile group and we were on to the semi-final against St. Finian’s. This meant another trek back to the Edenmore pitch. The girls were very wet and cold but they were determined to go out and play their best. Our support had swelled by one as Brendan Moran the Chairman of the Club had arrived. The girls were in front for the whole match and were so unlucky when St. Finians scored a high goal in the last minute to make them the winners. Again the girls lined up to shake hands with their opponents and controlled their disappointment in a dignified manner.
We are so proud of each and every girl. They played their best and gave everything in their matches. We are very grateful for the part the three U13s played in the matches looking as if they were part of the team from the off. A special note of thanks to Miriam Christie on all the amazing photos she took throughout the whole day. Our supporters were a most vital component and kept spirits high right to the bitter end.