The U11 Camogie girls were treated to a pristine St. Enda’s Park which was drenched in glorious sunshine for the matches against Naomh Olaf on Sunday 24th April. Each club was represented by thirty five players a piece which made for some very exciting action. It is often hard to fathom just how far the girls have come, Naomh Olaf included, in terms of skill and competitiveness.

Ballyboden fielded three teams.

 

 

Team 1 managed by mentors Peter Hassett and John Kirwan were delighted with their win after a slow start where Olaf’s took the lead after 9 minutes with a soft goal, followed by a drought for the next ten minutes or so. Ballyboden came back with scores from Julie Brady and Megan Nugent thus taking the pressure off when we came into the break. Boden got off to a flying start in the second half with scores from Caoilin Dunne, Eimear Kirwan, Ailbhe Christie, Aisling Quinn and Eva Hassett. Despite tenacious efforts, Olaf’s were unable to convert enough scores to make a difference come the full time whistle.

Team two were managed by John Cadell and Declan Roche. This was a very even game and Olafs had some very strong players in this squad. The Boden girls battled hard and showed great tenacity Ellen Sweeney and Lily Burden put in great performances there was some terrific defending by Grace Cadell and Aoibhin Roche, Jenny Maguire. Up front we had star performers in Emily H Lehane, Rachel Hickey Aodhbha Mahon and Kate Lawrie and in the end there was only one point between both teams.

The third team was managed on the day by Cathal Fitzgerald. Boden got off to a quick start and took control of the game, Enya Kennedy, Holly O Connor, Tara McCluskey , and Grace Delaney, let nothing past them.  In the midfield Neasa Codd , Isobel Morris and Abbie Fitzgerald were the engines that drove ball after ball forward and stopped Olafs in their tracks. Up front Millie O Reilly, Ruby Hynes, Sofia Coleman went on a goal scoring spree between them. In the second half Grace Delaney who moved to the forwards scored two great goals. Ciara Heffernan joined for the second half and made an immediate impact. There was some great points scored by Abbie Fitzgerald including one off her weak side and Neasa Codd who had a lot of great shots on goal. Ballyboden finished on top.

Following the games, the girls were presented with certificates to mark the precise anniversary of the 1916 rising. They were reminded that while some players may clock up several all Irelands in their career, few of them will be able to say they played on the grounds of Padraig Pearse’s School at St. Enda’s Park on the 100th anniversary.