Match report by Stephen Delaney
Friday evening, 16-9-2016, saw the conclusion of St Brigid‘s U12 season where they lined up against a very talented and determined James Stephens side in the Roinn A U12 County Final. A large Ballycallan crowd came to support the girls, this made the final feel like a home fixture and there is no doubt they acted as the 16th man that is often heard in post match interviews with elite athletes at top level sport, but this was something more than that, this was about parish pride and supporting your own, a concept that makes GAA and Camogie unique.
There was a steely determination amongst the girls as they know too well that these occasions don’t come about too often. The experience that most of St Brigid’s girls have, even at such a young age, having contested 2 Roinn A school finals and a Roinn A U12 Semi- Final last year, stood to them and they were determined to make the most of their final appearance. The girls were turned out in pink t-shirts and really looked the part. The nerves were evident in the girls as they entered the dressing room to tog out and get ready for the match. Trainers had their spoke, tactics were set in place and the nerves were discussed and how to deal with them and off they went to try and bring home the silverware.
These Brigid girls just love to play camogie and are striving to improve all aspects of their game. When they have the ball they are a joy to behold but it is their work off the ball that lay the groundwork for this success. If there ever was a day for all the girls to play to their potential, this was this day and they didn’t disappoint. They started the game brightly and went on the attack from the first whistle. The blocking, hooking and tackling was immense, as was their desire to become champions of their county.
Molly(Jolly) Lawlor was rock solid in goal as were the full back line in front of her led by the teak tough Katie Maher with the two ever improving corner backs Stephanie Brennan and Tipperary’s own Molly Dunne. Moya O’Brien was superb at centre back and if there was a player of the match, surely she would have being a top contender.
The midfield trio of Aoife Power, who is growing in confidence every time she dons the blue jersey, Orla Flynn, joint captain, who was immense in the middle of the field and the dynamic Claire Doheny, who would give any duracell bunny a run for their money with the amount of ground she covers, were just outstanding.
In the forward line Lauren East (Westy) ran herself into the ground and was the spearhead of many an attack from St Brigid’s. The inside forward line were energetic throughout and fought for every ball. Lauren Ronan who has inherited her parents passion for the game as well as her father’s wrists was simply class and kept the score board ticking over, equally so, Robin Delaney’s resilience and clever use of the ball ensured the Village full back line never got a moments peace. Ellie Lanigan, joint captain, also had a never say die attitude and led by example.
The whole season long the trainers talked about the strength of the squad and the importance of playing time that each girl should receive, this has really brought on the girl’s skills, this has been epitomised by Louise Ronan and Ella Delahunty who made the fight for positions a toss of the coin throughout the season. New to the squad this year and who will gain invaluable experience for next year are Katie Marnell, Niamh Hogan and Rachel Ronan, who’s first full year in camoige has seen her grow in confidence. Also, new to camogie and the parish, Tara Brennan had a great first year. Finally thanks also goes to Katie Ronan, Joanne Brennan and Molly Conroy who answered an SOS call during the season and lined out in the league when the county final opponents came to play in Kilmanagh.
When the final whistle blew, with St Brigid’s coming out on top, the teams shook hands with every one of their counterparts. Then the celebrations really began. There were joyous scenes as family, neighbours and friends came to congratulate a wonderful team. It is moments like these that will live long in the memory and will encourage all the girls to keep hurling into their adolescence and beyond.
As everyone piled into their cars and left the Kells Road venue, the sound of beeping and honking rang out into the darkening evening. The girls got ready to finish their celebrations with a well earned and much appreciated McDonald’s courtesy of St Brigid’s Camogie Club. It is days like this that make all the hard work in training, in all sorts of weather, worth it. St Brigid’s Abu!!
Final Score: James Stephens 1-5, St Brigids 8-6
Scorers: Lauren East 2-1, Robin Delaney 2-0, Claire Doheny 1-1, Ellie Lanigan 1-1, Lauren Ronan 0-3, Moya O’Brien 1-0, Westy & Ellie 1-0.