Wicklow Girls in Leinster Blitz

Body: 

A north Wicklow selection participated in the recent Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Laighean girls football blitz on Thursday 17th May in DCU St Patrick's Campus.  Organised by Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Laighean, the Wicklow girls got off to a flying start in their first game against Kildare with goals from Scoil Chualann's powerful midfielder Emma Nesbitt and Cara Mahoney from St Patrick's, Bray.  Aoibhe Ní Threinfir followed up with a glorious point before the opposition scored their opening point. With the resumption of the second half Wicklow were again dominant with goals from Martha Lackey (Scoil Chualann) and Emma Nesbitt. Kildare responded with a goal of their own but Wicklow secured victory with a final point. Katie Ní Churrain (Gaelscoil Ui Céadaigh) gave a tremendous display in defense as did Annie Nic Lochlain and Tara Ní Mheachair who grew from strength to strength over the course of the morning.

 

The second match however was extremely challenging for the Garden county as the Meath girls had the edge in physicality and height.  Despite the best efforts of midfielders Ailbhe Ní Mhaoilmhichil, Aoibhe Ní Threinfir and Martha Lackey, the forwards Rachel Ní Bhriain, Kimberly Ní Chinnéide and Eobha Ní Bhriain, Wicklow could only manage a solitary score.

The final game started well for the Wicklow girls against a strong  Laois selection. Emma Nesbitt was to the fore again with a wonderful goal and point. This was probably the most equally matched game but despite brave efforts throughout the pitch and some tremendous efforts from Grace Nic Réamoinn (Gaelscoil Uí Chéadaigh) in the full forward line, Laois were victorious.

The final match was against Dublin to which the Wicklow girls looked forward with relish!  Great pride was shown in the blue and gold jersey and there was no doubt but the girls upped the ante for this encounter.  From goalkeeper Amy Ní Chasaide, defenders Tara Ní Mheachair, Annie Nic Lochlain, Katie Ní Churrain and Cara Mahony, through midfielders Emma, Ailbhe and Aoibhe, up to forwards Kimberly, Martha ,Sarah and Grace, the whole team improved as a unit and played some tremendous football. Kimberly Ní Chinneide scored the opening goal and Emma Nesbitt scored a wonderful point and two more goals to add to her tally for the day. Dublin provided another challenge and could be considered lucky to come away with a draw.

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Chill Mhantáin are extremely grateful to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Atha Cliath, and in particular David Gough and Micheál MacGabhann, who invited Wicklow to participate on the day and who extended them a wonderful welcome.

Refreshments were provided in DCU Campus afterwards, from which the teams were extremely grateful.

Mile buiochas freisin to Sinéad Ní Chréan-Loinsigh (Cumann na mBunscol/Scoil Chualann) and Willie Braine (Emmet Bhré) who were instrumental in the selection and management of the team on the day.

Team: Ailbhe Ní Mhaoilmhichil, Aoibh Ní Thréinfir, Emma Nesbitt, Martha Lackey, Amy Ní Chasaide, Katie Ní Chuinn, Róisín Ní Chonchubhair, Kimberly Ní Chinnéide, Sarah Messitt, Ciara Ní Luain, Tara Ní Mheachair, Annie Nic Lochlainn (Scoil Chualann), Katie Ní Churráin, Eobha Ní Bhriain, Grace Nic Réamoinn (Gaelscoil Uí Chéadaigh), Emily Ní Riain, Rachel Ní Bhriain and Cara Mahony (St. Patrick’s, Bray).

 

Photos

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hGFOVcSFFW4xT6f32