Greenfields clinch the double!

November 8, 2018

Greenfields 4 – 1 NUIG

Greenfields HC completed the double for the second year in a row beating NUIG in the Connacht Senior Cup Final on St Patrick's Day in Dangan, adding to the Connacht Senior League.

The game was played in glorious conditions and began at a fast pace. NUIG enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the first ten minutes, but were unable to convert their chances into goals with the Greenfields defence of Keeper Sinead Collins, Megan Forde, Mary McDonald, Kelly Dunleavy and Carmel Heery standing firm.

It was a nervous start for some of the younger Greenfields players, but after great build-up play from captain Neasa MCGettigan the ball eventually found its way to Trish Garrett who made no mistake with the finish to give Greenfields the lead somewhat against the run of play.

This settled Greenfields and approaching the 20 min mark Neasa Mcgettigan found Alma Whelan on the right hand side of the pitch who beat her marker and raced towards the circle and laid off for the in rushing Ellie Noone who bravely and cooly slotted the ball into the goal to make it 2-0. Greenfields dominated the rest of the half with some fine defending from NUIG and they were unlucky not to add to their tally.

Greenfields dominated the second half from the start despite the best efforts of NUIG's stand out player Freddie Timmons, and tireless work from Rachel Bradley. However this pressure eventually led to Greenfields third goal, when Alex Hunt fired home a well worked short corner with a clever switch from Mary McDonald at the top of the circle.

NUIG never gave up and were rewarded with a goal following a short corner with 4 minutes left on the clock. NUIG rallied hard but were reduced to ten players in the last 2 minutes and the resultant short corner was cooly finished by Kate Hennessy after a well executed pass by McGettigan at the top. The final whistle was greeted by cheers from the ever faithful Greenfields supporters!!

The final score was Greenfields 4 NUIG 1. It was great team performance from the winning team with some fine displays and player of the match was awarded to Siobhan Divilly of Greenfields.

Connacht President Yvette Quinn presented the Connacht Senior Cup to Greenfields captain, Neasa McGettigan. It capped another great season for Greenfields Hockey Club who were also presented with the Kennedy Connacht Senior League Cup by Ger Comer. Greenfields remain undefeated for two seasons and have once again completed the league and Cup double.

Much credit must go to Head Coach Deirdre McDermott, Assistant Coach Derek O' Loughlin, Manager Imelda Brennan and Assistant Manager Phil Noone. Greenfields now look ahead to next seasons Inaugural full Irish Hockey League. This competition will involve the top 10 teams in the country competing throughout the season with 9 home and 9 away matches and although a fantastic opportunity for the club it will bring it's own challenges on and off the pitch.

Preparations will now begin to strengthen the squad and secure sponsorship.

Check out our Facebook page for action shots of the Final

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Greenfields clinch the double!