The Connacht Girls U18 hockey squad travelled to Dublin last weekend, to compete in the U18 Interprovincial Tournament. Last year, the title was decided on goal-difference, & Connacht were unlucky to lose out to Ulster, on a goal-difference of just one. So this year, hopes were high of clinching the title for once & for all.
This two-day event is physically challenging for all players, & by the end of day-one, the Connacht squad had beaten South East & lost to Leinster. A win against Ulster was required the following day. The players dug deep, & gave a fine display of hockey, in what was declared the most exciting match of the tournament. Unfortunately, they conceeded a goal late in the second half, followed by a second goal minutes before the final whistle.
With one match left against Munster, & knowing that the trophy was no longer theirs, the Connacht girls were determined to come away with 2nd place. In another fine display of hockey, despite cramping muscles & tired legs, they got the result, & a placing of second in the Tournament. Ulster went on to claim the title for another year.
Coach Richie Malone, though disappointed for his hard-working, dedicated squad, conceeded that the best team won.
The U16 Tournament was held in tandem with the U18 tournament, at the same venue, & this made for a fantastic atmosphere around the hockey grounds of Three Rock Rovers. Coach Deirdre McDermott had quite a young squad, with 13 new caps. The squad performed superbly on day-one, yielding a draw against Leinster, & a win against South East. Tougher matches were in store the following day, & though they suffered two defeats against Ulster & Munster, the squad performed bravely. They finished the tournament in fourth place, ahead of South East. Ulster, yet again, took the title.
Connacht President Theresa Concannon was on-hand to present the new caps, & lavished praise on these two great squads.
Congratulations to all ten Greenfields members involved in the Interpros.
