Our Ladies Senior team travelled to County Armagh on Sat 10th March to take part in the Crossmaglen Sevens. The girls qualified from their group with victories over Carrickmore and Naomh Monnina, both from Tyrone and St. Brigid’s of Monaghan.
In the quarter final against Buncrana from Donegal our girls overturned an 8 point half time deficit to qualify for the semi final with a 2-5 to 2-3 victory.
A tightly contested semi final against an Armagh Harps team fielding several county players finished on 0-5 all after full time and 0-8 all after extra time. Unfortunately our tournament ended with a 4-3 defeat in a 30m free shootout.
A great day was had by all despite the terrible weather conditions. Thanks to all participants and our hosts, Crosssmaglen.
Maynooth squad: Aoibhinn Conway, Aisling Farrell, AnnMarie Farrell, Eilís Ní Chorcra, Sarah Quinn, Sinead MacMahon, Ellen McCourt, Siobhan Mc Court, Eimear Connolly, Elaine Dillon, Orlaith Kirwan and Madison Chies.
Our U14s didn’t have to travel quite so far as they were welcomed by Dunshaughlin Gaels in county Meath for a challenge game ahead of their Feile A tournament next week.
The weather tried its best to ruin this game with the game moved from the waterlogged main pitch, to their second pitch at the last minute and from there to the all-weather pitch.
Due to the smaller playing area both teams agreed to play 11 a side, with some modified rules. The girls were limited to two plays and hand passing only.
What followed was an excellent display of skilful, running football from both teams. Limiting shooting to the final third of the pitch forced the girls to increase their work rate to open up any scoring opportunities. Coaches and parents who braved the cold were treated to over 40 scores in a fast paced game played in a competitive but fair spirit.
Thanks to our referee Emma for contributing so much to the game, always encouraging and explaining her decisions to the girls.
Thanks also to Dunshaughlin for hosting us and for accommodating the game despite having to close two pitches. We look forward to welcoming them back to Maynooth in the coming weeks.
