Match Report

Phenomenal Reds crowned Championship winners

Date Filed: 17 October 2022

The Aghaderg U-16 Ladies Gaelic Football team capped off a magnificent season with a majestic performance today to win the Championship final against local rivals Clann na Banna 8-11 to 2-06.

The game was played in ideal autumnal conditions in Tullylish.
The weather conditions were perfect, no wind or rain and the pitch was in great shape given the time of year.

Mairead was our captain today and led the team as they linked arms and stood to attention for the National Anthem, which was a new experience for the girls. Based on the performances today many will be through this routine again either in Pairc Esler or Croke Park!

The reds turned in the performance of the season in today’s final, in Biblical style keeping the best until last.
The reds set-up with a strong starting 15 and really dominated the game from the throw-in to the final whistle. I cannot think of a player whose performance did not excel today, from number 1 through to number 20.
Niamh was solid in goal as always and kept a clean sheet for the first half. She also pulled off some wonderful saves in the second when we were coming under some pressure.
The full back line of Katie, Emma, Lauren and Aisling were solid throughout and read the game brilliantly when Clann na Banna tried to stretch us at the back.

The half back line of Emer, Mairead, Sarah and Grace read the game brilliantly, knowing instinctively when to press forward and when to hold back.
Áine and Cliodhna were given the tough task today of marking the Clann na Banna county player. They were both exceptional and were full of running for the sixty minutes - tight marking, near hand tackling and disrupting the play but also pressing forward and creating chances for us when in possession.

The half forward line of Isabelle, Niamh, Macie and Georgia were incessant. They did a lot of the dirty work, winning breaking ball, creating turnovers, but also pressing forward and taking scores. Macie scored a brilliant goal in the first half and was awarded Player of the Match for her efforts over the sixty minutes. Georgia slotted home a brilliant penalty, Ronaldo style in the second half.

The full forward line of Cara, Olivia, Clodagh, Lauren and Chloe were dominant racking up 7 goals between them. Clodagh was in top form with the free taking also, knocking over 8 points.

Unfortunately, the Championship rules restricts teams to only 5 substitutes, so Amy and Orla didn’t get a run out today. They did however play a vital part in the team’s League and Championship wins. The focus for the coaches all year was TEAM – each player and line understanding their role, focussing on their job and trusting others to do theirs.

In total 24 girls pulled on the red jersey this year and each-and-every one of them should be so proud of their achievements today. Winning a League and Championship double is no mean feat.
Perhaps the result today flatters to deceive. There are some excellent footballers on the Clann na Banna side and throughout the year they have demonstrated their ability by winning the Spring League and getting to the Championship final. They also had a strong representation on the Down team.
But today was Aghaderg’s day!

Thanks to Ciara Gilroy from the Tullylish club who refereed the game and the umpires and linesmen.

Thanks also to the Tullylish club for the use of the field for the final.
Thanks to all the loyal Aghaderg supporters who turned out to support the team today and thanks to everyone who helped, in any way for the homecoming - setting up the hall, providing and serving food, organising photographers. It was a wonderful club celebration that will live long in the memories of the girls.

A special thanks to Retro Pizzeria for the pizzas, your support is really appreciated.

Champione, Champione, Ole, Ole, Ole!