Ladies Gaelic Football started in Coláiate Iognáid four years ago when the current junior team were entered into the Connacht first year competition. They won that championship at the first time of asking and have this year added the Connacht junior title to their accomplishments in a tight highly competitive contest played out in Tuam Stadium (report below). The school’s playing numbers have increased year on year and is currently at its peak of over 100 girls. The other teams entered this year also progressed to the latter stages of their competitions with the senior team losing out narrowly in the Connacht final in the school’s first year entering that grade. It is hoped that all players enjoyed the year and will be back again next year with renewed endeavour. Players should train with their local clubs and keep active over the summer break. Any players needing contact details for clubs should ask Mr. Leonard for same. Greatest thanks to the Cappagh Rd and Salthill/knocknacarra committees for their support and use of their facilities. Thanks are owed to Eithne Cunningham, Síle Lally and Bernie O’Connell for their help throughout the year as without it the running of the club would be impossible. A very special thanks to Anthony Finnerty for his help not just this year but for the four years since the club’s inception. Your contribution to the club has been immeasurable and greatly appreciated. I would like to thank all who attended the recent awards night at Wards hotel in Salthill. Congratulations to all medallists and player of the year winners Elaine Carey and Eanna Kelly.

 

Connacht Junior Champions 2011

Back Row (l-r); Bernie O’Connell, Anthony Finnerty, Clodagh Kennedy, Rachel Bradley,Grace O’Donnell, Helen Ruane, Ciara Clarke, Claire Thornton, Deirdre Lally, Aedin Hanahoe, Rhian Kenny, (standing at back) Siofra Leonard, Eithne Cunningham, Síle Lally, Darragh Leonard, Alice Cunningham, Alanna Cunningham, Megan Forde, Cliona Cantillon. Front Row (l-r); Fiona Power, Kyla Gillen, Áine Gallagher, Ailbhe Ní Ghriofa, Ailbhe Finnerty, Elaine Carey (capt), Niamh Cunningham, Danielle Cleary, Evvie Lowndes, Sarah Donnellan, Jennifer Farrell.

Tuam Stadium was the venue for the Junior Final between Colaiste Iognaid Galway and Ballinamore Post Primary Leitrim on the 15th March. Four days earlier Colaiste Iognaid had lost the Senior C Final at the same venue and eleven of these starting players were on the junior team along with two of the subs. Points from Laura O’Dowd and Shauna McLoughlin got the Ballinamore girls off to a great start. It took eight minutes of play before the Galway girls got a point which was well taken by Evvie Lowndes. Two points from Tara Fitzpatrick and one from Alanna Maher had put the Ballinamore girls in a great position. They were now dominating the game. On the eighteenth minute Colaiste Iognaid got their second score a fine goal from Evvie Lowndes but they did not score again in the first half. Ballinamores Ciana Stringer found the back of the net in the twentieth minute, and the last score of the first half was a point from corner forward Alanna Maher. Although the Ballinamore girls had a five point lead at half time they had ten wides in the first half and this was to prove to be their undoing by the game’s end.

Half time score Colaiste Iognaid Galway 1 – 01 Balllinamore Post Primary School 1 – 06.

The Galway girls were much more focused in the second half. A well taken free by Grace O’Donnell was the first point of the second half. This was quickly followed by a goal from the Galway midfielder Ailbhe Finnerty. Galway were on target again with a point from Evvie Lowndes and a free from Grace O’Donnell . This saw Colaiste Iognaid now dominating proceedings. Ballinamore responded with points from Laura O’Dowd and Aoibheann Flynn. Alanna Maher then beat the keeper much to the delight of the Ballinamore supporters, but Cadhia Gillen quickly responded with a goal for Colaiste Iognaid. Evvie Lowndes then got the equaliser for Galway. Laura O’Dowd then took a great point for the Ballinamore girls in a passing move which involved 6 of the team. Two minutes later Evvie Lowndes brought the Galway girls level again. Some great defensive work by both sides prevented any scores been taken for the following ten minutes. It looked like the match was heading for a replay. The winning score came from Colaiste Iognaid a point by Fiona Power. The Jes only led the game for two minutes of the entire match but crucially these were the last two minutes.

Full time score Coláiste Iognáid Galway 3 – 07 Ballinamore Post Primary School 2 – 09.