Our U18 team have once again shown their character and determination following a thrilling league final draw with Sars at Castle Road on Easter Monday. Sars are an excellent side with a big squad and the message from Linda Mellerick before the match was '' Don't worry about the result, a big performance is what we want''...and boy did we get it.  We were never ahead in the game and were six points down at H.T,  but did we crack.......not on your life. True strenght is keeping everything together when everyone expects you to fall apart.

In the first half we played against a strong wind which was always going to be a big factor in the game. Sars went a point up after 5minutes and went two points up after 18minutes. We were under a lot of pressure but our defence was once again immense. Niamh O Leary and Deirdre Keane were magnificenrt, Emma Sharpe outstanding as usual, Essie OConnell commanding and Caroline O Connor worked her socks off despite just having landed off a plane from New York. Just before H.T Sars scored a lucky goal which came from a deflection when it appeared that Shauna Walsh had it covered. We had several chances to score in the first half but once again our forwards did not capitalise. H.T score was 1-3 to no score. We knew that this was a very respectful score against the wind. During the H.T break our girls were bloody determined to win. There is something in this team that is special. How many times have they been in this position, and still keep coming back. This is something we as a club must treasure. Remember that one determined person can make a significant difference and that a small group of determined people can change the course of any game.

In the second half our midfield were dominant for long periods. Shauna Cronin and Stephanie Mangan ran themselves in to the ground. What we needed now was points on the board. Cometh the hour cometh the lady. Up stepped Sinead Mills who despite being out injured for weeks showed her class once again. There were times when Sars doubled teamed and triple teamed her but still couldn't stop her. Sinead scored two points from play, one from a free and one from a 45. Emma Sharpe also scored a point from a 45. With two minutes left we were four points down. Lucy Burke who came on as a sub scored a real corner forwards goal to put us within a point. Lauren Barry had been moved to full forward and her pace was causing havoc in the Sars defence. Rachel Carroll was also working really hard at wing forward. In the last minute Sinead put over a great point to level it. We were now in the accendency but the clock was against us. The ref blew it up at 1-6 each.

A cracking game and great credit is due to both teams for producing a fantastic match in which there was plenty of skill on show and not a bad tackle in the game. Our girls once again behaved themselves impeccably which as said before is something that other clubs have commented on. Castle Road is a big pitch for 13 a side but all our pre-season training with Kieran and Eilish clearly payed off. We could have won it but in truth a draw was probably a fair result. The replay date is yet to be finalised and all members are encouraged to attend and support us.

This teams motto is now, Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is.