Not to be for our girls
On Thursday, we faced an epic battle in Bekan against Presentation College, Headford in the Junior B Connacht final. We knew it was going to be a tough battle, but wow were we in for a thriller.
A slow start by Dunmore allowed Headford to dominate in the first half and in truth we were lucky to only trail by 4 points at the break. Some good defensive efforts and poor shooting by Headford kept us in the game. Poor passing and panic play caused us to give away possession and create extra work for ourselves, be it due to nerves of the big day or the influence of boisterous rival supporters who intended to intimidate. We knew there was more in the tank.
Halftime gave us the chance to regroup and created a bit of fire in the bellies, because the girls sure went out fighting after the break. Dunmore CS ladies were on fire in the second half, and brought the game to Headford and by all accounts had the opponents rattled. More support play, more ball carrying, more fight for the ball saw Dunmore winning the majority of battles around the field. Near the end Headford struggled to get the ball past the halfway point as Dunmore pressurised their kickouts, winning the majority. Superb defensive efforts by Dunmore across the field and excellent tracking and workrate saw Headford turned over on numerous occasions be it through blocks, forcing shots out of range or simply leaving them with no option but to overcarry the ball. The real magic was the ball carrying. When our girls started backing themselves and running with the ball, it was a thing of beauty and there was no stopping them without fouling. However, the breaks did not go our way and despite a trojan second-half effort and a fight to the bitter end we still came up short. The first half goal by Headford proving to be the decisive score in the end with the final score registering Dunmore 0-7, Pres Headford 1-7.
Of course with a loss comes disappointment and we know the girls are gutted to be so close yet so far but we must say that we are more than proud of you all, your dedication all year and the performance. Off the back of a very successful year last year winning the Junior C Connacht final and narrowly losing out in the all-Ireland final, we knew this year would be tough. Not only are we in a higher division, but the team dynamic of course would be different this year losing some key players from last year’s successful squad. The girls, however, really stepped up to the mark. Losing a final is always a bitter pill, but what an achievement to have reached this stage, many can only dream of this, and ye gave it everything on the day, what an entertaining game! We are confident that this experience will stand to ye in the future and will drive ye on. This is a team to watch! Many of the squad will get a second bite at the apple as they look forward to the senior Connacht final against St Louis, Kiltimagh on January 17th at 11.30 am, venue TBC, and we wish them all the best in that.
A heartfelt thank you to all who sent well wishes and came to support the girls, it did not go unnoticed and the girls really appreciated the support. Thanks as always to our sponsors Knightbuild.
