No more than their last outing, the elements weren’t too kind, but neither wind nor rain could dampen the spirits or the performance of our Over 35 ladies as they secured a superb 5–1 win at home against Athenry yesterday evening. A packed & lively crowd braved the conditions, with some nearly needing to park at Burke’s Bar due to the sheer volume of support. Our 200 seater stand was close to capacity with an atmosphere nothing short of electric.
Among the crowd were some of the proudest supporters. None more so than Mary Finn, perched high in the VIP section like royalty, keeping a hawk eye on her three daughters: Lorraine McGann, Deirdre O’Grady & Emer O’Brien. Rumour has it she was giving marks out of 10 for every pass & interception. VAR may need to be consulted! Not to be outdone, Bernie Burke was spotted a few seats over, beaming with pride every time Catherine Curtin & Trisha Sullivan were on the ball & nearly jumped from her seat when both found the net! We may need to apply for funding for harnesses for the VIP seating section going forward!
Players partners & kids were out in force too, cheering & clapping, One young supporter was overheard saying, “Mammy’s class’. It was truly a family affair, although judging by the parking situation, we might need to have a shuttle bus in place for the next home game. And speaking of dedication… special mention to keeper Ruth Dempsey, who interrupted her holidays to make a 2 hour journey home just to stand between the posts. Someone needs to get that woman a loyalty card & also a hot water bottle!
The game kicked off as Colemanstown played into a tough breeze, but it didn’t stop them from dominating possession early on. Alicia Flannery, Deirdre O’Grady, Catherine Curtin, Shelly Finnerty & Shauna Ward all threatened as they tested the elements as well as Athenry’s defence. Shauna’s pace was electric, Catherine Burke’s footwork dazzling & Deirdre’s shimmies (in her dazzling boots – definitely not from Temu, according to PC ) caught the eye early on.
The opening goal came on 28 mins. A ball over the top found Catherine Curtin, who showed great composure before she calmly slotted past the Athenry keeper. Just 3mins later, Catherine Curtin turned provider, as she slipped a pass to Shauna Ward, who powered home to make it 2–0. Then on 34 mins, a slick move involving Emer O’Brien & Shauna Ward saw the former intervarsities player Catherine Curtin blast one from the edge of the box; an unstoppable shot that earned two clenched fists in the air from manager Gerry Flannery, who, after two game weeks in the job, has officially been spotted wearing a coat!
During Athenry’s few attacks in the 1st half, Orla McCaffrey was a commanding presence at the heart of our defence as she calmly controlled everything that came her way. She was ably supported by the ever youthful Anita Murphy, while Ellie Morrissey patrolled the left flank with her trademark powerful orange boot & Lorraine McGann held things solid on the right. Athenry had their best chance just before the break from a corner, but a brave foot block from keeper Ruth Dempsey, assisted by a deflection off the post, kept her clean sheet intact. The half ended with Colemanstown well in control at 3–0.
With the wind now at their backs, Colemanstown didn’t take long to add to their tally. Just minutes into the 2nd half, Deirdre O’Grady had a chance smothered by the keeper, taking a tumble over her in the process, as both shared a good laugh on the ground! Deirdre was everywhere: encouraging her teammates, pressing hard & put in a tireless shift … for her age!! Everyone was rooting for her to get the goal she so richly deserved.
7mins after the restart, a long kick out from Ruth Dempsey landed kindly for Trisha Sullivan, who coolly rifled the ball home for Colemanstown’s 4th. Anne Marie Walsh & Nicola Finn received a warm reception from the crowd as they joined the action, while Dee O’Grady came close with a scrappy effort in the box.
After a brief delay due to an unfortunate injury to the Athenry keeper (wishing her a speedy recovery), Michelle Harrison stepped into left back & the game resumed. Shauna Ward soon had the ball in the net from an Anita Murphy delivery, but the flag was raised for offside. Trisha Sullivan left the pitch to rapturous applause gingerly minding her “hammer” as Sandra King entered the fray, proudly donning her green & white secretary’s cap, more so to mind her hair!
Colemanstown’s 5th came midway through the 2nd half, when Shauna Ward latched onto a defensive mix-up to bag her brace. More fresh legs joined the action, including Marian Wilson, Marie Ryan (sporting luminous yellow boots), Olivia Broderick, Marian Wilson, Louise Lally & Karen Dunne all added further bite to the performance.
Athenry had a few late chances, the first crashed off the crossbar, followed shortly by a converted penalty that gave them a deserved consolation. Right at the death, Sandra King nearly grabbed a 6th for Colemanstown, but the keeper was quick off her line. Karen Dunne even found the net in injury time but it was ruled out for a free out. Colemanstown 5 – 1 Athenry it ended.
That’s 2 wins from 2, for our Over 35 ladies as they continue to grow in confidence, enjoying their football, the craic, & even relishing the rain with proud mums in high seats & happy kids & partners included! Match report: Martina Donnellan
Squad: Ruth Dempsey, Eleanor Morrissey, Anita Murphy, Orla McCaffrey, Lorraine McGann, Alicia Flannery, Emer O’Brien, Shelly Finnerty, Deirde O’Grady, Shauna Ward, Catherine Burke, Marian Wilson, Marie Mitchell, Michelle Harrison, Sandra King, Louise Lally, Ann Marie Walsh, Nicola Finn, Olivia Broderick, Trisha Sullivan, Karen Dunne, Sandra Schwitalla, Jacinta Brett.