Girls U12 Div 2 Kilshanvey 1 – 3 Colemanstown. On a bitterly cold Sunday morning in Kilshanvey, a depleted Colemanstown U12 squad delivered a performance full of resilience, quality, and composure to remain top of the division. Missing several regulars, the smaller travelling group refused to let numbers dictate the narrative, taking control of the contest from the opening whistle. The midfield trio of Holly Melody, Eve Corcoran, and Lucy Burke Hardiman set the tone early, dominating possession and threading incisive passes into the lively front line of Elise Rohan, Emily Hynes, and Kate Hynes. Elise in particular threatened repeatedly, forcing a string of excellent saves from Kilshanvey’s impressive goalkeeper. After ten minutes, the breakthrough felt inevitable. A surging run from Lucy Burke Hardiman split the defence, and she finished with trademark calmness into the bottom corner to give Colemanstown the lead. At the back, Chloe Burke, Realtin Saunders, and Grace Reddington were sharp and disciplined, sniffing out danger before it developed, while Faye Ryan—standing in between the posts—handled everything that came her way with authority. Yet, just before the interval, Kilshanvey struck against the run of play, capitalising on a quick counter to level the match at 1–1.
The halftime reset—and defrost—did wonders. Colemanstown emerged with renewed purpose, and within minutes the game tilted back in their favour. Lucy Burke Hardiman, in irresistible form, added two more clinical finishes to complete her hat-trick and restore a two-goal cushion at 3–1. Both teams enjoyed spells of pressure in a lively second half, but Colemanstown’s organisation and work rate ensured the outcome was never truly in doubt. They managed the closing stages with maturity, seeing out the victory to preserve their place at the top of the table. A smaller squad, a cold morning, and a tough away ground—yet Colemanstown delivered another assured performance. If resilience is a marker of champions, this one will feel particularly significant. Match Report: Neil Ryan
Women’s Championship Colga 2-0 Colemanstown. Colemanstown Ladies travelled to Colga on Sunday afternoon and, despite being hampered by illness, injuries, and a few tired legs from the night before, they produced a performance full of intent and determination. From the opening exchanges, it was clear they had come to play on the front foot. The pattern of the match quickly became familiar: Colemanstown dictating possession, piling bodies forward, and asking constant questions of the Colga defence. The build-up play was crisp, the pressure relentless — yet the final touch proved elusive. Chance after chance slipped by, and despite controlling long stretches of the half, the score remained stubbornly locked at 0–0 at the break
The second half brought a harsh reminder of football’s ruthlessness. Colga, having soaked up pressure for nearly an hour, struck twice in quick succession, punishing Colemanstown with a pair of well-taken counterattacks. In a matter of moments, the visitors found themselves chasing a game they had largely controlled. Still, Colemanstown refused to wilt. They pushed higher, pressed harder, and continued to create openings, but the Colga goalkeeper and back line stood firm. Even as fatigue set in, the green shirts kept committing numbers forward in search of a lifeline that never quite materialised. The final whistle brought understandable disappointment, but also a measure of pride. Short-handed and far from full strength, this Colemanstown side showed resilience, attitude, and character — and never once conceded defeat until the very last kick. The goals didn’t come, but the performance spoke volumes about a group that simply does not give up. Match Report: Neil Ryan