A season which commenced on February 1st, following the conclusion of the Morey Movement schedule, came to an end this weekend with both the Championship and Academy teams contesting finals on top of a well-earned team trip to Thurles for the Clare v Dublin game. 

Our weekend commenced bright and early at Fr McNamara park where Scariff Ogonnelloe were our opposition for the U13 B Shield final. Throw-in was at 10:30am, meaning an early start for the girls. Following a great display the previous Tuesday evening, spirits were high as the girls went through the warm up. A very competitive game was played out  with both teams securing dominance at different points. As the short whistle blew Scariff Ogonnelloe saw themselves one puck of the ball ahead. The Bridge girls put in a huge effort for the second half and continued to apply pressure on the Scariff Ogonnelloe defence. Despite creating numerous chances, the girls were unlucky not to convert before they were eventually rewarded with a goal to tie the score at 1-06 a piece with just under 10 minutes left on the clock. Scariff Ogonnelloe to their credit finished strongly and with the game entering injury time had opened up a 3 point lead. Try as they might the Bridge girls just couldn’t find the goal needed to get themselves back on even terms. When the final whistle blew Scariff Ogonnelloe were victorious on a score line of Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-11 to Sixmilebridge 1-06.

There was little time for disappointment however, as the girls gathered themselves again for our group outing to Thurles that afternoon/evening. We met in the Bridge at 3:30pm and boarded the bus. The disappointment of the result had been replaced with the excitement of the evening which lay ahead. Stopping firstly at Obama plaza the girls were fed for the evening which lay ahead. Following our food, some indulged in ice cream as they basked in the good weather. Back onto the bus and a short journey from Moneygall to Thurles ensued. Once parked at Dr Morris Park, excitement reached new heights, with the girls bouncing more than walking to Semple Stadium. We quickly found our seats and watched the Clare team warm up in front of us. As the game commenced the noise levels increased as the girls roared on every score. As the second half commenced, the excitement got too much for most and they moved down from their seats to the fence separating the supporters from the field.  At times it looked like some of the girls were ready to join the action but they had to make do with being the closest spectators to the action, so close that one or two of them even managed to make their television debuts.  As the final whistle sounded, the stewards soon realised there would be no keeping the girls from their heroes and the gates opened to allow them on the pitch. Dispersed across the pitch, the girls collected autographs and photos with their heroes until the wall of stewards decided that it was time to clear the pitch. There was still time for one last piece of action, as the girls spotted a certain Buff Egan at the top of the stand. Up they went en masse to meet with him, record a video and get photos before eventually it was time to leave. Being nearly the last people out of Semple Stadium we walked the short distance back to the bus and returned home to the Bridge at 11pm.

     

As if Saturday wasn’t enough for a enjoyment, the Academy team met again on Sunday afternoon to prepare for their final against Cratloe. This was a youthful team bolstered by the availability of nine U11 players who had contributed greatly throughout the season. In a rare occurrence, The Bridge named three joint captains for the day. The commitment, attitude and skill shown by all three meant the management team could not separate them, thus agreeing to select all 3 for the honour. Two very evenly matched teams fought it out with the Bridge girls opening a 4 point lead just after the water break, Cratloe to their credit finished the half strongly and 3 pointed frees saw the Bridge lead by the minimum at the break. The game continued end to end with each team creating their own opportunities. As the game entered the final minute Cratloe managed to score the decisive goal following a scramble for possession. This proved decisive, with Cratloe running out winners on a final score line of Sixmilebridge 2-04 Cratloe 2-07. 

 

Disappointing as it was to end the year with 2 defeats, this does not do justice to the commitment and improvements of these teams over the past 6 months. It is important at the end of every campaign to recognise those who played an important role in the season. Firstly to the girls themselves for their dedication and application to everything they were asked to do. They are a credit to their families and the management team have recognised the fact there were no behavioural issues throughout the season. We may not have received the results we wished for this weekend but the improvement in each and every one of you was a joy to watch. To the mentors especially - Anna, Terence, Tommy, Eoin, Laura, Sandra, Pamela, Eileen, - the season would not have been possible without your commitment and dedication. Nothing was left to chance for this group of girls with the coaching, PR roles, medical, customary half time oranges and Jaffa cakes, representation at club meetings, fundraising, washing of the jerseys on top of their commitment to being at training every evening for the past 6 months. Finally to the parents who drove the girls around the county a huge thank you for your constant communication and support over the season. We wish all the girl the very best of luck as they now move on to either U12 or U14 for the remainder of the year ahead. While results didn’t go their way this weekend, the progress made and the spirit shown by this group ensures a very bright future for camogie in the club.