Senior on the way!
Clonard/Vols all set for the top flight
CLONARD/VOLUNTEERS ladies’ Gaelic football team celebrated their hard-earned historic win of the county Intermediate championship title over St. Martin’s in the Talbot Hotel recently, with great support from family, friends and supporters from both clubs.
This well-deserved historic celebration was a very successful night in keeping with the team’s football year.
The M.C., Clonard Chairman Mick Power, congratulated the team and management on such a successful year, as did Volunteers Chairman Ray Cullinane, who complimented the team on integrating the younger members of the club whom they motivated and encouraged throughout the year.
He stated that St. John’s Volunteers are looking forward to working with Clonard ladies for the next few years and wished them well in their Senior endeavours.
Team manager Patrick O’Sullivan spoke about the players’ commitment, perseverance, team spirit, motivation and the willingness to encourage younger girls to keep playing.
This can-do attitude got the team to a county final, and for the first time in the history of ladies’ football in Wexford, Clonard/Volunteers are in the Senior grade.
They are the first Senior adult ladies’ team in Wexford town since Sarsfields played at that level from 1988 to 1990, which is a fantastic achievement given the team has come from Division 4 and Junior ‘A’ just four years ago.
Representatives from Wexford Ladies’ County Board, Tom Whelan (Fixtures Chairman) and Billy Stafford (Vice-Chairman), presented the medals while also extending their congratulations on becoming a Senior team.
They both encouraged the team to keep going and work hard in 2017 as they are a brilliant example to all young girls in Wexford town looking to play ladies’ Gaelic football.
Special recognition awards were presented to girls who gave outstanding performances and commitment to the team during the year.
Minor player of the year was Niamh Tormey, while the county final player of the match was Rebecca Foley. The young player of the year award went to Laura Bruen who unfortunately could not make the function but was represented by her father, Pat.
Most improved player of the year was Niamh Buckley, while the joint adult players of the year were Danielle Chin and Niamh Butler.
Team captain Aoife Tormey and vice-captain Niamh Buckley ended the speeches by thanking everyone who was involved with the team, namely Patrick O’Sullivan, Paddy Brennan, Denise Leniston and all the backroom team involved with Clonard/Volunteers ladies, as well as invited guests.
They complimented the management and staff of the Talbot Hotel on such a fantastic evening. Aoife finally announced the brilliant news that Pettitt’s SuperValu are the official sponsors of Clonard/ Volunteers Senior ladies for 2017.
Anyone interested in playing football with Clonard/Volunteers, please contact Suzanne (0866063488) or follow Clonard Ladies Football Club and Volunteers Ladies GAA Club on Facebook.