Margaret set for honour at Games celebrations
THE UNDER-13 girls’ seven-aside outdoor soccer competition was held recently at the grounds of Bridge Rovers A.F.C. in Castlebridge.
There were three teams in action, the local Castlebridge-Crossabeg Area as well as Rathgarogue-Cushinstown and Taghmon.
In the semi-final, the home team took on Rathgarogue-Cushinstown. Olivia Morris got Castlebridge-Crossabeg off to a great start with a fine goal after only a couple of minutes.
They had barely time to celebrate though before their opponents equalised through Emma Rossiter. Castlebridge-Crossabeg had a few fine chances at goal but to no avail, and the sides finished 1-1 at the break.
Rathgarogue-Cushinstown upped the pace on the re-start and both teams had their chances, but they came to nothing and the game ended 1-1. Extra-time was then played and yet again the sides could not be separated.
It was then down to the dread- ed penalties, and here lady luck shone on Rathgarogue-Cushinstown who won out on a 2-1 scoreline.
Rathgarogue-Cushinstown then took on Taghmon in the final. The teams meant business and there were many attempts at goal, with Emma Rossiter putting Rathgarogue-Cushinstown into a 1-0 lead.
However, that advantage was shortlived as Becky Cashin equalised for Taghmon minutes later. They finished the first-half level (1-1).
Rathgarogue-Cushinstown upped the pace yet again in the second-half and the ball was in the back of their opponents’ net minutes after the whistle blew.
They were now in their stride and with their confidence growing added yet another goal to lead 3-1. They finished off with yet another goal.
Try as they might, and they never gave up, Taghmon gave it their all but the game finished 4-1 in favour of Rathgarogue-Cushinstown. Goals in the second-half were scored for the winners by Neala Barron, Milly Sutton and Emma Rossiter.
The full panel for the county champions were Caitlin Gaffney, Milly Sutton, Eibhlis McHale, Tara Roche, Sophie Kennedy, Eimear Porter, Emma Rossiter, Katie-Mae McCarthy, Neala Barron and Meya Murphy.
The runners-up from Taghmon were represented by Cora Quigley, Elena Perio-Doyle, Gemma Monaghan, Molly O’Gorman, Lilly Sidney, Caoimhe Breen, Becky Cashin, Ruth Ryan and Rachel Hussey.
The defeated semi-finalists from Castlebridge-Crossabeg were represented by Keira Carroll, Caoimhe Byrne, Rachel Jackman, Olivia Morris, Nicole Murphy, Mia Denton, Isabel Morris, Aoife McEldowney and Chloe Johnson.
Community Games are celebrating their golden anniversary after being founded by Joe Connolly in Walkinstown, Co. Dublin, in 1967. He would be so proud to see that the organisation is still going very strong.
To celebrate the occasion, each county has been asked to nominate one candidate who they recognise for their unselfish contribution to Community Games over the years. These volunteers will be acknowledged at a special lunch and ceremony at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone on Saturday, March 18.
Margaret McDermott is Wexford’s choice and she hails from the Bannow-Ballymitty Area. As well as keeping her Area going for many years, she has been connected with Community Games for 43 years. Wow, what a record.
She has been a stalwart of Wexford Community Games and has held many positions, mainly as County Chairperson, Vice-President, and is the current County President.
She was also Secretary of Leinster Community Games for many years and National Treasurer for a long spell.
She now steers the committee as Wexford’s President, keeping us all on our toes. She is always there to give advice and those years of working at all levels has given her a deep insight into all that Community Games encompasses.
Please go to www.communitygames.ie, click on Margaret McDermott and follow the rules on how to give her your golden volunteer vote. We wish her well. UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, March 11: county art and handwriting competitions in Castlebridge National School. Areas will be notified of times of events.
Thursday, March 9, to Saturday, March 18: second round team matches between Wexford and the winners from Carlow and Kilkenny to be played.
Saturday, April 1: Leinster Community Games team finals will be launched at a special ceremony at the Talbot Hotel in Carlow.
Sunday, April 2: county gymnastic finals in Gorey Gym Club. The closing date for entries is March 25.
Sunday, April 2: finals in Carlow. Leinster team