St Marys women back in big league after four years
ST. Mary’s Team Tom McCarthy’s are in action this weekend as the ladies division league tips off around the country. It is four years since the Castleisland side played at this level but having won the NICC Cup earlier this year under the guidance of coach Liam Culloty the players were anxious to take the next step and enter the national league. With sponsor Tom McCarthy on board the dream quickly became a reality.
Culloty says that a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get the squad to this stage. “We have a terrific base of local players and we are delighted to welcome some new faces to the club also,” he said.
The opening game will not be an easy as their opponents, Portlaoise Panthers played at Superleague level last year but according to Culloty Team Tom McCarthy’s are up for the challenge. “We have a tough opener against a really good team but we will travel with a full squad and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
The division one ladies league will be made up of two conferences. St. Mary’s, who are the only Kerry ladies team to play in the league this season, play in the southern conference along with Maree, Limerick Celtics, UL, Portlaoise Panthers. The Northern conference is made up of Letterkenny, Ulster University Elks, Belfast Pheonix, Trinity Meteors and Swords Thunder. Tip off in Portlaoise this Saturday is at 7.30pm. Team Tom McCarthy’s will have their first home game on October 13 against UL Huskies at 6.30pm in Castleisland.