St. Pat's ladies enjoy superb victories in Dublin
ST PATRICK’S Ladies footballers completed a wonderful two weeks recently as they captured the Division 3 Dublin Cup and League competitions with wins over Scoil ui Chonnall in the cup and Naomh Barrog in their final league match.
It was a long trip to Edenmore, Raheny, for Robert Hollingsworth’s side to take on Scoil ui Chonnall in the final of the Divison 3 Dublin Cup.
Two previous victories over their opponents during the summer could have led the Pat’s girls to be somewhat complacent and in the early stages these fears were somewhat compounded when after 15 minutes the sides were level on 1-3 apiece.
As the first half went on some really strong defensive play from Laoise Marron, Sorcha Doyle, Saoirse O’Reilly, Rebecca Hollingsworth, Rose Fagan and Jess Lyons laid the foundation for St Patrick’s to drive on and build up a really commanding lead going in 2-12 to 1-5 at the break, the goals scored by Laura Manley and the ‘goal machine’ Niamh O’Brien.
The second half started off as the first half ended with St Patrick’s dominating proceedings from the throw in.
Some fantastic sweeping play helped the girls tag on seven more points which then allowed them to sit back and defend the large lead they had built up.
Lead by captain Sarah Delahunt, the team saw out the remainder of the game to claim their first ever adult trophy in Dublin Competition.
On presenting the cup the County Board official, Gus Rock, complimented both teams on a very sporting and fast game.
He complimented St Patrick’s on their enthusiasm for participating in the Dublin competitions and he admired their free-flowing attacking brand of football.
Captain Sarah Delahunt gratefully accepted the cup and thanked all involved.
This was a fantastic all-round team performance and the St Patrick’s girls showed unbelievable commitment all year which laid the foundation for this success.
The victory over Naomh Barrog saw them win the Divison 3 league with eight wins and one draw.
Scorers on the night for St Patrick’s against Scoil ui Chonall were: Laura Manley (1-1), Niamh O’Brien (1-0), Clodagh Fox (0-8), Sarah Delahunt (0-5), Niamh Caffrey (0-2), Luci Hobbs (0-1), Orla Redmond (0-1), Erynn O’Brien (0-1).
St Patrick’s: Jennifer Lyons, Sorcha Doyle, Saoirse O’Reilly, Rebecca Hollingsworth, Jessica Lyons, Rose Fagan, Laoise Marron, Sarah Delahunt, Niamh McGettigan, Orla Redmond, Erynn O’Brien, Laura Manley, Niamh Caffrey, Clodagh Fox, Niamh O’Brien. Subs: Laura Leonard for Orla Redmond, Luci Hobbs for Rebecca Hollingsworth, Megan Dunne for Jennifer Lyons, Aimi Healy for Niamh Caffrey, Naoise O’Reilly for Niamh O’Brien. Unused: Sarah Evans and Aoife Dunne.