Future is bright after wonderful year in Tinahely
RECENTLY, one of the most successful seasons in the history of the Tinahely LGFA Club came to a close. It was an incredible season for the County Wicklow club with not only their Senior and Intermediate teams claiming championship victories but their under-14 team winning the 2017 Féile Division 1 crown and league title and also the Division 2A under-16 ‘B’ championship with the under-16s winning the Division 1 under-16 Shield title.
The club started training back in early February leading up to the Féile qualifying games in early April where, after five games, Tinahely were crowned Féile champions, their first time to take home the honours and the prestigious cup in the name of their former player, Ellen Kinch.
The national finals were held in Cavan, Fermanagh, and Monaghan. Tinahely were based in Emmyvale, Co. Monaghan. The hospitality shown to the club was fantastic, but they were there to play football and see how far they could progress.
In the group games they beat Mayo, Monaghan and Cavan county winners to top their group only to lose out to Killucan of Westmeath in the All-Ireland quarter-final by one point.
Playing Division 1 against other county winners was a great experience for the Tinahely footballers and showed just how far they had come in such a short period. They left everything on the field and showed their supporters that they were not going to let the side down.
The under-14 Division 1 came next which they took in their stride, finishing unbeaten and claiming the league crown in the process. The under-14 Division 3 team played some great football thought-out the league but came up short, finishing second in the league.
Up next was the championship, with the Division 1 team claiming the title after a fantastic final against Blessington. They started and were three points up before Tinahely settled and by half-time they had regained the lead they would never relinquish.
Tinahely’s Division 2 championship team reached the semi-final, with Carnew being the opponents. The Wexford border side got the better of the Tinahely side and went on to win the cup.
Tinahely had two teams in the under-16 Division 1 and 2 championships. Their Division 1 team reached the Shield final where they defeated Newtown after a thrilling final under lights.
The Division 2 team who all bar one were under 14 reached the final against Éire Óg. When the final whistle blew they were Division 2 champions after playing some of their best football all year.
The last competition of the year, the Kilmacud 7s, was an- other great experience for the Tinahely club. They came second in their group and then won the last 16 game against Moycullen of Galway before bowing out to eventual winners Clargalway in the quarter-finals.
On Sunday, September 14, to finish the year on a high, the team travelled to Croke Park to witness the All-Ireland ladies finals. Here’s hoping that someday this group of Tinahely players will experience the feeling of running out on to that pitch to represent either club or county.
It’s been a long and very successful year for the Tinahely club. The club would like to offer thanks to Angela Tallon, Declan O’Brien and Michael Byrne for their efforts and commitment over the year.
These young footballers have brought pride to their club, families and supporters. Who knows what next year may bring.
Tuesday, December 5
At Roundwood - Arklow Bay Hotel Football League Div. 1 and Dunne Cup semi-final
- Rathnew v St. Patricks 7.45 p.m. (Referee T.B.C.)
Friday, December 8
At Bray - Dunne Cup Final - Blessington v Rathnew/St. Patricks 7.45 p.m. (Referee T.B.C.)