Fermoy U14s win Munster final
Fermoy U14 hockey team have enjoyed a very busy 10 day period as they reached the closing stages of their Munster U14 Rave League. On Saturday, 9th March, Fermoy defeated a strong Midleton team in a nail-biting contest in Fermoy, which was decided on shuttles. This ensured Fermoy qualified for a Munster semi-final meeting with Waterford on Saturday, 16th March in Harlequins Hockey Club, Farmers Cross, Cork.
This semi-final clash was part of a full day of Munster U14 semi-finals, with teams from Harlequins, Ashton, Clonmel, Nenagh, Castletroy and Cashel all playing off their semi-finals in various U14 leagues. With the prepared pitch flooding just as Fermoy and Waterford were ready to play, the match was deferred by almost 1.5hrs and teams and supporters retired to the Harlequins clubhouse for some much needed refreshments before stepping onto the pitch again for a 2.15pm start. Despite the constant rain and fog requiring full lights in mid-afternoon, the girls played out a great match defeating Waterford by 2-0 to earn their place in the Munster final against Castletroy, Limerick, with Áine Collins and Ella O'Sullivan getting on the scoresheet.
This qualified Fermoy to play in the Munster final on Monday, 18th March, again in Harlequins. This was all part of a full weekend of Munster League and Cup final and it was a huge thrill for Fermoy to be part of this, the first time in a number of years that a Fermoy team has been in this position. With more pleasant weather, this proved a very exciting match from start to finish, with Fermoy going 2 nil up after 7 minutes, only for Castletroy to equalise with 2 goals back before the first quarter break. It was end to end very exciting hockey with all supporters eyes glued to the ball. While the pace settled a little, the match continued at a fast pace with Castletroy going 3-2 up, followed shortly by a Fermoy equaliser.
Throughout the second half, both teams continued to look strong on the break and Fermoy were finally rewarded for their hard work with goal number 4 in the final quarter, with Ella O'Sullivan the consistent Fermoy name on the scoresheet. There was huge excitement, joy and relief as the final whistle went, confirming Fermoy as the Munster U14 Rave champions for 2023/2024.
Well done to all of our Fermoy players, those who played during the last few years and those who supported us over the last 10 days. We look forward to seeing you all on the hockey pitch again in the future. We were delighted to have so many players enjoy some much needed refreshments in McDonalds in our post-match celebrations. A further presentation to the girls will take place as part of the Munster Hockey Awards Night in May, where the girls will be presented with their winning medals.
A huge thank you to all our players, our supporters who comprised of the players’ parents, Fermoy Hockey Club players and coaches (past, present and future) and extended families and relations. Thank also to Dervla, Niamh and Clodagh Guinevan who have umpired many matches for the girls during the last number of seasons, all contributing to keeping Fermoy hockey going.
Fermoy U14 hockey team: Louise McConville, Eve Doherty, Zoe Browne, Kate Gowen, Ella O'Sullivan, Aoibhe Holland, Katelyn O'Flaherty, Gemma Collins, Lucy O'Connell, Áine Collins, Emily Butt, Madelyn Keane, Áine Finn, Amy Collins, Keelin Harding, Saoirse Healy, Ciara Hanrahan, Ellie Leamy, Evie McCarthy, Niamh O'Connell and Eivinna Gadisauskaite.