Rounders sides in two deciders
Glynn-Barntown’s big weekend
GLYNN-BARNTOWN Rounders Club are on the brink of further national glory as they seek out a third All-Ireland title in a row at the Abbotstown National Sports Centre on Saturday.
The ladies’ team, appearing in what is their third consecutive final, have maintained amazing consistency over the past two years, so much so that they are now on the brink of glory and a third All-Ireland title in row.
Following upon many years of trying, they eventually made that hard-earned but deserved breakthrough back in 2016, when they lifted their first national title.
One year later they maintained their rapid rate of improvement in retaining the crown which was a huge achievement in itself.
Now they have an opportunity of creating their own piece of history with a special three-in-a-row. They comfortably came through their preliminary rounds, qualifying for the quarter-finals against Cavan club, Erne Eagles.
In the semi-final against Breaffy of Mayo they had to call on all their experience and skills as, having trailed by six runs going into the final innings, they fought their way back to earn a draw.
Going the extra innings they went on to win by the minimum margin of one run with a final score of 29-28.
In Saturday’s final they face another difficult task, coming up against Laois side, The Heath, but it’s a hurdle they are capable of surmounting.
Glynn-Barntown are in with a real chance of a second All-Ireland title since their mixed team, in their first season, have also qualified for the final.
While it normally takes a couple of years to build a panel to this level, it was very evident from their first match in April that they had something special, which has been the case right through the championship.
They qualified in top position for the quarter-finals against Sporting Limerick, while in the semi-final they faced Cavan side, Erne Eagles.
It was a close match which saw Glynn-Barntown eventually come out on top by two runs after seven innings, 15-13.
Once again it’s The Heath who will provide the final opposition.
Coach Catríona Walsh said: ‘As you know, players, managers and clubs spend their sporting life longing for an All-Ireland title.
‘They all work hard towards achieving their dreams, yet very few actually make it, so hence my passion now to getting my players the recognition they deserve.
‘We are currently sitting with two titles under our belt, with the possibility of adding two more this year. It’s not bad going for a little club nestled under the Three Rocks,’ she added.
Ladies’ team: Shirley Roche, Kate Duggan (capt.), Keira Waters, Ciara Roche, Emma Reddy, Ann Hanley, Yvonne Hanley, Amanda Howlin, Sarah McGuinness, Linda Dempsey, Pamela Brennan, Vanessa Howlin.
Mixed team: Henry Dunne, Dylan Whitty, Mick Kelly, Paul Cooper, Kenny O’Reilly, Jay O’Reilly, Jay Malone, Amanda Howlin, Kate Duggan, Emma Reddy (capt.), Yvonne Hanley, Ann Hanley, Shirley Roche, Sarah McGuinness.