LADIES FOOTBALL: Goals key as Killenaule soar to famous county success
U16 D County Final: Killenaule 3-8 Clonmel Commercials 0-7
Killenaule U16 footballers made history this week winning their first county title since the ladies football club formed in 2022. With over 120 registered players across all the age groups, this was a victory for all of them and all the coaches.
It was a great battle with a skillful Commercials team and enjoyed by a large Killenaule following. 8 of the starting 15 for Killenaule had never played club championship football before this year, so its a remarkable achievement.
Playing with the breeze in the first half, Killenaule led at half time thanks to the sharp shooting of Emily Ivors, (1-2), Abbie Hanlon (1-1) and captain Torrie Doyle (0-3).
Across the field Killenaule had great performances and indeed their calmest and most assured performer was their youngest, 13 year old Lily Ivors in goal.
The second half was a ding dong battle throughout, and a great sign for the future of any team, lots of players had their best game of the year in the final (Amy Reidy, Lauren and Ava Healy, Jessica O'Gorman, Maisie Walsh) and led bravely by some of the rocks of the team like Sarah Ivers, Emily Ivors, Torrie Doyle and Emily Fanning, Sarah showing impressive maturity and discipline throughout marking a top top Commercials intercounty forward.
The crucial score of the game was our third goal by sharp shooter Abbie Hanlon, and further points by Torrie Doyle and Emily Fanning kept the scoreboard ticking over.
There were scenes of great celebration at the final whistle, and in particular it was a joy to see players from the younger grades in the club out celebrating with their new heroes.
Lastly but most importantly a special mention to a special lady, a rock at full back - Siobhan Maher - who played with the kind blessing of her family following the passing of her grandmother Margaret the previous day.
You'll go far and wide to find as impressive and brave a young lady as Siobhan. Our deepest sympathies to the Maher family.
The players performed so well, not forgetting Anna Delaney, Kelly Bourke, Rachel Hanlon who had major moments throughout the game and two very impactful substitutes in Caoimbhe Cleere and Eva Corcoran.
The Killenaule girls look forward to bringing the cup to schools and underage training during the week as planning begins very shortly for next year for this up and coming group of players.