Double Leinster success for Tullamore Hockey Club

First years win Leinster gold

Tullamore's 1st year hockey team has wound up a great season by winning their Leinster Div 6 Finals v's Rathgar last Sunday. They have previously finished top of their league and then faced a strong Genesis side in the semi-finals in late March followed by an away final in Rathgar on a gorgeous sunny Sunday.

An early disallowed goal from Tullamore’s brilliant centre mid Annie Mooney showed the team that it was possible to beat the Rathgar defence and Tullamore forward, Cara Daly, was not long in showing her stick skills and determination and scoring for her side. This was quickly followed up by a cracking goal from the left attacking player Emer Hanniffy. 

The strong defensive duo of Charlotte Bannon and Emer Condron shut down multiple attacking waves from the Rathgar side, showing confidence and calmness under pressure.  This was despite missing the support of teammate Sophie Dohney who was unable to play in the final but has been instrumental in the team’s success over the season.

Tullamore's midfield players Sinead Shiels and Suzanna Tottenham were relentless in their attack and solid in their defence throughout the game, showing great attacking and passing skills at every play.  Aine Ryan came on and showed her diversity of skill and ability by quickly scoring from the left forward position and then great supporting play from the midfield.

Relative newcomer to the game Robyn Shortall showed the Rathgar team the depth of grit from the Tullamore side and tested the Rathgar defence.  A well-executed corner by the Tullamore midfield players saw Suzanna Tottenham score a 4th and final goal for Tullamore.  A late consolation goal for the home side of Rathgar came finally beating Tullamore goalie Rachel Ebanazer who has had a great season in goals for Tullamore.

Congratulations to a well deserving and committed Tullamore 1st year team.

Tullamore 6th class team also had a great season topping their league table but were beaten by a strong Glennane side in their semifinals. There is no doubt that this team will come back with even greater determination next year.

Tullamore Inter 5s celebrate Leinster final win

Pictured above: 

Tullamore Inter 5 Leinster Winning Team

Tullamore Hockey Club hosted Skerries in the Leinster Inter 5’s final on Sunday morning. In brilliant sunshine the game started at a blistering pace with the ball being swiftly moved from end to end. As the first half continued Tullamore mid field trio of Lucy Deverall, Kathline Lynam and Alice Walsh began to stamp their authority on the game but some fine saves from the Skerries goalkeeper succeeded in keeping Tullamore at bay.

Tullamore were awarded a series of short corners and came agonising close to opening the scoring by hitting the goal post. However, it was Skerries who, in the last 2 minutes of the half, broke through on a quick counterattack to find the Tullamore net.

Tullamore regrouped at half time and motived by their coach, Jane Guinan, Tullamore started the second half at high tempo and within minutes had scored as Maeve Duffy, picked up a precision pass from Isabelle Keyes to slot the ball home to make it 1-1.

Tullamore pressed on and asserting their dominance, Sarah Guinan skilfully controlling a pass from left wing Eloise Kamalandua, wrong-footed the goalie, smashed the ball to the backboard scoring Tullamore’s second within minutes. Skerries shaken by Tullamore’s quick start settled and again found their momentum. Tullamore’s backline of Maeve Deverell, Martha Keohane, Caoimhe Connolly, Maeve O’Toole and goalie Sinead Ryan were now under constant pressure. The relentless pressure eventually saw Skerries score the equaliser with 10 minutes left on the stopwatch. 

Thereafter the game ebbed and flowed with both sides creating further scoring opportunities. However, with five minutes to play and looking like penalties may be needed to separate the two teams captain Katie Guinan skilfully moved the ball quickly from Tullamore’s defence to Kathline Lynam who deftly pushed it into the circle where it was collected by Maeve Duffy who rounded her defender and cooly slotted the ball past the Skerries goalie. 

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Skerries again raised the tempo and as the final whistle sounded, they were being thwarted by some heroic Tullamore defending. When the final whistle sounded Tullamore shrieked with joy and ran to ring regular goalie, Nicole Duke who was in France eagerly waiting for the result.

It was a fantastic game of hockey, worthy of a Leinster final with great individual skill and teamwork being displayed by both sides. Thanks to all the supporters, who really made it an occasion for these young players to remember.

Team: Katie Guinan (captain), Maeve Deverell, Caoimhe Connolly, Maeve O’Toole, Martha Keohane, Sinead Ryan, Lucy Deverall, Kathline Lynam, Sarah Guinan, Eloise Kamalandua, Alice Walsh, Maebh Duffy, Isabelle Keyes