Ladies Inter Football Champions

See Peter Hickies pictures here on GAAPICS.COM  - and many thanks to Peter for his great coverage of Syls Ladies.

 

After a busy weekend of celebrating the girls fantastic win in Parnell Park we can reflect on what was another historic achievement by this outstanding bunch of players.

Following a hugely successful season in 2011 and winning the Dublin & Leinster Junior Championship, the step up to the Intermediate Championship was supposed to be a learning curve for our ladies. They sure ripped that script up very quickly. Topping their group in the qualifying rounds with three convincing wins the girls came out on top in an epic semi-final against Kilmacud Crokes. Talk on the street was that Parnells already had their name on the cup and were going to be too strong for our girls, but quietly we knew we had lots more in the tank and were relishing the challenge.

 

On Friday night the first 10 minutes were tight between the two teams and Parnell's edged into a 3pts to 2pts lead. But then Sinead Tracey and Macker got to grips with things in midfield and created the platform for a scoring blitz of 1-6 without reply which was capped off with a classic goal created by Nicole and finished superbly to the back of the net by Sinead Aherne. Carol, Maeve and Louise covered every blade of grass to keep the pressure on. Our full back line and half back line snuffed out any threat from the Parnell's girls and despite missing two more goal chances we went for the half time break with an 8pt lead.

 

Only the players and management witnessed what went on in the dressing room at the break. It was filled with calmness, composure and buckets of passion. Deccie covered all the tactics and plans again. Skipper Sinead Tracey reminded the girls of their jobs and the Macker rose to her feet to deliver an emotional rallying cry, with her hand on the club crest, with the message of win at all costs for the team, for the club, for the parish.

 

In the 2nd half the girls roared back into action and dominated the early exchanges again adding on a further 2pts. However with the breeze at their backs the Parnell's girls were always going to come back at us. With a period of pressure they scored 1-2 to get it back to a 5pts margin. Sinead, Nicole,Katie and Orlaith all added scores to stretch our lead again. However the Parnell's girls hit back with another goal and a point to cut the gap to 4pts. The game now slipped into injury time and Aimee, Clarkie, Louise, Kim and Leah dug deep in defence to close out the game.

 

At the final whistle their were huge celebrations amongst the players, management and the many Syls supporters in Parnell Park. Sinead Tracey led her team up the steps to collect the cup and delivered an excellent speech. Macker was presented with the player of the match award with a display that would confirm her as the best midfielder in the country, in ladies football.

 

By 10.30pm we were all back in Church Road to celebrate a famous occasion. In true form the girls worked hard during the game and partied hard after it. Gibneys, Fowlers, Tamangoes and even Coppers got a taste of the action over the weekend.

 

Well done to everyone involved in our success. Thanks to all our supporters and all the good will from the club members and community. Thanks to Noel Harney and MSD for their sponsorship support.

 

So the journey starts again. The Leinster Championship in mid September v the Louth Champions with the game in Broomfield. Who knows where we might go this year!!!!