Fermoy ladies raise almost €2000 for Tsunami appeal

Sunday the 23rd of January saw the Fermoy Ladies
football team undergo a battle against some of
the best local male football talent in order to
raise funds for the Asian Tsunami disaster. The
girls had some political support in the form of
Independent MEP Cathy Sinnott who togged out for
the occasion. Several town councilors were also
present to lend support. They were Seamus Coleman,
Kevin O’ Keeffe and Sean Sherlock.

A substantial crowd abandoned Sunday afternoon
in front of the television and braced the cold
conditions to support the girls in their efforts.
The men obviously sensed that they were in for
a hard match as they had recruited the help of
a number of inter-county players and a fine display
was put in by County hurler Jonathan O’ Callaghan
and Offaly man Ross Evans.

The first ten minutes saw the men dominate possession
and the girls were left almost dumbstruck in defence
as a strike from Tipperary man Liam O’ Connor
rocketed past their goalkeeper. However, it was
then that referee James Birmingham noticed that
the men’s side were in fact playing with seventeen
players (in every sense of the word) and when
play finally continued on level terms it was the
ladies who produced a display which reminded everyone
just why football is worthy of its title; the
beautiful game. Goals from Elisa DeLuca and Rebecca
Wall punished the oppositions defensive mistakes,
while the O’ Connors – Cliona and Eileen dominated
midfield.

Defensive finesse from full-back Sarah O’ Flaherty
and young player of the year 2004 – Carly Shanahan
ensured that the mens side obtained few scores
in the second half although they did put over
two or three superb long range points. At full
time however, it was the girls who finished with
the upper hand with a final score of 5-6 to 4-3
in their favour.

Fermoy Ladies Football club extend their thanks
to all who took part in the event and a special
thanks should go to Kerins pub Fermoy for providing
food and beverages, Thomas Singleton of the Fishmarket
Fermoy for providing half-time refreshments, our
sponsors TJ Goodtymes, referee James Birmingham
and also to Mark Condon and William O’ Keeffe
for providing the entertaining public address
on the occasion. Thanks also to Michelle Santry
for organising the event and to all the players.
Your kind efforts have raised over €1,900 for
the Asian Tsunami disaster and Fermoy Ladies Football
club sincerely thank you.

Maria Hayes (Fermoy Ladies Football Club)