Meath Ladies Coca-Cola Dream Team – Number Five

Meath Ladies Coca-Cola Dream Team – Number Five

The Coca-Cola Championship came back with a bang last weekend and a flurry of games marks the beginning of the business end of the Championship. While some teams availed of the holiday break provided for in the calendar, other teams persisted and continued playing their fixtures – meaning they can now sit back as the remaining fixtures are played out. This week’s Dream Team is one based on reports received between July 24^th and August 19^th!

1 – Nicole Byrne – Simonstown: A second appearance in the Dream Team for the talented Simonstown keeper. Kept her side in it as Boardsmill upped the pace in the second half and was cool, calm and collected, providing the visiting side reassurance throughout.

2 – Nicola O’Reilly – Skryne: Only home from several years in the States, and it’s like she never left. Has boosted Skryne no end and covered every blade of grass from her corner back position, as the home side fell to a three point loss against Wolfe Tones in the Junior B Championship. Was unlucky to miss a goal chance also.

3 – Elaine Coyne – St. Michaels: One of the Michaels experienced defenders and was given the tough task of marking an in-form Vikki Wall. In a thrilling contest, limited the Minor County star to three points over the hour and was resolute in the full back position, limiting Dunboyne attacks and setting up attacks of her own.

4 – Kate Heffernan – Donaghmore-Ashbourne: Ashbourne have slipped to two back to back defeats, however Heffernan shone in their battle with Dunboyne. Quick and sharp, Kate was quick to the ball and kept the Dunboyne attacks at bay throughout the contest, never once giving up.

5 – Susan Hughes – Wolfe Tones: The Tones defender has been having a super Championship and none more so than in the crunch game against Skryne. At her best when attacking forward, but Hughes was also sharp and quick to defend.

6 – Taylor Little – Moynalvey: A pillar in the visiting side’s defence, Taylor was key in her side’s victory at Batterstown against neighbours, Blackhall Gaels. A strong performance from Little allowed her side to push forward and get their second win of the Intermediate competition.

7 – Rachael Brady – Ballivor: Strong and ferocious in the tackle, Rachael was key in her side’s victory over Duleek-Bellewstown. A team player who worked alongside her fellow defenders to restrict the attack minded Duleek forwards.

8 – Mena Sheridan – Seneschalstown: A resurgent Yellow Furze side have only lost one match in this year’s Senior Championship so far. Back to their best? You better believe it. They were pushed all the way last Monday by Na Fianna however, but a late goal by Mena and her usual commanding performance in the centre of the field aided her side’s victory.

9 – Helen Regan – Boardsmill: Another player back to her best is Boardsmill midfielder Helen Regan. Sidelined with the dreaded cruciate injury last season, Helen is back and marshalled the centre of the field alongside Meath U16 footballer Rachel Troy. Helen also chipped in with two points at key stages as her side defeated Simonstown in the Senior Championship.

10 – Vikki Wall – Dunboyne: Ran riot against Ratoath hitting 2-07, chipped in with 0-03 in her side’s key win over St. Michaels and hit a fabulous 3-04 against Donaghmore Ashbourne. Vikki’s running at defences is key to Dunboyne’s success and with the business end of the Championship rapidly approaching, Vikki’s scoring prowess will be in demand alongside her fellow Dunboyne forwards.

11 – Amy Gillen – Navan O’Mahonys: The Hoops are having a difficult season, but Amy Gillen shone in their game against Summerhill. The O’Mahonys centre forward took the game to the Hill, hitting 1-03 in total and was generally unyielding as she chased down every loose ball and launched attack after attack.

12 – Julie Donnellan – Walterstown: The All Blacks are enjoying a good season, league victory has helped set up the side in this year’s Junior B Championship. Julie has undoubtedly been central to this success and the versatile player hit 0-04 against Dunboyne and 1-05 against St. Ultans this week. Will be key to Walterstown as semi-finals beckons.

13 – Megan Thynne – Dunsany: The All Ireland Minor Champion has been tearing up the field for her beloved Dunsany. A versatile player, who is as sharp in defence as she is in attack, Thynne is having a tremendous 2016 season for both club and county. The dual star has been central to her side’s good fortunes – hitting 1-01 against Clann na nGael and a super 1-09 against Ballivor this week. Her energy is boundless – a resource Dunsany will put to good use with semi-finals scheduled for next week!

14 – Katie Callaghan – Ratoath: Ratoath have been steadily building in this year’s Intermediate Championship and they now find themselves in the reckoning with just a couple of rounds left. Katie has been finding her form and her consistency is a huge addition to the Ratoath attack. 1-03 against Moynalvey, 1-02 against Dunboyne and 0-04 against Royal Gaels make Katie a worthy choice in the full forward position.

15 – Hannah Connell – St. Colmcilles: The Cilles family are having a tremendous 2016 season. Having reached the League Final back in May, they have used this as a springboard to attack the Junior A Championship head on. It has worked as they have sailed into the semi finals. Hannah enjoyed a super outing against Ballivor – hitting 3-01 in total. The young Cilles forward will undoubtedly be pressed into action once more as the Cilles go in search of a place in this year’s Junior A Final.