Raheny Ladies Claim Historic title

Raheny Ladies Claim Historic title 18th September 2010

When the whistle went last Wednesday Raheny Ladies had finally realised their dream and won the Junior A Championship for the first time in the clubs History after a pulsating final against St Sylvester’s.

From the first whistle Raheny looked like a team on a mission and only minutes in Orla Sheehan crashed the ball to the Syls net to give Raheny a lead which they never relinquished for the remainder of the game. The Magnificent Sinead Aherne responded for Syls as the battle began backed up by Niamh NcEvoy and Sinead Treacy.But Raheny never Panicked and Full Forward Jacqueline Elebert went on a footballing rampage scoring the 1st of an incredible tally of 6-2

 

At half time the game was well in the melting pot and Syls who to their credit never gave up narrowed the gap after some wonderful work from Ex Dublin minor Nicole Owens. But Raheny rallied again inspired by the fantastic Ciara Burgess Raheny’s Elebert struck again. With Rhona Markham and Claire Fitzgerald getting a grip at midfield and their defence led by Captain Gemma Orange Claire O’Reilly and the brilliant Aedin woods Raheny pushed for glory with their young Dub Siobhan Wood kicking two points worthy to grace any final.

But yet again St Sylvester’s responded through some great work by Aherne and Owens again but the Raheny girls held firm driven on from the goals by Keeper Roisin Morgan.

The Final whistle blew and was greeted by huge roar from the massive Raheny crowd as these players many who has lost 2 previous finally realised what they achieved.

 

Heroic is the only word to describe this performance as although individuals shone on the night it was the team ethic and hard work which saw them through driven on by their loyal mangers Jimmy Woods and Tadhg Moriarty.

 

County Chairperson Camillus Kilpatrick praised the two teams for such a wonderful game and thanked all the officials and Fingallians for making it such a special night before presenting the Player of the Match trophy to Raheny’s Jacqueline Elebert to top off a wonderful night for this young player.

Finally Captain Gemma Orange got her hands on the trophy that had eluded these girls for so long as mentioned it was a victory all those who had given so much to the cause over the years before she spoke the words that was in every Raheny Person hearts and minds “This is for you Eilis”

 

It was time then to return to Parish and reflect on what they had just achieved with the words of Jimmy in their ears” This is not the end its just the beginning for us” as Raheny now earn the right to represent Dublin in the Leinster Championship on September 18th versus the Offaly Champions.

 

For St Sylvester’s their was huge disappointment but manger Brian Sullivan and his troops left this magnificent Fingallians venue with their heads high after putting in a tremendous effort and performance just narrowly losing on the night to an Inspired Raheny team in a game which a magnificent advert for Dublin Ladies football

 

Well done to all of the Raheny Panel who showed us all how proud they are to wear their club colours and bring this trophy home

 

Panel: Roisin Morgan,Claire O’Reilly,Aoife Farrell,Aedin Woods,Ciara Brody,Gemma Orange (Capt),Rosie Cully,Claire Fitzgerald (0-2),Rhona Markham,Orla Sheehan (1-1),Ciara Burgess (0-1),Siobhan Woods(0-2),Louise Shanley (0-1) Jacqueline Elebert (6-2),Roisin Gillen,Treasa Kelly,Niamh McLaughlin,Sally O’Grady,Jenny Farrell,Lisa Donnelly,Sarah Caulfield,Roisin Meehan,Bronagh Fagan,Rosie Maguire

 

Management: Jimmy Woods Tadhg Moriarty

 

Referee : Derek McKittrick (Fingallians)