Warratahs Win in Offaly Association Sevens

Offaly Association Sevens

Warratahs
Win in Offaly Association Sevens!

All players played in NSW – Australia together before moving back
to Ireland.

The 33rd Annual Offaly Association games held in Dublin was one
of a historic nature. The Confey ladies team from Kildare were
attempting to win a record seven in a row ladies football titles.
But in only their second year in the competition the Warratah
women managed to take the title.

Things were looking bleak when Teasie Hoare was unable to play
due to allegedly partaking in a tough ladies football game in
Kilkenny the night before, but more than likely from the U2 concert
followed by her carry on at Chainsaws wedding the previous week-end.

Things were getting worse when news broke that Karen Connors tractor
broke down in Drogheda and stalwart Wenona McBride was stuck behind
a herd of cattle that were been driven to the mart. But Elaine
McWeeney and Claire Donnelly rallied the troops and a fine team
was submitted to the Offaly association committee prior to the
first game.

The winning New South Wales Team

Managed
by Dee Stephenson on the day, their final game was against the
ladies from the up and coming Castleknock club in Dublin. The
first half was very tight with some tit for tat scoring throughout.
But the Warratahs weren ’t prepared to fold under the pressure
of playing against an established Dublin club. A sterling performance
was given by the blonde bombshell Alison Hooban from Ballyfin
in Laois who was backed up by a massive game from Lorraine O’Sullivan
in defence and the mighty Orla Brennan in attack. The game continued
in the words of the infamous Catriona McGahan. “The ball went
up the rain came down”, but as rain came down the tan legged Australian
girls also rose in confidence and eventually won out by four points.

Hopefully 2006 will see the hurlers reach the final, while the
ladies will be back to defend their crown. Regardless of the result
the tournament provides the former NSW GAA Stars a chance to promote
the games abroad and raise the profile of Australasian GAA.

Many thanks to the Clan Na Gael, Michael Cusacks, Sydney Shamrocks,
Craobh Padraig and Central Coast players who represented NSW

http://www.gaansw.org.au
Dave Hyland ohaolain@hotmail.com