Pairc Liam Ui Ir was the venue for the final League game of the season for the Cumann Pheadair Naofa Junior Ladies on Tuesday 31st July. In a season that saw the Warrenpoint Ladies make history, this game brought to a close the Junior League which saw us go up against teams from Loughinisland, Magheralin, Dundrum, Ballykinlar and Saul and with each game the team grew in stature and skill. If this season is the beginning of Senior Ladies Football in Warrenpoint then the future is bright for the Ladies in Blue!
The game was played in intense heat and the fitness levels of the girls was clear to see. The Magheralin team were strong and hard-hitting and every inch and blade of grass covered counted for something in this final game.
The Warrenpoint Ladies went in at half time 0-06 to 0-02 in front after playing some great football, moving the ball fast and working together as a unit. A super first half from Annie Howlett in nets stopped the Craigavon outfit bagging 4 goals and a super display from the back line also kept Magheralin score to a minimum, with standout performances from Kate Kelly, Ciara Downey and Jenny Quinn.
The second half started with the same intensity the first had, both teams hit score after score but in the latter stages the heat got to the Warrenpoint side which saw their final touch see the ball go just wide on 6 occasions in the last 10 minutes. In the end it was the travelling Magheralin side who came away with the victory by only 2 points.
Senior Ladies Manager, Sean O’Hare, had this to say on the game; “It’s not too often in a game of football you can walk away from a defeat and have very little to critique in your team. Our girls left it all out on the pitch and so many performed heroically. We had four key players come off with injuries and still we were within a kick of the game at the final whistle. We are disappointed – as a whole unit as we are capable of more but what better preparation for the Championship than a close game like that? We regroup and now focus on the Mayobridge game here at Moygannon on the 9th August.”
Warrenpoint Senior Ladies now take on Mayobridge on Thursday 9th August at 7:30pm in Pairc Liam Ui Ir, in the LGFA Junior Championship Quarter Final – please come out and support the girls in the Championship quest!
