19/09/2026
It was a night when history was made as our magnificent U14 girls secured the division 3 county title against a dogged Rathgarogue Cushinstown in a windy Rathangan yesterday evening.
We got off to a good start by getting the opening point and we looked sharp and well drilled. However our opponents grabbed a goal with their first attack of note to leave us reeling. We soon recovered to slot over the next 3 points before a looping ball into our goalmouth ended up with Rathgarogue Cushinstown landing another sucker punch in the shape of a slightly fortuitous goal. So with 10 minutes to go to half time, we found ourselves 2-0 to 0-5 down in spite of the fact that we were dominating possession and territory. But the sign of a good team is one that doesn’t panic when the pressure is on, and this team never does, they keep plugging away, they keep chasing, they keep tracking and they continue to stay focussed. So up steps the irrepressible Maisy Walsh to knock in a crucial goal that brings us to half time with a 1-7 to 2-0 lead.
The second half saw us gradually stretch away from our valiant opponents and when Georgia Carroll slammed home our second goal, we knew we were within touching distance of reaching the promised land. Rathgarogue Cushinstown kept the pressure on and had us penned in for the last 7 or 8 minutes but our girls defended with poise and efficiency, not to mention an assuredness that said we’re not leaving Rathangan without this elusive county title. Not tonight. And we didn’t. We saw out the last few minutes by containing the game, maintaining possession and defending diligently. Once that final whistle finally went the monkey was off the back and the celebrations started in earnest. Alannah O’Connor gratefully accepted the cup on behalf of her team and she gave a wonderfully confident and articulate speech that had gratitude and compassion at its heart as she thanked the coaches for their time and commiserated with the beaten finalists - a speech that belied her youth and one worthy of a county champion.
Last but not least the coaches and mentors… In many ways this is a culmination of the last 5 plus years as this group has grown and evolved together and in that time Wayne Carty has been a constant. He has coached, mentored and inspired these girls to be the best version of themselves. He has given his time, shared his expertise and built a fantastic team around him that have all played their part in creating very special memories for the players, supporters and the club itself. Well done Wayne, Rocky, Sarah, Nicola, Francis as well as all the fabulous supporters who turned up in huge numbers tonight to witness a historic night that will live long in the memory!
Naomh Seosamh ABÚ - COUNTY CHAMPIONS 2026!!
