As we catch our breath after a fantastic weekend of sport for both Sarsfields and Kildare, we want to take a look back a very significant day for our ladies underage section. As our ladies section continues to expand and develop, having two teams playing back to back in the U15 Kildare County Finals was a massive achievement in the first place – especially as this is the second year in a row this group of girls have achieved this feat. For both teams to win their respective finals made it all the more memorable and historic for the players, their families, coaches and the club as a whole.
First up in St Laurance’s GAA on a very warm Saturday afternoon were our Division 6 team, made up predominantly of girls from the U14’ playing girls mostly a full year older than them. They faced Kildangan/Nurney who have a number of County U14 and U16 Players and who had won the U14 League last year and who promised to offer stiff competition, and so it proved. The game was tight the whole way through and going into the final water break in the second half, Kildangan led by a single point. Sarsfields held their composure and after being guilty of wasting a few opportunities earlier in the match, found their range to score 2 goals and 2 points in quick succession to turn the game in their favour. They pushed on from there to close out a fantastic win with a final score of Kildangan/Nurney 3-4, Sarsfields 5-8. Team Captain Sarah Phelan was presented with the Division 6 Cup amidst great celebration. Well done to the team and mentors.
Watching this drama unfold and ready to go on to the same pitch was our U15 Division 1 team. For the second year in a row, they faced Kilcullen in the final. Both teams results mirrored each other during the league stages, and Killcullen had already won the county Division 1 Feile, so the result here really was going to be impossible to call. Kilcullen started strongly, with a very direct running style causing Sarsfields problems and seeing Kilcullen race into an early lead of 1-2 to no score. The Sash girls slowly settled into the game, and while Kilcullen continued to look the more dangerous, Sarsfields found themselves leading at half time 1-5 to 1-4 despite knowing they would need a vast improvement in the second half. The improvement came with Sarsfields being very dominant in defence and their forwards starting to find a little more space. They had to defend bravely in the closing stages when Kilcullen threw everything at them but Sarsfields stood firm to win by a final score of Sarsfields 2-11 Kilcullen 1-8.
More Celebrations!!! Captain LJ Kaye Collected the Division 1 Cup from Kildare LGFA Chairperson Mag O’Neill.
The two teams met back in the club house for some food and to extend the celebrations. A milestone day for the club, 2 finals, 2 wins, 2 cups….. 2 Fantastic Teams!!!
