GIRLS FOOTBALL 

Minor Team 

Having won one and lost one of their opening two matches the minor girls travelled to Curry for their third outing hoping to get back on the winning trail. It was a match that they were to control from the start and they were to run out comfortable winners. There were excellent defensive performances from Cara Gilligan and Caoimhe O Sullivan, supported by Ellen Monaghan, while Ciara Redmond and Laura Joyce were dominant figures around the middle of the field. Attracta Halloran led the attack and Mary Stenson’s non-stop running and industry caused the Curry defence many problems. This win set the girls up well for their final group match away to Owenmore Gaels.

Despite the absence of some key players for their final group match and the concession of some very early scores the team rallied and earned a well deserved draw, which will led to a  semi-final/play off against the same opposition for the right to play Shamrock Gaels in the final. The girls suffered the setback of conceding a goal almost directly from the throw-in, and soon trailed by 1-02 to 0-00. To their credit they rallied and fought to get back in the game led by Laura Joyce and Ciara Redmond in the middle of the field. A brace of goals from Ciara and another from Eimear McCallion were to prove vital in the comeback and the girls held on to draw on a scoreline of 3-05 to 3-05.  Sarah Lindsay was outstanding in goals, making numerous saves and setting up attacks with her kick-outs. She was helped in defence by Cara Gilligan and Jessica Halloran in particular with support from Kaela Kerrigan and Caoimhe O’ Sullivan. Ellen Monaghan’s switch to attack instead of her normal defensive role was to prove fruitful as Ellen was to find herself on the score-sheet. She was well supported by Attracta Halloran, Eilis Callaghan and Eimear McCallion.

U12 Semi-Final.

The U12 girls qualified for the County Final last Tuesday (Aug. 30th) when they defeated a gallant St. Nathy’s side 6-06 to 2-01 in Ransboro Pk. Right from the throw in the girls took a grip on the match. By the end of the first quarter they led 2-01 to 0-00 thanks to goals from Cliodhna O’ Sullivan and Hannah Burrows and a pointed free from the industrious Aoife Gormley. The second quarter was to follow a similar pattern with the home side pressing forward at every opportunity. Two Orna Murphy points, a second goal from Cliodhna and a Hannah Burrows point saw them extend their lead to 3-04 to 0-00 by half time. Playing into the wind in the second half, the girls were forced to absorb some pressure, but the defence of Lisa Kilfeather, Tara Peacock, Nessa O’ Sullivan, Amy Hampson and Mary Kate McPartland stood firm. In attack Orna Murphy, Hannah Burrows, Emma O’ Loughlin, Anna Callaghan, Clodagh Martyn, Alana Wilson, Susannah Gilligan and Enya Hughes caused the visitors’ defence many nervous moments. Orna was to score 1-03 while Hannah put in a five-star performance to finish top scorer with 3-02. Others to impress were Eva White in goals, Anna McDaniel and Áine Morahan in defence, and the midfield pair of Cliodhna O’ Sullivan and Aoife Gormley. The girls now go on to play St. Mary’s in the championship final on Saturday Sept. 10th at 1.45 in Tubbercurry. They would appreciate all support.

U14 Championship.

Our U14 girls made the trip to Geevagh on Mon. 29th to play their third championship match. It was the third meeting between the two teams this year, Geevagh having won the previous two. From the start however, the girls showed they were determined to make it third time lucky, and put in a magnificent performance to win 6-16 to 2-08. Playing with passion, skill and teamwork they dominated in all areas. First half goals from Keri Mitchell, Cliodhna Davitt, Ellen Prior, Eilis Burke and Cliodhna O’ Sullivan (who also contributed three points) established the lead that the girls would keep to the end. In what was a great team display, there were many outstanding individual performances, notably from Amy Deering: who scored five points from play in addition to working tirelessly around midfield: Eilis Burke, Eva Schoen and Keri Mitchell in attack. In defence, Aislinn Doggett, Holly Gilligan and Ellen Given thwarted most attacks, and those attacks that did make it through came up against a very in-form Beibhinn Harte in goals. The second half failed to reach the level of the first, but a second Keri Mitchell goal kept the scoreboard ticking over for the girls to gain their second consecutive win in the group.

They maintained their good form, when, on Friday evening they defeated Owenmore Gaels 8-14 to 3-06 in Ransboro Park. It was an evening when everything went right for the hosts against a somewhat depleted opposition. Four first-half goals from Cliodhna Davitt set the tone, and were added to by Ellen Prior and Amy Hampson who both also contributed points. Other scorers were Cliodhna O’ Sullivan 0-03, Ellen Given 0-02 and Amy Deering, Eva Schoen and Eilis Burke 0-01 each. This saw the girls go into the second half with a commanding lead and although Owenmore Gaels fought hard in the second half, and put the home side under pressure, goals from Cliodhna O’ Sullivan and Eimear Callaghan steadied the team. Further points from Ellen Prior, Amy Hampson, Amy Deering and Cliodhna O’ Sullivan brought the scoring to an end. In what was an excellent team display there were also some super individual performances from EIlis Burke, Aislinn Doggett, Ciara Lindsay, Ellen Given, Cliodhna Davitt, and Eva Schoen.

U10 Team 

The U10 squad played a challenge game against Shamrock Gaels on Saturday 27th August and acquitted themselves  well. The team are coming to the end of a good season with eleven players turning  out on the day . Fine weather which kept fine and proved ideal conditions for a morning game. 

The team performed very well and were strongly competitive against a well organised Shamrock Gaels side. In the end a combination of good strong defending and great scoring from play helped Coolera Strandhill to a well deserved victory. 

The team are looking forward to a final blitz in this age group and then it will be a most deserving rest before taking the big step up to the U12 age devision next season. 

LOTTO

There was no  winner of the lotto jackpot which currently totals E11,400. Weekly lotto draw takes place every Monday night at 9pm in Coolera/Strandhill GAA Club House.  Numbers drawn were 8,13,15 and 16 Lotto tickets may be purchased at Brees Bar, Strandhill, Keanes Centra, Strandhill, Coolera House and Margarets Cafe, Finisklin.

If you wish to purchase enter the draw on an annual basis then please contact the Club PRO for payment options. 

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Wellness Workshop will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 21st September in the Club House. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wishes to enhance their wellness. Reduced cost for members of E10.00 per participant, payable on the night.  

Suicide Awareness Training will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 4th October in the Club House. Certificates of attendance will be provided at completion of training. There is no fee for this course.  

Only three places left, so please book early to avoid disappointment by contacting the Club P.R.O. at the below email address.

LOST PROPERTY

If you have lost property then please contact any member of the Grounds committee or alternatively the PRO by email. Please note that lost property is retained for a maximum period of 28 days. 

If you wish to contact Coolera/Strandhill P.R.O. then please do so at coolerastrandhillpro@gmail.com