Kilmeena Minor Ladies pre-season training began on January 16th, 2019. The girls participated in a six-week strength and conditioning programme in the Kilmeena gym, kindly facilitated by Annette Keane Lonergan. Our minor girls took to the pitch in early February for their first outdoor training session. Initially, the team had a small panel of minors, and we knew that this was going to create difficulty as the season progressed. To keep the girls interested and to maintain consistency, we trained with the senior panel throughout the 2019 season. A very memorable start saw the opening game of the league being played on Sunday, March 10th, away to Carnacon. Torrential rain and hailstones forced both teams to run for shelter, briefly postponing the starting time of the game. On resumption, the team, consisting of 12 players, performed admirably despite the horrendous conditions. Unfortunately, we left Carnacon with a loss. On Bank Holiday Monday, March 18th, the girls played a home game against The Neale. The team, now restored to its full complement of players when some girls from the U-16 squad stepped up a grade to minor and relished the challenge. The girls performed beyond expectations and displayed exceptional skills and passion throughout the game — final score: Kilmeena 4-16, The Neale 2-3. A week later, the girls played at home to Westport “B”. Displaying a massive, cohesive team effort, and playing in harmony, they continued to increase the scoreline against a competitive Westport side. They eventually secured the win with a final score of Kilmeena 6-7 Westport 2-9. Unfortunately, the last league game fixed for May 1st didn’t go ahead, as Kilmoremoy “B” withdrew from the competition. The Championship was due to kick off on August 6th against Moy Davitts. However, we were forced to concede this game due to low numbers. The long break in games due to state exams made it difficult for our girls to commit on the day. The girls played their last minor league game, a quarter-final, away to a very strong St. Mary’s side on October 11th which brought our 2019 season to a close.
Kilmeena LGFA management would like to thank the minor girls who committed to the 2019 season, especially the U-16 girls who rose to the occasion and as a result have further improved their football skills. Girls who have a passion and interest for football must continue to dedicate their time to the development of our LGFA Club over the future years. Thanks to David O’Malley, John McDonald and Majella O’Malley for all their hard work and dedication with both training and match preparations. Thanks also to the U-16 management for their help and assistance during the year. Also, the parents that continued to support our efforts throughout the season. Also, a special thank you to Ollie Mulchrone and Martin McIntyre for all their action shots of the girls throughout the 2019 year!
Panel: Susannah Horgan, Katie Hogan, Dearbhla Grealis, Ava Ryder, Shannon Bourke, Jaimee Geraghty, Laura Moore, Chloe McGing, Aoife Gibbons, Ciara Joyce, Molly Moore, Laura Kelly, Megan O’Malley, Holly Barrett, Aine Regan, Abbi McGreal, Keely Hastings, Rachel Gibbons, Megan Mulchrone, Emma Murray, Aibhlinn O’Flynn and Ellen O’Toole.