The Kilmeena U-10 Girls were small in numbers this year, so Maureen and Richie permitted us to bring three U-8 Girls up to join the squad. We had a panel of 14 girls who showed great commitment to training all through the year, having 12-14 girls for most Wednesday sessions.
We commenced training on April 3rd and those initial weeks we concentrated on building up and improving key skills, using drills and the kicking wall. Our first match was against our neighbours, Burrishoole. The girls played very well, with the help of some U-11s to make up numbers against Burrishoole.
The win we secured at this home match gave us great confidence heading into the Paddy Golden Blitz. Our annual blitz was held on June 22nd, and we competed in the “B” division. Our first game was against Tourmakeady, which was an evenly matched encounter.
In our second and third matches against Burrishoole and Westport, we had some brilliant scores to win both games. So, we marched onwards to the final against our toughest rivals – Tourmakeady. This game was an epic contest from start to finish, both teams not giving an inch. The girls put in a massive performance here, doing everything we asked of them to secure the win, and by doing so wrote themselves into the history books of Kilmeena LGFA. Following the celebrations, joint-captains Leah Gavin Walsh and Amy McIntyre Gibbons lifted the shield.
After the summer break, the girls moved up to U-11s and were joined by five of the younger girls from the U-12s – Mary Kate, Catherine, Emelia, Laura and Eva. These girls were a welcome addition to the squad and brought with them a very high skill level and the experience of playing in the U-12 Spring League. On August 28th the U-11 squad were invited to enter the Balla Blitz. The standard here was quite competitive. We played three games and won one. But everyone had a great morning and loads of game time.
The following week, on a lovely September evening, we arranged a friendly with the Westport girls in Sacred Heart School pitch. They all played some super football, scoring well and coming away with a win.
For our last outing of the season, we entered the U-10 Girls in the county Blitz in Bekan on September 18th. We had three games against Westport, Breaffy and Ballintubber. We won two out of the three. There was a lovely presentation afterwards, and everybody went home with a medal.
We wrapped up training on September 25th where we had a lovely parents and players evening in the clubhouse. Players got a team photo and a goodie bag, and we looked over some of the action shots from the Paddy Golden Blitz. It was a pleasure to be involved with this great, energetic bunch of girls this year. Their behaviour, discipline and enthusiasm were exemplary both on and off the field of play.
On behalf of Trish, Bernie and myself we wish our older girls the best of luck with U-12s next year and look forward to seeing everybody else back in 2020..