For the Kilmeena U-14 Girls panel, 2019 is a year that they will never forget. The season started on January 30th, with a six-week strength and conditioning course under the guidance of Annette Keane Lonergan in the Club gym.
This program was a good foundation for the long season, which ran to the end of October. This team played their best in every game and with an average score of 12 points or more per game, not to mention a number of goals. These girls went through the season unbeaten in both league and championship competitions. This group were enthusiastic, dedicated and played as a solid unit from numbers one to 19 throughout the year. Any of our wonderful and dedicated supporters who witnessed their immense sense of team spirit and never-give-up attitude until the final whistle was blown during the season can say these girls are worthy of their championship and league titles.
The Division 4 league was our first competition in which we played Islandeady, Hollymount and Westport at home, Kilmoremoy “B”, Moy Davitts and Davitts away. As the weeks rolled on, we topped the table and were delighted to finish our round of games unbeaten. Islandeady were the semi-final challengers, and with a home draw and lots of supporters cheering them on, the girls went looking for a place in the league final. Victory was tasted on the night, and the final was put on hold whilst the Championship started.
We were fortunate to get a bye in the first round of the “C” Championship, but we didn’t lack games because the U-13 and U-15 leagues had commenced, so all our girls were busy on those teams. We travelled to Kilmoremoy “B” for the semi-final, which ended in a draw. Kilmeena won the replay and Kilmaine were our final opponents.
On Friday, October 6th, in Islandeady, the team won the Club’s first Girls Championship title. With one final out of the way, we had to keep training and focused until the league final was scheduled. On October 20th, we headed for Ballina once more to see how we would fair out against a strong Kilmoremoy “B” team. Victory was ours, and Kilmeena U-14 girls finished the year very happy and deserving of their cups (see match report below).
In August, the Madden family kindly sponsored tracksuits for the team in memory of their daughter and sister Vivienne, whose 20th anniversary occurred this year. All the girls are so thankful and appreciative of their generous sponsorship. A photo-book of action shots, captured during their league and Championship matches, sponsored by Pete Feehan and family, for which we are especially grateful, will be presented to the panel of girls to mark this historic double title win.
The management – Maura Hastings, Davina Carney and David Ingham – wish to thank the parents, grandparents, other family relatives, friends and Club members and officers who supported us in any way during the year. Thank you to the girls for their commitment and dedication to their team and Club. Well done everyone on a hugely enjoyable and successful year.