Charlestown's (Mayo) path to Provincial Semi-final
Charlestown's (Mayo) path to Provincial Semi-final
October 26, 2022
Well done and congratulations to the Charlestown LGFA senior team who won the county intermediate title in dramatic style with a 2-9 to 0-14 victory over Louisburgh in a thrilling final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. This was a gargantuan contest from start to finish with the Sarsfields ladies coming on strong in the latter stages of the second half to overhaul a Louisburgh side that looked to have one hand on the cup half way through the half when they led by four points.
The Sarsfields got off to a slow start and were 0-6 to 0-1 in arrears with Louisburgh making all the early running. The green and white ladies were tentative and nervous early doors as passes went astray and attacks broke down with frustrating regularity.
They finished the half in good style however scoring four of the last five points to reduce the deficit to two at half time with the West Mayo ladies leading 0-7 to 0-5 at the first whistle.
Louisburgh continued to dictate the terms of engagement into the second half and looked to be coasting to victory when they led 0-11 to 0-6
The game took a dramatic turn however twenty minutes in when the sarsfields were awarded a penalty which Deirdre Doherty crashed to the net in devastating style to revive the ailing the green and white challenge..It was a double whammy for Louisburgh as they lost one of their main cogs as goalkeeper Ruth Gibbons was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.
The goal galvanised the Sarsfields with Doherty again taking centre stage as she levelled from a free minutes later to bring the sides level. All the momentum was with the Sarsfields but Louisburgh dug deep and hit the front one again to heighten the tension among both sets of supporters..
The Sarsfields were not for turning however and it was that lady Deirdre Doherty who again took centre stage as she goaled for the second time to put the Sarsfields two clear heading into the final frantic few minutes.
Full credit to Louisburgh they just wouldn`t go away as somehow they found the inspiration from deep within their massive hearts to bring the scores level with two terrific points in successive attacks.
It looked to all the world as if extra-time or a replay would be needed to find a winner but Charlestown or more aptly Deirdre Doherty was not to be denied as she kicked the winning score close to stoppage time with the Sarsfields holding on grimly to what they had.
The final whistle saw both emotions on full display with the Sarsfdields camp euphoric in celebration while the gallant Louisburg ladies fell to the turf in desolation. They can hold their heads high however as they were a credit to the jersey and their club and expended every ounce of energy in their bodies to get over the line. For the Sarsfields it was a sweet triumph crafted in bravery, courage and spirit with each and every girl showing all three attributes and more in abundance. All the hard work and long nights training in all kinds of conditions stood them in good stead with their fitness levels really coming through in the second half.
Well done the management team of Fergal O`Gara, Patricia Ruane and coach Paul McNicholas who had the girls in pitch perfect shape and kept great faith in panel of players who rewarded them with loyalty and commitment which are the cornerstones to any successful team. The management invested a huge amount of time and energy in the preparation and training and got their just desserts with this fabulous victory.
A speedy recovery is extended to Kellee Crean, the Sarsfields wing forward, who suffered a nasty collar bone injury early in the game which necessitated her removal. Her teammates , friends and supporters hope to see her back in the green and white in the not too distant future with everyting hinging on the extent of the damage she sustained as to whether she`ll play any part in the upcoming Connacht Intermediate championship campaign.
There were great scenes when the cavalcade made it back to town as large crowds turned out to meet and greet the new champions. The town was heaving with excitement as the ladies basked in the celebrations with the fun and craic going on long into the night. A great day for the ladies club and the many who spent worked so hard behind the scenes to get ladies football off the ground in the with days like this a reward and vindication for the many hours of dedication and sacrifice.
Victorious Charlestown Sarsfields captain Chelsea Doherty lifted the cup high into the evening air amidst joyous scenes of celebration and jubilation.
The team and panel that did the club and the town proud was as follows : J. Gawalkiewicz, Lauren O`Donnell, Nichola Meehan, Heather Johnson, Clodagh Murphy, Ella Brennan, Elaine O`Donnell, Cailín Durkan, Katie Gavin (0-1), Kellee Crean, Chelsea Doherty (c), Nora McGovern (0-1), Kate O`Donohue, Deirdre Doherty (2-6), Elaine O`Donnell , Mary Kate Casey, Shona Mahon (0-1), Laura O`Toole, Sarah Ruane, Karena Finn, Eva Walsh, E. Cassidy, Erica O`Connor, Caitlin Kelly, Sophie Johnson, Leah O`Grady and Carla Gavaghan.