The wonderful journey taken by Kinsale Junior Ladies Footballers came to end in Dr. Cullen Park on Saturday last when they came up against an excellent Dublin team, St. Maurs.
After a difficult first half when the ladies lost their charismatic captain, Aisling Judge, through injury, and going 7 points down, the team came out with all cylinders firing in the second half.
An exciting half ensued with end to end football being played on the pitch and our great team bringing it back to a two points difference. Inspirational Kinsale and Cork Senior player Orla Finn came within inches of scoring 2 goals in the dying minutes but the determined marking of the Dublin team halted her each time. The final score was Kinsale 3.8 to St. Maurs 2.13.
While every player on the pitch played their hearts out, special mention must be made of Sadhbh O'Leary who had an amazing game and also Daire Tyner who had the unenviable task of taking over as goalkeeper when Aisling Judge went off injured, doing a terrific job in difficult circumstances.
The ladies, their coaches, and mentors can be very proud of their performances this season and undoubtedly they will have many more great seasons ahead. The age profile of this team is significantly younger than their opponents in the final, and while next year they step up to Intermediate level, in itself a great achievement, you can be sure that this group of ladies will just get better and better!
Thanks for all the joy and excitement you have brought to the town in the past few months, you have done your club, your families and your town so proud!
Following a lap of honour around Kinsale on Sunday evening the Ladies joined Santa and Mrs. Claus to switch on the Christmas Lights in the Town Park after which they were guests at a special reception at the MacDonald Hotel Kinsale to mark their outstanding achievements this season, County Champions, Munster Champions and All Ireland Finalists.
Best wishes also to the Under 21s, many of whom are on the Junior team, who play their County Final next weekend.
Enjoy the Christmas break ladies, you sure deserve it!