Our young U15 girls had a very successful 2022/23 season as they wrote another page of club history by winning the U15Div1 Girls league title. In our 41st year, this was the first ever underage girls league or cup win. We commend and congratulate the players & their coaches Laura Parker, Zoe Kennedy & Tara Roberts. It’s a special story with special young girls and a special trio of coaches in Laura Parker, Zoe Kennedy & Tara Roberts.
Colemanstown continued their magic league run with another impressive display in this, their last league game of the season against Kiltulla played under lights in wind swept Kiltulla tonight. The result didn’t particularly matter as the league was wrapped up before tonight but it’s nice to continue form and maintain their unbeaten run all season. It finished with a goal feast: Colemanstown 6 -3 Kiltulla and we commend Kiltulla for a super game although struggling for numbers.
It was Kiltulla who scored the night’s first goal within the first minute when Edel Egan, not quite fully warmed up spilled a wet slippy ball. Libby Kennedy equalised on 4mins with a wonderful strike from 20 yards – the first of her hat-trick. 6mins later Libby gathered a long Edel Egan kick out in midfield and galloped half the length of the pitch, skipping by numerous players before she picked her spot as she finished low and hard from 10 yards. With Colemanstown finding it hard to get to grips with the weather, Shona Barrett went on a run down the wing which culminated in a super volley by Honor Tuohy which the Kiltulla keeper did well to save. Down the opposite end Edel Egan made a brave save with her body but in the ensuing passage of play Kiltulla drew level from the penalty spot after a handball when an inviting ball was delivered into the box. Kiltullagh went ahead again on 19mins after some hesitant defending from Colemanstown and a very difficult breeze. Colemanstown could have equalised matters just before the break after great link up play involving Libby Kennedy, Shona Barrett & Anna Barrett with the latter unlucky not to capitalise. Half time: Colemanstown 2 – 3 Kiltulla.
The Colemanstown girls had a super start on the resumption of the 2nd half. Ally Nutley and Laoise Maybin linked up with Eva Molloy who was unlucky not to score. Then 9mins into the half, Libby Kennedy claimed her hat trick direct from a corner which swung beautifully into the top corner to restore parity at 3-3. Colemanstown soon went ahead through Eva Molloy as she slotted under the keepers legs with Lillie Kirby providing the assist. Towering centre back Lucy Roberts wasn’t too far off target when she got on the end of another trademark Libby corner. Grace Mitchell drew a double save from the Kiltulla custodian, the second right at the butt of the post. Grace eventually got her name on the score sheet after she met an Eva Molloy cross; her first effort was parried but with the keeper stranded, she tapped into an empty net. Lillie Kirby had the final say with another beautiful finish from the edge of the 18’ box into the far corner as Roisin Ruane provided the assist. Final score: Colemanstown U15 Girls 6 – 3 Kiltullagh.
Huge thanks to Terry Lee, Galway FA & Ger Treacy Galway FA secretary for the cup presentation as Ger congratulated the girls, their coaches, (3 great women) & all the parents for their commitments. Lucy Roberts in her acceptance speech also paid tribute to the supporters, who made up the majority of fans who filled one full sideline of Kiltullagh astro, all parents, the team coaches for the fun filled sessions and encouragement received & her own team mates.
This season these young girls proved that spirit, courage, and a lot of faith will bring you a long way with fun and camaraderie also a big key to this team’s success. Overall, it has been an encouraging season for girls soccer in the club, with the work being done at club and schools level paying dividends. Well done & super congrats U15 Girls.
Given their strength in numbers, Colemanstown fielded with 2 different teams in each half. First half: Edel Egan, Aisling Ruane, Annalise Doran, Chloe Manley, Libby Kennedy, Shona Barrett, Nicole Brennan, Honor Tuohy, Anna Barrett, Clodagh Flynn.
Second half: Edel Egan, Annalise Doran, Lucy Roberts, Ally Nutley, Libby Kennedy, Eva Molloy, Lillie Kirby, Laoise Maybin, Grace Mitchell, Roisin Ruane, Chloe Flynn, Aoife Hynes (injured).
