St Brendan's 3-8 St Pat's 2-6
With Storm Babette in full swing the St Brendan's Ladies first team, sponsored by McGowans of Phibsborough headed out to Donabate to take on St Pat's in the League Cup Final. Both teams had already secured their places in Division 3 for 2024. Their earlier meeting in the league resulted in a one point league win for the St Brendan's ladies.
With first team manager Michael Connolly unavailable because of a well deserved holiday, Captain fantastic Sinead Morrissey picked up the slack to keep the show on the road.
From the start it was clear that the ball would have to stay in hand. What looked like a cross field wind slightly favoured St Brendan's who carried the ball well and kicked into the lead.
But St Pat's got 2 goals to get back into the game. In the awful conditions Meath Maestro Karen O'Connell had to be on her toes and limited any damage and completed 100% of her kickouts. Jane O Donoghue, Cara Hennessy and Faye 'Dunaway' Kearney were motoring around the middle. The defence kept it tight with Niamh having to cover a good bit of ground.
The groundsman in St Pat's has to commended as the ground was in pristine condition despite the rain. Fine work from The Knocknagree Knight Christine Dilworth and Lisa Lennon broke up many break outs from the St Pat's defence but this was tough going in the conditions.
Niamh and Mossy despite carrying knocks showed well and gave an outlet upfront.
St Brendan's lead at half time by 3 or 4 points. The second half with the wind siding slight in favour of the home side.
Emma came on for Niamh in the forwards and got on a lot of ball. After 10min into the second half Vivienne 'The Names' Bond took to the court to replace Christine. Christine had produced an epic display all through the game, complete with super tackling, super support play and fantastic passing game.
Muireann "the Kit woman" Walsh had a lot more to do in the second half as St Pat's spring fresh talent from the bench. Finishers are all the rage this weather and it took a lot of grit from Muireann, Niamh, Aoife B and the St Brendan's defence to deal with it.
With the tank emptied Niamh W had to leave the game & Aoife H jumped at the chance to enter the fray.
There was no let up right to the end. But St Brendan's finished out on top.
The final whistle was greeted with unbridled joy.
A fairly soaked referee Chris Nolan presented the Cup to Sinead Morrissey. Thank you to St Pat's for a fantastic game as well as the team and sandwiches after the game.
A special word of thanks to Sinead McK and the injured duo of Eimear K & Kate M for braving the elements. We had a few folks away and missed you.
The ladies awards night in the famous McGowan's of Phibsboro on Saturday 21st is our next outing to be followed by the Div4 Cup final.