Herbertstown Girls Are County Champions

Our terrific girls’ football team are county champions after a memorable day in Martinstown on Wednesday.

History was made as the girls went further than so many great Herbertstown teams of the past to claim a first county title for the school.

The team, along with a bus load of supporters from 1st to 6th class, travelled to Martinstown on a cold November morning where a thick fog was lingering over both pitches. Herbertstown, the South representatives, first had to navigate a semi-final against the West champions, Broadford NS. This was the third year in a row that the Herbertstown girls had reached this stage of the competition but the school had yet to make it through to a final.

From the outset, the girls signalled their intent and the strong running game that they have become well known for was apparent as they raced ahead with two well taken goals by Lucie and Sadhbh and a point by Emily. As is to be expected against top level competition, Broadford responded with a goal and a point. They now had lots of runners in all corners of the field and good tracking by Rita and Ella broke down attacks at crucial moments. Further points by Ellie and Lucie pushed Herbertstown further ahead before, just before half time, a Broadford free took a fortuitous path just beneath the crossbar and into the net.

Half time score: Herbertstown NS 2.03 Broadford NS 2.01

In the second half, Herbertstown scored first with a point by Emily but then a Broadford goal levelled the game. The next score would be vital and it was Herbertstown who got it through a point by Ellie. This, coupled with a great marking job on an influential Broadford player by Ailis, turned the tide towards maroon and white as Herbertstown rattled off scores through Sadhbh, Emily and Ellie to secure the win.

Full time: Herbertstown NS 5.07 Broadford NS 4.02

Final

A final against Lisnagry NS was the reward for the great performance in the semi-final. Lisnagry NS, a school which has produced many fine teams and athletes, including Dan & Tom Morrissey, as well as Sarah Lavin, had seen off the challenge of City champions Milford NS in the other semi-final.

Any nerves among the players weren’t evident in the first half as both teams went from end to end on attack. Great defensive displays by Neasa and Neala were keeping Lisnagry at bay at one end while a Lucie goal and Emily point at the other took Herbertstown into the break with a four point lead.

Half time: Herbertstown NS 1.01 Lisnagry NS 0.00

The second half was tense for Herbertstown’s large support of pupils and a great many parents and grandparents. Sophie went close to getting her name on the scoresheet before the Lisnagry defence scrambled back to clear their lines. Sadhbh then managed to evade the green and yellow jerseys to clip over a point. Then, Lisnagry hit their purple patch, and a sustained spell of pressure brought them to a position where they looked like they might eke out a win. Herbertstown centre back Kayla stopped their momentum however by scoring a vital goal after a strong run out of defence. But there was time for one further twist in injury time as Lisnagry were awarded a free in front of the posts which they converted to take the game to extra time.

Full time score: Herbertstown NS 2.02 Lisnagry NS 2.02

Our girls started extra time brightly, and even an early goal for Lisnagry did not deter them. Herbertstown swept up the field after that setback in a great move which ended with Sadhbh being fouled in the box. Emily smashed home the resulting penalty. From there, Herbertstown tapped over scores at one end through Emily and Ellie to edge ahead while at the other end, Lily and those around her excelled when it was most needed. With Jocelyn and substitute Aoife working hard to gain possession in the forwards, Herbertstown were willing the final whistle to be blown. When referee Ger Murnane did call time on the game, wonderful scenes of celebration followed as players and supporters alike gathered in the centre of the field.

Score after extra time: Herbertstown NS 3.05 Lisnagry NS 3.02

Joe Lyons of Cumann na mBunscol Luimnigh presented the Celtic Image Shield to our captain, the first from Herbertstown to ever accept a county trophy. A day that will live long in the memory for all who were present. Well done to a fantastic team and thank you to all our supporters.