[2024-09-15]

As we approach the end of 2024 season, it has been a busy week for our under-12 girls on the football front. 

Padraig Pearses invited us to play a challenge game on Sunday evening and in lovely sunny conditions we fielded 2 teams and the girls got to enjoy plenty of football action. 

Last Tuesday also saw this team take on the Goldsmith Girls in the final game of the u12 series this year.

On Saturday, 6th September, our under-12 girls team travelled to Straffan to participate in an intercountry blitz organised by Straffan LGFA. Our girls played against teams from Dunboyne, Edenderry, Portlaoise, Kilcock and Straffan. They showed off their skills in each of the games they played and it is clear how much this group of players have improved in all aspects of their game this year. Thanks to Straffan LGFA for an excellently organised blitz, our coaches who organised the trip and to Ken for driving the bus to get us there and back safely. We would like to wish Erin O’Neill a speedy recovery after she picked up an injury at the blitz.

Team: Amber Keyes, Ella Mai Holly, Laoise Costello, Niamh O’Connor, Lily Rose Galvin, Eliza Crosbie, Ruby McGinley , Grace Ganly, Derbhla McHugh, Cadhla Heneghan, Robyn Mulvihill, Zoe Hewitt, Molly Byrne, Eabha O’Neill, Erin O’Neill, Aoibhinn Nugent.

2020 Report

Under-12 Girls The under-12 girls had their first training session on 11th of March. Unfortunately, the country went into Covid-19 lockdown shortly afterwards which meant the squad did not get together again until 1st of July. By the time the squad returned to training, the County Board had decided that there would be no competitive championship at under-12 in 2020. 

Instead, the clubs were organised into four separate regional groups with a county series to be played off on a round robin go-games basis. The girls also played a number of challenge matches throughout the season with St. Brigids, St. Joseph’s, Goldsmith Girls, Clann na nGael and Kinnegad. A plan to host to St. James from Galway city in mid-September unfortunately had to be deferred due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

A word of thanks to Tormeys Solicitors for sponsoring a set of socks and shorts for the players. Many thanks to the coaches and mentors - Brian Murphy, Brian Ganly, John Quilty, Lydia Hogan, Diarmuid O’Cluaid and Ciara McGovern. A word too for a very supportive set of parents and guardians who have made it very easy to manage a large squad, and who have done everything we have asked of them, in difficult circumstances sometimes, with the return to play protocols etc.

Under-12 vs. Loughnavalley, Saturday August 29th

Our under 12s played the last of their county series games on Saturday morning last in Loughnavalley. Most of the older players on the squad were rested for this one with 14 of the 16 that travelled eligible for this age group again next year. Loughnavalley also had a very young group of players but the two sides still managed to put on a very entertaining game with Garrycastle pulling clear by the end.

The 30 player squad has done really well over this series of games, defeating Athlone, Caulry and Loughnavalley, drawing with Goldsmith Girls, and suffering just the one defeat against a strong Moate side. The season is far from over for Garrycastle with training continuing twice a week and some tough challenge matches lined up over the next few weeks.

Under-12 vs. Moate All-Whites, Saturday August 22nd

The full squad were then involved in another very entertaining match against a strong and very skilful Moate side on a wet and windy Saturday morning. There was little between the teams throughout with the result in doubt right up until the final quarter before the ability of the Moate girls to move the ball quickly between the hands and to take their scores made the difference at the end.  

Despite suffering their first defeat this was Garrycastle’s best performance of the season so far against a very good Moate side.  

Under-12 vs Clann na nGael, Challenge, Wednesday August 19th

On Wednesday evening a reduced squad travelled to play Clann na nGael, Roscommon.  The challenge gave some of the younger players a chance to play a full game and they really grabbed the opportunity as some great performances resulting in a very narrow victory for the Garrycastle girls after an open and exciting end to end tussle.  Many thanks to Clann na nGael Ladies for the invitation and we hope to return the favour in the coming weeks. 

Under-12 vs. Caulry, Saturday August 15th

Garrycastle 1-06, Caulry 0-03

The under-12 girls maintained their unbeaten record so far thanks to a hard fought win away to Caulry on another very warm Saturday afternoon. 24 girls travelled and they all played their part in a 1-6 to 0-3 victory. Garrycastle had the better of the first half and held a comfortable looking lead at half time but a skilful Caulry side put in a very strong third quarter and only some very good defending and solid goalkeeping kept the lead intact.

The fourth quarter saw some very good play by both teams but Garrycastle just had that bit more going forward and that made the difference in the end. As well as putting in a very disciplined defensive performance a very encouraging aspect for Garrycastle was that they had six different scorers on the day.

The girls will finish off the u12 series with games against Moate and Loughnavalley over the next two weekends.

Under-12 vs. Athlone, Saturday August 8th

Garrycastle played their second game of the under 12 Series against neighbours Athlone on Saturday afternoon.  A large squad of 26 players made the short journey over to Pairc Ui Chiarain and every one of the girls played their part in a narrow victory against very determined opponents. In truth there was very little between the two squads with both teams enjoying good spells over the four quarters and it was Garrycastle’s ability to take their goal chances that just about managed to swing things their way. Garrycastle will face another tough test next weekend away to Caulry but they can be very pleased with their progress so far.

Under-12 vs. Goldsmith Girls, Saturday August 1st 

The under-12s played their first group game of the new season away to Goldsmith Girls on a very pleasant Saturday afternoon. Although a few girls are still injured, and some others were away, Garrycastle were still able to bring a large squad of 21 players out to Tang. 

Although these games are strictly speaking non-competitive with the emphasis on participation and development, the two sides provided great entertainment in a game that ebbed and flowed from start to finish. Garrycastle got off to the better start with two good points before the home team took control on the scoreboard with two goals and a couple of points before Garrycastle rallied again with two nice scores before half time. 

The second half was even better than the first with Garrycastle finding the net twice and players on both sides putting over some well worked points, some from out the field, to leave absolutely nothing between the teams  at the finish. This was another very encouraging display from an improving Garrycastle squad against skilful and determined opponents. Thanks to the Goldsmith Girls and their coaches for a great game.

Under-12 Championship Div. 4 Final - September 21st

The Under-12 girls played Killucan in the Division 4 final in horrendous conditions of rain, thunder and lightning. However the young girls persevered during this and fought the whole way through and performed to their best, but lost out to a stronger Killucan outfit. 

Overall this has been a great season for this young side made up of a number of 9 and 10 year olds. After the game the girls enjoyed a lovely meal compliments of the club. Many thanks to our Under-12s manager Brian Ganly assisted by John Quilty and to the backroom team and all who helped in every way with this team.

Under-12 Div. 4 Championship semi-final vs The Downs, September 10th

Garrycastle 3-05, The Downs 1-06

The under 12 girls put in a fantastic performance in The Downs to beat the home side and earn a well-deserved place in the Division 4 final. In the opening minutes The Downs attacked but Lara Ellen pulled off 2 great saves and this was followed by great defending all through the opening half from Eve, Andrea and Erin with great support from Mandisa and Rebecca. Garrycastle eventually opened their scoresheet with a goal from Hazel and then a second from Siobhan with great help from Juliet, Nicole and Mairead. At the break Garrycastle had a 4 point lead and were going into the second half with the wind to their backs. 

Grace and Hazel worked so hard all through the second half and both added to the score line. Davanshika cleared a lot of ball into the forwards. Positive play from Amelie and Tanya put pressure on The Downs and helped increase the lead and Trudy, Doireann, Hannah, Olwyn and Ella won plenty of ball on their introduction. The Garrycastle girls worked passionately in the last 5 minutes making great tackles and defending all over the pitch to hold onto a 5 point lead and win the game.

Under-12 League Championship vs Kilbeggan, September 3rd

Our Under-12 side put in a great performance against Kilbeggan at home last Tuesday to earn a semi-final spot in their division. Overall the girls played really well with great goalkeeping, the backs defended really well only conceding 2 points. Midfield worked hard all through and the forwards took their scores notching up 6-7.

Garrycastle Team:

Hazel Donegan, Eve Murphy, Andrea Doran, Mairead McBride, Juliet O'Hara, Mandisa Ni Cluid, Devanshika Sharma, Tanya Stephane, Amy Carter, Lara Ellen Keena McDaid, Olwyn Costello, Rionagh Costello, Ella Sweeney, Amelie Henson, Hannah Ganly, Doireann Keena, Rebecca Sleator, Erin McHugh, Trudy Quilty, Grace Costello.

Under-12 Girls Championship Final vs Shandonagh, September 29th

GARRYCASTLE 3-04, SHANDONAGH 2-02

Early on Saturday morning it was all roads to Kinnegad where the girls under-12 side took on Shandonagh in the Under-12 'C' final. Having lost to Shandonagh in the round games, the Garrycastle girls started strong and were on the attack early with some lovely points.

A Shandonagh goal turned the game, but Garrycastle fought back and were 1-04 to 1-02 up at the break. Garrycastle started the second half with all guns blazing and two early goals set them up nicely, and from there on, the girls pushed on and won out on a score line of 3-04 to 2-02.

This was a great performance from all of the girls with the defence holding firm and kicking great ball down the field. Midfield worked hard all through and the forwards were brilliant. Captain Kacey Mullvihill was presented with the cup and it was over to SuperMacs in Moate for refreshments.

Well done to all the girls, and in particular team manager Colin Clyne and Assistant Ger Griffith and the backroom team of Noelle O’Donnell, Roseann O’Hara, Amelia Keena and Brian Ganly.

Many thanks to Reilly Mushrooms for their sponsorship towards t-shirts for this successful under-12 side.

Under-12 vs. Moate (April 27th)

Well done to U12 girls on their victory against Moate on Thursday. 

Final score Garrycastle 3-7 to Moate 4-3. 

U12 panel:

Kaleigh Clyne, Roisin Murphy, Amy McGovern, Meliagh McDonagh, Kasey Mulvihill, Ella Dowling, Hazel Donegan, Orla Barry, Emma Kearney, Jessica Frawley, Kaya O’Halloran, Moya McKiernan, Juliette O’Hara, Eve Murphy, Emma Connaughton, Jasmine Molloy, Tegan Foley, Rihanna Lowe.

Under-12 vs. Athlone (April 20th)

Well done to U12 girls on their victory in Pairc Chiarain on Thursday. 

Final score Garrycastle 3-10 Athlone 4-5. 

U12 panel:

Emma Kearney, Emma Connaughton, Kaleigh Clyne, Tegan Foley, Ella Dowling, Roisin Murphy, Orla Barry, Kate Cannon, Moya McKiernan, Melliagh McDonagh, Nessa McNamara, Eve Murphy, Devanshika Sharma, Kaya O’Halloran, Kasey Mulvihill, Jessica Murray, Rhianna Lowe and Jasmine Molloy.

Under-12 Semi-Final vs. Delvin/St. Pauls (September 12th)

This side played Delvin/St Paul's on Tuesday evening in Garrycastle. This was a great game of football, with great individual displays from Elaine MC Govern and Sarah Carter. Our forwards Aoife Galvin assisted by Amy McGovern and Rosin Murphy had to work hard against strong defence, however Aoife scored (1-4). 

The half forwards, Ciara Finn (0-1),Sarah Carter, Nessa McNamara didn't make it easy for the Delvin/St. Pauls backs working tirelessly throughout the game. Our midfield duo were excellent with Ella scoring (0-2) and Elaine providing the opportunity for the forwards with her quick balls into them. 

The half backs Shauna Jameson, Daneille Devery and Donahay Molloy played well in the half back line. Our full back line Chole Fitzgerald, Amy Duffy, Orla Barry and Kasey Mulvihill were solid in defence making it difficult for the Delvin/St. Pauls forwards to score. Rosin McNamara who usually plays outfield but due to not feeling well stepped up to play in goals and did well pulling off some great saves. This was a great team performance but the Delvin/St. Pauls team took their chances and came out on top by 2 Points.

This young side should proud of their performance reaching the Semi-Final.

Thanks to Declan Finn, Katrina Jameson and Aisling Flynn who gave up their time to work with this group of young and eager girls all year.

Final Score: Garrycastle 1-7, Delvin/St. Pauls 2-6

Team:

Ciara Sheils, Jessica Frawley, Lily O Connell Byrne, Kasey Mulvihill, Jasime Molloy, Moya McKeirnan, Meleigh McDonnagh, Rosin McNamara, Chole Fitzgearld, Amy Duffy, Orla Barry, Donahay Molloy, Shauna Jameson, Danielle Devery, Elaine McGovern, Ella May Dowling, Ciara Finn, Sarah Carter, Nessa Dowling, Rosin Murphy, Aoife Galvin, Amy Mc Govern.

Under-10 / Under-12 vs Clan Gaels (August 1st)

Our side had a home game against Clan Gaels. This was a tough game with good football from both sides. There were great displays of football from Elaine McGovern, Ciara Finn and Sarah Carter. Shauna Jameson played well in defence, on her first game back since her illness, she was ably assisted by Amy Duffy and Danelle Devery while Emma Kearney in goals pulled off some great saves. Our young forwards put over some great scores.

At the final whistle the score was 4-8 to 3-5 in favour of the Garrycastle girls.

Team:

Emma Kearney,Orla Barry, Ciara Sheils, Amy Duffy, Shauna Jameson, Sarah Cater, Danelle Devery, Ella May Dowling, Rosin McNamara, Ciara Finn, Tegan Foley, Elaine McGovern, Amy McGovern,Jessica Frawley, Nessa McNamara, Teirnan Murray, Aoife Galvin and Emma Connaughton.

Under-12 vs. Caulry (May 25th) 

Our U12 side played their final game in the league on Thursday evening last against Caulry. This was a good game. The Garrycastle girls were stronger and came out on top at the final whistle. There were some great individual performances from Elaine McGovern, Ciara Finn, Aoife Galvin, Sarah Carter and Amy Mc Govern. 

Under-12 League vs. Kilbeggan/St. Josephs (April 27th)

On Thursday evening last our U12 side travelled to Streamstown to play Kilbeggan/St. Joseph's in the league. 

This was a closely contested game with great displays of Gaelic football from both sides. There were some great individual performances from Aoife Galvin (1-2), Sarah Carter, Ciara Finn (3-1), and Elaine McGovern (0-3). Our defence was strong making it hard for the Kilbeggan/St Josephs team to score, with Shauna Jameson, Orla Barry, Amy Duffy and Ciara Sheils all played their part well. 

The work rate from Chloe Fitzgerald, Danielle Devery and Tegan Foley was impressive. Our forwards Kasey Mulvihill, Ella May Dowling (0-1), Rosin Murphy (0-1) and Lily O' Connell Byrne, made the Kilbeggan/St. Josephs backs work very hard, as they were very quick in front of goal. Meliagh Mc Donnagh and Amy Mc Govern played well when they were called upon.

Under-12 "A" Championship Semi-Final vs. Killucan (September 20th)

Our U12 side travelled to Killucan to take on a strong U12 Killucan side. It started off promising for the Garrycastle girls, however the strong Killucan side soon found their feet and came out winners at the final whistle. The game was a hard fought one with great displays from Shannon Mulvihill, Emer O' Neill, Nessa Dowling, Sarah Kelly, Rebeccca Norris, Emily Ruane and Jessica Henson who will all be moving up to the Under-14 ranks next year. 

The younger members of the panel played their part showing that this Garrycastle side will go on to greater things. It was a great achievement to reach the Semi Final of the A championship in Westmeath being one of the four top teams in Westmeath at U12. This group of young girls worked hard at training all year and they should be proud of their achievement.

We would like to thank the management team of Declan Finn, Nicola Mulvihill and Katrina Jameson and all the parents who travelled and washed jerseys throughout the year. it is much appreciated.

A big thank you to all who helped out at the country Development Blitz that was held on Saturday last in Garrycastle. There was great response from all the clubs. There were some great performances from the girls.

Under-12 vs. Ballycomoyle (August 27th)

The U12 side travelled the long journey to Ballycomoyle on Thursday evening, and after an eventful journey this young side starting the scoring off by two points without reply. Scores coming from Shannon Mulvihill and Aoife Galvin. Ballycomoyle settle and scored. Emily Ruane gave a great pass to Shannon Mulvihill and she put it past the Ballycomoyle goalie. This left Garrycastle a point up going in at half time. 

The Ballycomoyle side came out in the second half determined and they scored two goals in the space of 5 minutes, However the Garrycastle girls kept working hard, Ciara Finn delivered a great ball to Shannon and she was set for goal. Ballycomoyle replied with two points. There were two more points from Ciara Finn and a point from Nessa Dowling finished the scoring for Garrycastle, the final whistle blew leaving the score 4-4 for Ballycomoyle to Garrycastle 2-5.

Team:
Jessica Henson, Dannelle Devery, Shauna Jameson, Ciara Finn, Eimear O'Neill, Rebecca Norris, Aoife Galvin, Sarah Carter, Shannon Mulvihill, Ivana Devery, Ella Dowling, Nessa Dowling, Sarah Kelly, Amy Duffy, Ciara Sheils, Orla Barry, Tegan Foley, Donahay Molloy, Emily Ruane.

This side meets Ballycomoyle again in the quarter final on Thursday evening in Ballycomoyle.

Under-12 "A" Championship vs. Coralstown/Kinnegad (August 14th)

Our Under side had a home game against Coralstown/Kinnegad. This was a tightly contested game with great displays from each side. The Garrycastle girls worked hard but the Coralstown/Kinnegad side were stronger on the evening and came out winners by 1 goal. The final score was 2-4 to 3-4 in favour of the visitors.

Team and scorers: 

Sarah Kelly, Rebecca Norris, Amy Duffy, Orla Barry, Nessa Dowling (1-0), Shannon Mulvihill (0-1), Eimear O'Neill (0-1), Emma Flannery (0-1), Aoife Galvin (0-1), Donahay Molloy (1-0), Danielle Devery, Jessica Henson, Sarah Carter, Emily Ruane, Ciara Sheils, Sheba Chhipa.

Under-12 "A" Championship vs. Moate (July 16th)

Our U12 side travelled to play Moate last Thursday evening in the "A" Championship. This was a great game of football with some great displays from both sides. Moate led going into the break. The Garrycastle girls worked much harder in the second half but it was too little too late, and the Moate side came out winners at the final whistle.

Team and scorers,

Sarah Kelly, Amy Duffy, Rebecca Norris, Siofra Mc Mahon, Sarah Carter, Danielle Devery, Emily Ruane, Emer O'Neill (1-0), Nessa Dowling (1-1), Emma Flannery(0-2), Shannon Mulvihill (2-1), Elaine McGovern, Ciara Finn, Aoife Galvin, Ciara Shiels, Shauna Jameson, Jessica Henson, Donahay Molloy, Roisin Murphy, Amy McGovern, EllaMay Dowling.

Our next Championship game will be against Coralstown/Kinnegad on 23rd July.

Under-12 "A" Championship vs. Milltown (July 6th)

An under strength U12 team travelled to Miltown to play them in the Championship. The game started off with Miltown going into an early lead, however the Garrycastle girls fought hard to make it difficult for Miltown to score. Huge credit is due to our young back line, with some U10 players playing for the first time at this level.

The team played with great heart and determination but it wasn't to be on the evening and the stronger Miltown side came our deserved winners.

Team:
Sarah Kelly, Amy Duffy, Jessica Henson, Shauna Jameson, Danielle Devery, Sarah Carter(C), Donnahay Molloy, Shannon Mulvihill, Eimear O'Neill, Ciara Finn, Elaine McGovern, Roisin Murphy, Orla Barry, Ciara Shiels, Aoife Galvin, Amy Mc Govern.

Westmeath County Under-12 Leinster Blitz in Carlow (June 21st)

Westmeath entered the annual U12 Leinster blitz which was held in Carlow on Saturday last; Westmeath had an early start with players leaving all parts of the county well before 7am and arriving in Carlow for a 9.15am registration. Westmeath’s first game was against Wicklow and they got off to a good start and recorded a win and took the 2 points. Immediately afterwards Westmeath took on Dublin and again played their hearts out and were rewarded with the 2 points. Westmeath then had a well-earned break and enjoyed their lunch and relaxed for a while to take in the beautiful sunshine before taking on Wexford in the third game of the round, while the girls fought hard and it was nip and tuck all the way through Wexford managed a late goal to deny Westmeath the points. 

At the end of the rounds three counties; Westmeath, Wicklow and Wexford were on the same points and to decide the finalists pairing, a champions league style shootout between the sides took place where 5 players were selected to take a 21 yard free with the top two teams going through. Five brave young players from Westmeath stepped up to the challenge namely Maria Farrell, Aine Gaynor, Caoimhe Brady, Francesca Walshe and Shannon Mulvihill and did their county proud when under severe pressure they earned Westmeath a place in the final against Wicklow.

The final turned out to be very exciting with both sides fighting hard for the title, however Wicklow managed to gain the edge and they emerged victorious leaving Westmeath to take runner up status. Captain Maria Farrell accepted the medals on behalf of the team and each player was presented with a t-shirt to mark the occasion. The Westmeath girls were superb all day long with each and every team member playing their part, the standard of football on display was excellent and the pride the girls showed was second to none doing their clubs and county proud and no doubt this is the start of a county career for many of these young players. A great day was had by all where new friendships were forged and the team parted after a well-earned meal in Portlaoise. Many thanks to the many supporters who travelled to Carlow to shout on the team and the County Board would like to thank the management team of Ann-Marie Scally (Shandonagh) Tommy O’Neill, Trish Dolan and Jackie Turley (Garrycastle) for their work with the team in advance and on the day.

Team: Maria Farrell, Emma Keenan, Francesca Walshe, Caoimhe Monaghan, Caoimhe Brady, Eva Coghlan, Maeve Molloy, Aine Gaynor, Aine Gaynor, Clodagh Cully, Caoimhe Ryan, Tara Gunning, Kelly Nagle, Alanna Kelly, Shannon Mulvihill, Nessa Dowling, Cliona McCormack, Amy Nugent, Leah Nugent, Emma Keenan, Mairead Newman, Hannah O'Neill, Eimear Hanlon, Jane Walsh Smith, Emily Fallon, Sophia Daly, Emer O’Neill replacement for Jessica Maloney who unfortunately could not travel on the day.

Under-12 League vs. Caulry (May 15th)

The U12 team had their last game of the league against Caulry last week. This was a thrilling encounter with both sides working very hard and showing great displays of football for their young years. The Garrycastle girls were stronger on the evening and came out on top at the final whistle.

Team and scorers:
Sarah Kelly, Jessica Henson 1-1, Rebecca Norris, Amy Duffy, Shauna Jameson, Rionagh McDaid, Danielle Devery 0-2, Sarah Carter, Emer O'Neill,  Nessa Dowling 0-4, Ciara Finn, Shannon Mulvihill 4-2, Ella May Dowling 0-1, Roisin Murphy, Elaine McGovern 1-1, Emily Ruane, Tegan Foley, Orla Barry, Donahay Molloy, Ciara Sheils and Siofra McMahon

Under-12 League vs. Athlone (April 23rd)

The U12 team had a home game against near neighbours Athlone on Thursday evening last.

This was thrilling encounter with both sides working very hard and showing great displays of football for their young years.

The Garrycastle girls were stronger on the evening and came out on top at the final whistle.

Team and scorers:
Sarah Kelly, Jessica Henson, Rebecca Norris, Lily O'Connell Byrne, Amy Duffy, Shauna Jameson, Rionagh Mc Daid, Danielle Devery, Sarah Carter, Emer O'Neill,  Nessa Dowling 1-0, Ciara Finn 0-3, Shannon Mulvilhill 2-3, Ella May Dowling, Roisin Murphy 0-1, Elaine McGovern 0-1, Emily Ruane 0-1, Tegan Foley, Kasey Duigan, Orla Barry, Amy McGovern, Donahay Molloy, Aoife Galvin, and Ciara Sheils.