Congratulations to the 1997 Juvenile Girls who won their Div 3 Championship on Sun 18th on their very 1st year as a stand-alone team

Cuala 2-11 vs. 4-3 Clan Na Gael (HT 0-7 vs. 2-3)

The Cuala 1997s captured the first title for the Cuala Juvenile Girls with a hard fought 2 point win against Ringsend side Clan Na Gael in Pairc Ui Tuaithail Ayreside yesterday. In some ways it was the most unlikely of wins considering Cuala almost didn't enter a team at this grade at the start of the year due to the small number of eligible players but this made the victory all the sweeter and shows what rewards hard work and determination can bring.

The day started in Meadowvale where a coach had been organised to bring the team and supporters to the game. There was a great sense of anticipation boarding the bus and players and supporters were in confident mood. Leaving early the girls arrived in good time and warmed up playing football against the O'Tooles hurling wall while waiting for the end of the Division 2 final between Naomh Maur and Naomh Brid. When the girls eventually took to the field they were cheered on by a great turnout of Cuala supporters from all age groups from the girls juvenile section with some of the 00s and 01s leading the cheering.

Cuala started the game in whirlwind fashion as Rebecca Meaney and Ciara McKeown took the game to the opposition with Juliette O'Flynn and Cliodhna Kelly dominating at centerfield. 10 minutes into the game and Cuala were 4 points ahead to no score before Clan Na Gael started to find their feet. Gradually the Ringsend girls started to get more into the game but the Cuala half back line was magnificent with Julianna Shiel and Sinead Murphy making some key interceptions to keep Clan Na Gael at bay. At centerfield and up front Cuala were winning plenty of possession but the tight marking Clan na Gael backs were making it difficult to score and Cuala hit a number of forced wides. At the other end the Cuala defence was eventually breeched with Clan Na Gael scoring a good goal to lift their spirits. It was now end to end stuff with both teams tearing into the game. Both sides had chances and exchanged points but Clan Na Gael finished the stronger with a goal and a point just before the break to send Cuala in two points behind in what was an absorbing encounter.

Cuala set out their stall early in the second half putting Clan Na Gael under severe pressure. Before long Cuala had added a goal and a point to their score through Miriam Johnson and Ciara McKeown respectively. Clan Na Gael responded well but again and again the Cuala defence rose to the challenge with Hannah Nash, Aishling Ruigrok and Catherine Moore coming to the rescue on a number of occasions. Gradually the Cuala girls started to work their way back into the game. Cliodhna Kelly and Juliette O'Flynn began to dominate again at centerfield and Cuala were back in control. Some great point taking from Ciara McKeown, Cliodhna Kelly, Rebecca Meaney and Juliette O'Flynn put a bit of daylight between the sides and when a shot from distance from Ciara McKeown dropped over the Clan Na Gael goalkeeper into the net it looked like Cuala were on their way to an easy victory. Nothing could be further from the truth however as the opposition refused to give up and upped their performance considerably. A Clan Na Gael goal and a few more points left 5 between the teams and with the Cuala supporters anxiously watching the clock the unthinkable happened when the opposition scored another goal to leave only 2 points between the sides with a little under 5 minutes remaining. It was now backs to the wall as the Clan Na Gael girls launched attack after attack looking for the goal that would win them the title. Not one of the Cuala team were going to let the title slip from their grasp however and they defended tigerishly in numbers from the full forward line right back to Niamh Dunne in goal for the dying minutes. After what seemed like an eternity to the Cuala faithful, the referee eventually blew the full time whistle and the Cuala 97's were Division 3 champions of all Dublin, a fantastic and well earned achievement.

All the girls were magnificent on the day with a display of total commitment to the Cuala jersey. Niamh Dunne was as dependable as ever in goals making one great clearance at a vital juncture late in the game. The full back line was solid as a rock with Hannah Nash, Aishling Ruigrok and Catherine Moore in uncompromising mood as they repelled attack after attack. The half back line of Saoirse Reynolds, U11 Sinead Murphy and Julianna Shiel were equally impressive with a display of tight marking that forced Clan Na Gael into kicking a number of wides. At centerfield Juliette O'Flynn was majestic making some great catches and powerful runs where she was ably supported by her partner Cliodhna Kelly who as usual gave another display of unselfish running and hard work on behalf of the team. In the half forward line Rebecca Meaney again showed her worth to the team with an awesome display of determination and strength. The other U11 on the team Blaithin Lane proved herself a handful for the Clan Na Gael backs while Ciara McKeown tormented the opposition's defence with some great solo runs. Up front Miriam Johnson was a revelation with one of her best displays of the season while Cliona Rellis and Laura Redmond made a big contribution continually showing for the ball and causing difficulty for the Clan Na Gael defence. Finally, Hannah Matthews, Erin Burke and Roisin Bennett, all still in their first season with the club, all played their part in the win and continue to improve with every game. Congratulations and well done also to the team management of Linda Farren, Donal Dunne and Fiona Ross for all their commitment and hard work in keeping this team together for the year - it was certainly all worth it following the win. It was so satisfying to see the girls improve so much both individually and as a team.

After the game there were emotional scenes as team captain and team vice captain Aishling Ruigrok and Juliette O'Flynn lifted the cup between them to the cheers of the Cuala team and supporters. This wasn't just a victory for the 1997s but for the whole of the girls section and the wider club. It was then back onto the coach and the victorious team took a detour back to Cuala down Dalkey main street with the horn sounding and the girls proudly displaying the cup for all to see. Back in Cuala it was pizzas and soft drinks all around as the girls celebrated in style. Well done again Linda, Donal, Fiona and the girls, you did the club proud.

Cuala Scorers: Ciara McKeown (1-4), Miriam Johnson (1-1), Rebecca Meaney (0 - 4), Juliette O'Flynn (0-1), Cliodhna Kelly (0-1).

Team: Niamh Dunne, Hannah Nash, Aishling Ruigrok, Catherine Moore, Saoirse Reynolds , Sinead Murphy, Julianna Shiel, Juliette O'Flynn, Cliodhna Kelly, Rebecca Meaney, Blaithin Lane, Ciara McKeown, Cliona Rellis, Miriam Johnson, Laura McRedmond, Hannah Matthews,
Erin Burke, Roisin Bennett