Our U14 Mackey team travelled to Crecora last Sunday to face Monaleen in a thrilling battle for the Mackey ‘A’ Cup. The weather held up nicely, with the sun making a welcome appearance as the girls took to the field for a 5pm throw-in.
NCW captain Ellen joined referee Dan McKenna and Monaleen’s captain Amber Curtin for the toss. Monaleen won and opted to play the first half with the wind.
It was a battle from the start. Monaleen opened the scoring with a point from a free in the 5th minute, but Ellie-May Quaid quickly responded with a point from a free to level the match. Ruth Killeen Copse then struck the first goal of the game, followed by a well-taken point from Emma Horgan, leaving the halftime score at NCW 1-2 to Monaleen’s 0-1.
Monaleen came out strong in the second half, scoring a goal within the opening minutes. NCW responded by winning a penalty, and Ellie-May added another point to her tally. Monaleen added a point before striking the net from a free, and shortly after, they followed up with a third goal. With 10 minutes left on the clock, NCW found themselves five points down.
But champions dig deep — and our girls did just that. Showing heart, determination, and incredible teamwork, they turned the game around. Ellen Cagney stepped up to take a free and found the net … goal! cutting the deficit to two. Moments later, Emma Horgan found space and buried NCW’s third goal! — putting NCW ahead by one!
Ellen Cagney added a crucial point from a free with just over two minutes remaining. Monaleen tried their hardest to close the gap, but the NCW defence held strong, showing incredible composure and teamwork under pressure. The final whistle blew and the sideline erupted with cheers as players, coaches, and supporters celebrated — NCW were crowned U14 County Champions!
This incredible group of girls are so deserving of the title. From 1 to 22 their grit, spirit, and teamwork all season long have been nothing short of inspirational. We couldn’t be prouder! Comhghairdeas Cailíní!
Full Time Score: NCW 3-4 Monaleen 3-2
Thanks to Monaleen for a competitive game, and to referee Dan McKenna for officiating. Thanks to Limerick Camogie for their efforts in arranging and managing the championship and final and also to Crecora/Manister GAA club for the use of their pitch/facilities. Huge thanks to the girl’s coaches — Brian Geary, Kevin White, Toby Quaid, and Donie Gleeson — and to the Female Liaison Officers – Aoife Geary, Cora Nash and Maria McAuliffe for their time and continued commitment to the girls.
Thanks also to all the parents, families, and supporters who came out to cheer on this great team — your support is very much appreciated. Caisleán Nua Abú!
Newcastle West Team Lottie White, Thea Normoyle, Emma Dowling, Aisling McAuliffe, Orla Moody, Emma Gleeson, Ellie-May Quaid (0-2), Orla Moody, Siún Donelon, Ellen Cagney (1-1), Grace Hunt, Emma Horgan (1-1), Freya Smith, Mia Geary, Carla Young, Neasa Riedy, Grace Doyle, Scarlett Cantwell, Hannah Noonan, Aoife O’Donoghue, Ruth Killeen Copse (1-0), Fiona Garrihy, Mai Kennedy.