Congratulations to our U14 girls on the wonderful achievement of winning the All-Ireland 7’s at Kilmacud Crokes on Saturday.

We were initially based in Silverpark in a group with Clonmel Commercials, St Eunans (Letterkenny) and Clan na nGeal. The girls were very impressive in coming to terms with the format of the games and after three excellent performances we finished top of the group.

The next game was against Drumkeerin in the last 16 and we were again successful. Claregalway were our quarter final opponents having beaten a strong Banner Ladies side.  In a thrilling contest which sapped the team’s energy levels we came out winners by a single point.
We departed Silverpark for a semi final date with beaten feile finalists and arch rivals Kilmacud Croakes in Glenalbyn. This was a fast and durious game of football with Boden racing into an early lead and lead by a score of 1-5 to 0-4 at half time. Crokes came roaring back into the game with the aid of a penalty early in the second half. They then went ahead and with two minutes remaining Crokes lead by five points. Two cleverly worked goals from Boden and a late point from Crokes ensured this game was decided on a shoot out. Boden scored two of their first three as did Crokes and when Jessica Nugent scored the third and Crokes missed, Boden were in the Final.

All agreed that it was not the most satisfactory way to decide such a thrilling contest.

We were pitted against Kilkeerrin-Clonberne in the final. They had two excellent ball carriers, one of whom was the eventual player if the tournament, but our heroes quickly wore them down and went on to record a big win.

The Boden 10 were:

Lauren Falconer who played the sweeper role brilliantly all day and some had some game saving interceptions, particularly against Crokes. Lauren has now played with distinction in almost every position on the field and was vital to our overall success.

Aisling Scully had a great day particularly when out playing Claregalway’s ace goal scorer. She may be slight but boxes well above her weight. She likes scoring against Crokes and got a cracking goal to keep us in the semi-final.

Aoife O’Brien had a plaster removed from her hand during the week to enable her to play. Aoife is our defensive rock and had another master class day at centre back showing all the skill and aggression required for that role. As usual she also came forward at every opportunity and got some great scores

Ciara Lambert, who always plays with a smile on her face, defended brilliantly and made long solo runs upfield to score some great goals. Her first goal brought the biggest cheer of the day from the Boden team and spectators.

Jessica McGirr is a phenomenal ball winner with a great engine. Her work rate has to be seen to be believed. She is always a target for a kick out or a pass. It was Jessica’s energy that kept us going against Crokes when others were tiring.

Maria McGrath worked tirelessly all day. A highlight was her fielding of some great high ball. Her accurate passing and surging runs were vital and her late goal from a 14 yard free against Crokes earned Boden a well deserved draw.

Jessica Nugent, captain of the team, as usual lead by example. As well as the goals she scored she also contributed many fine points. These were essential particularly in the tight matches.

Kate O’Toole had a great tournament, she was first to every ball and gave an exhibition of scoring with her (weaker) left foot. Her work rate as a forward and filling in at midfield on the day was phenomenal.

Katie Murphy was player of the match on two occasions. She is every defender‘s nightmare and is always available for a pass. She had a huge contribution to our overall score but it was her defensive role against Crokes speedy forward that helped win the day for us.

Julie Sadlier gave as she always does 100%. She has few equals in winning ball on the ground. She contributed well to the scoreboard and played very well, particularly in the final

In all we played seven games amounting to 150 minutes of football and all ten girls scored during the day.