Nenagh Hockey Club U18 Girls win Munster League

Under 18 Girls: Nenagh 2-0 Kinsale

The mark of a truly great team is their ability to be consistent, edge results and put in performances week in and week out. Nenagh’s U18 team cemented their reputation as a great team when they emerged as Munster League winners on Sunday in a playoff match against Kinsale HC.

The only team to narrowly beat Nenagh during the season, Kinsale are a strong side who play with lots of determination and heart. The neutral venue of Fermoy was chosen for the showdown which would decide who claimed the crown in what has been closely contested league. While Nenagh were favourites heading into the final it was clear that Kinsale had the ability to cause upset through sheer determination and drive.

From the first whistle it was evident that a high tempo game was in the cards. Both teams started well, looking for an early break that would settle the nerves. Of the two teams, Kinsale enjoyed more possession and even got some shots away on the Nenagh goal in the opening encounters. Goalkeeper Alannah Stanley made a couple of good saves to deny Kinsale the lead.

It was goalless as both teams resumed their positions for the second quarter. Again, it was end-to-end hockey but roars went up from the Nenagh supporters when Kate O’Flaherty found the net after a goalmouth scramble. The goal only intensified Kinsale's efforts and they ramped up the gears in search of the equaliser. Stanley kept the Tipperary side ahead in the game with some great saves including a high ball which she stretched to save with her right hand. Nenagh held onto their lead heading into the second half.

The third quarter was played at a ferocious tempo as both teams went toe to toe. It was a physical encounter and Nenagh rose to the challenge but had two green cards shown to two players for tough challenges that saw them sidelined for two minutes apiece. Kinsale failed to capitalize on the advantage, and it was still 1-0 heading into the fourth and final quarter.

Nenagh changed formation slightly to help protect their lead, with four midfielders absorbing all Kinsale forward pressure. Nenagh kept their eye on the Kinsale goal knowing that a second score would make it near impossible for Kinsale to recover. They got their just rewards when some beautiful play in midfield saw a lively pass to Katya Shorten who buried the ball into the net. After the goal celebrations, Nenagh quickly reset knowing that any lapse in concentration or focus could be costly. Kinsale tried to press forward again but Nenagh were solid in defence with Jane Quigley doing a great job of marking Kinsale's most potent player out of the game.

Nenagh were calm and composed for the remaining minutes but when the final whistle blew there were great scenes as the players ran to come congratulate each other.

"I'm so delighted for this team,” said coach Colin Stanley.

“We felt this got away from us last year and we set ourselves the goal of winning the league at the start of this season. Winning a league is never easy but the commitment of this team and their ability to work hard for each other on the pitch sets them apart. They are a wonderful bunch that thoroughly deserve this.”

The team has a two week break before they meet Kinsale again in Cork in the Munster Cup final. It is going to be a cracker of a game.

Hockey Extra: The younger teams at the hockey club had their last training sessions this weekend and were rewarded for all their great efforts with a visit from Lavita ice cream. Young and old alike enjoyed the treat which was a lovely end to an enjoyable season.

With two teams in Cup finals in April 27th, all eyes will be on Cork for the last matches of a very successful season for the Club.