The St. Attracta’s Senior girls football team enjoyed unprecedented success this year in the Cumann na mBunscol football tournament. The group stage of the campaign went superbly for the girls, with victories in the wind, rain, sleet and sunshine against opposition in St. Patrick’s GNS, Mount Anville and St. Raphaela’s.
In the quarter final, the team played against St Olaf’s NS. A late point by captain Anna Kellegher proved to be decisive as St. Attracta’s progressed into the semi finals by the finest of margins. A stern test faced the girls yet again in the form of Scoil Bhríde in the semi final as they looked to progress to their first cup final in memory. A fantastic performance by all ensued which saw the dream of playing in Croke Park become a reality.
On Thursday October 27th 2022, the girls travelled to Croke Park to face off against St Anne’s, Shankill. Though the feat seemed daunting, the cheers and support of hundreds of pupils, staff and parents who made their way to the game, gave the final the emotions of an All Ireland final. A nail-biting first half ensued, with Laura Ryan getting the first score of the game from a free. Following a St Anne’s goal, the St. Attracta’s girls were wasteful in their scoring attempts until Aoife Long stepped up to score an anxiety settling free kick and goal. At half-time the score stood at a precarious 1-2 to 1-0 in favour of St. Attracta’s.
With the nerves having settled and the supporters cheering them on, the girls re-emerged in the second half with a new-found determination and confidence. The girls began to dominate around the middle of the field and the work-rate and fitness of the girls shone through. They produced some wonderful flowing football in the second half and they showed unerring accuracy in front of goal in a superb all-round team display. As fresh legs came on to bring new energy, the girls began to believe that this could be their day, and so it was proven by the final whistle with a final score of 3-6 to 1-2 thanks to an amazing defensive and attacking performance. Anna Kellegher was presented with the cup to rapturous applause, with Ciara Lane picking up the Player of the Match award for her Trojan efforts.
Huge congratulations to the girls on their success, and to the full panel who played their part throughout the competition. They have made St. Attracta’s proud by their effort and behaviour throughout the competition. A huge thanks must go to Mr. Walsh, Ms. Grealis, Ms. Lynskey and Ms. O’ Gorman for all their work with the girls.
