It was an exciting day for Donabate’s 1st year ladies Futsal team who participated in Dublin’s Futsal Blitz. In high spirits, the 14 man squad were full of energy. The players were:
Caitlin Bernard, Gemma Roche, Amy Nugent, Ena Ruttalthan O’Reilly, Kim Finegan, Neasa Bunelt, Neva Sajeev, April O’Brien, Chloe Williams, Patricia Pénen de Lema, Ciara Stell, Emily Malone, Jodie Sinnott and Amy O’Flaherty.
We started off with a bang, winning the first match against Clonturk. We had a strong lead, 3-0.
Goals came in quick succession from April O’Brien, Amy O’Flaherty and Gemma Roche. Lightning passes from Caitlin Bernard and Patricia Pénen de Lema ensured that the ball stayed in our possession. There was two fantastic saves by goalie Amy Nugent, dashing Clonturk of any hope of a victory.
The second match against Hartstown was just as exhilarating as the last. We took the lead with a smashing goal by Jodie Sinnott. Our team had great defense, with intensive intercepts, brilliant blocks and aggressive attacks. Ciara Stell and Chloe Williams were incredible defenders, allowing barely anything past them. Goalie Amy Nugent refused any Hartstown goals, saving all three attempts. The match finished with a satisfying 1-0 conclusion.
Lucan was our third opponent, with a solid side. Both teams played exemplary. There was strong defenses on both sides, with the pair of goalies each valiantly defending their goals. Caitlin Bernard took a beautiful shot, which should have counted but the ref hadn’t seen it. We still drew the match against a formidable a team. 0-0 was the final score.
Up next was Caritas College, who had so far won every match.They were a tough team who didn’t give any ground. Donabate fought back after a goal for Caritas College, striking with a goal of their own from Jodie Sinnott. The goal was set up brilliantly by fluid passing from the rest of the team, again there was two terrific saves by Amy Nugent.
Once the match against Caritas College was over, we got news that we would have to cut our Blitz short because the bus had to leave by 2:30pm. This did not settle well with the team who would have to forfeit two matches as a result of leaving early.
Refusing to give up, the determined Donabate team managed to pull together and organise lifts for themselves to get home so that they could stay and see the Blitz the full way through. Their devotion and passion for the sport really showed in their dedication to see the competition through until the end. We would like to thank the parents for their time and rescuing the remainder of our Blitz.
Our fifth match was against Coláiste de Hide. Donabate came out on top with another fabulous goal from Jodie Sinnott. There was wonderful passing and defence from the rest of the team, preventing Coláiste de Hide from any points of their own. The score was 1-0 to Donabate.
The final match was against Woodbrook, a calm and collected side. Donabate came close to scoring multiple times with determined shots from Jodie Sinnott and Caitlin Bernard. Ciara Stell, Gemma Roche and Amy Nugent played admirably blocking Woodbrook. However unfortunately Woodbrook managed to sneak a goal through our defenses. The final score was 0-1 to Woodbrock.
After all of the matches, Donabate came excruciatingly close to winning with 11 points, while the winners came away with 12. It was a heartbreaking result, for the team had worked very hard however this has only increased their passion for success.
We would like to thank coaches Robbie Sinnott and Ms. Peat.
Thanks to TY Robotics students Beth Kirwan and Aoife Lyster for the article and accompanying photo!
