lgfa - Review of 2011

2011 will hold many memories for all the members and supporters of the newly formed Youghal Ladies Football Club. After a very successful Gaelic4Girls Program which was run from September to November 2010 we became official on January 28th when the club was formed. In our inaugural season we fielded 5 teams, Junior, Gaelic4Mothers, U14, U12 & U10s with over 120 players with 40 adults either playing Junior or Gaelic4Mothers and over 80 juveniles aged 6 - 14 years olds. Highlights of the year was of U12s winning the East Cork League and championship which was beyond our wildest dreams when we started on this existing journey, our U14s taking part in the Féile and a fantastic day out in Croke Park when we took 30 girls to play on the hallowed turf.
 
Starting a club from scratch has not been easy. When your bank balance reads “zero” and you need everything from footballs to bibs. Our first fundraiser was a bag packing day in our local Supervalu which raised us enough money to buy one full set of jerseys. Our local Youghal GAA club have been very supportive of us allowing us to use their flood lit facility, their indoor hall and their pitch for training and matches. They also supplied us with a full set of jerseys for which we are very grateful. We look forward to a future of growing stronger together. Helping us to get off the ground the County Board could not have been more helpful with Ger Walsh on the end of the phone on a daily basis. He also helped us with equipment and courses. We also receive two full First Aid kits from Alison in Youghal Pharmacy which was a great help.
 
On the playing front our Juniors took part in the County league division 4 and lost out to Lisgoold in the championship. With every game you could see an improvement in their skill and positioning and their dedication to training has to be admired. With 1 year’s experience behind them all are waiting on 2012 for the action to recommence.
 
Gaelic 4 Mothers kicked off in April 2011 when we had over 25 women of all ages out on the field on a weekly basis all having the craic. The laughter could be heard all through the club with the result that some of the men were looking to train with us for a bit of fun! We were lucky enough to be chosen to play in Parnel Park at the interval of the All Ireland league finals this May, which was the highlight of the year for this dedicated group of mothers. During July they participated in the Munster 7 a-side blitz hosted by Clonakilty and by all accounts a great day was had by all.
 
Our juvenile teams had a very enjoyable year which the emphasis by all coaches being on improving the girl’s skills and giving all a run in every game. Officially we fielded U10s, U12s, U13s & U14s in the East Cork Leagues and championship. Our U10s lost out narrowly to Mayfield in the plate final. Our U12s won the East Cork double beating Midleton in both finals, while our U14s lost the championship final to near neighbours Inch Rovers. Highlight of the season for the U14 panel was participation in the Féile competition were we hosted Sean O’Heslins, the Leitrim county champions. A fantastic weekend was had by all with friendships been formed that will last for many a year to come. Our U10s & U8s also participated in blitzs hosted by Ballyphehane and Passage, many thanks to both clubs for fantastic day’s entertainment.
 
Youghal Ladies Football Club would like to thank all of it’s sponsors, coaches and mentors for giving generously of their time, both Cork & the East Cork Boards for all of their advice, support and encouragement in our first year and to all parents and supporters who really encourage the girls in every match.
 
Finally to all of the girls many thanks for the dedication shown in both training and matches and here’s to 2012. As ye all sing “Lets Go Youghal lets Go”, Eochaill Abú.