For any club member that keeps a lookout for Ladies Football within the Plunketts, it was plain to be seen the strides that were made both on and off the field last year. Key emphasis was put on gaining the experience of a quality management team early on and in Febrauary last year Lorraine Girvan, Joe Cunningham and Felix Nugent dually put their shoulders to the wheel. The foundations of any good team are set on the training ground and with that ethic the Seniors set out their stall in March with Lorraine and Felix as managers and Joe as the trainer.
May
The league didn’t get underway until may and the Seniors made the trip to Strabane for their season opener. It wasn’t to be however as we went down 3-12 to 2-7. A gallant first half effort just seen us fall away in the final third.
There was more to come however as we held our best for the championship quarter final against Mna NaDeirge in Carrickmore. This was a frantic encounter with end to end action throughout. Indeed neither team seized the initiative in the first period although Mna NaDeirge went in at half time with their noses in front 2-5 to 1-7. The Plunketts registered a goal courtesy of the sublime right boot of Jane Loughran to stem the onslaught. The loss of centre back Caroline Goodfellow was compounded further after the break when we slipped behind by 6 points. It looked rather ominous but a fine goal from the right by Paula Molloy lifted the spirits and the work ethic kicked into gear. Michaela McNamee was unstoppable registering a personal tally of 1-5 and a late Moira Quinn goal sealed the deal to send us through to a semi-final encounter with Fintona.
June
The is no argument that Fintona are one of the leagues stronger teams and have been for the past few seasons. It certainly didn’t mean that we would be in awe as we took this league game to them at Plunkett Park. No doubt both management teams were playing their cards close to there chests as the championship semi was imminent but this was nontheless a competitive encounter with the seniors unlucky to lose by 2 points on a scoreline of 3-8 to 1-16.
July
We responded next day out in emphatic style with a home mauling of Eoghain Rua. Cricket score indeed as we romped home 8-15 to 1-3. Eimear McKenna, Jennifer Mullin, Michaela McNamee and Michaela McGuigan all knocking up large persoal tallies on the night.
The championship was a different story as we lost out to a strong Fintona outfit in Beragh. All was not lost however as a league game away to Coalisland was conceded setting us up for a league play-off encounter with old rivals Strabane.
August
As the summer drew to close it was a frustrating month. A ball was not kicked in anger as the County Ladies team embarked on their impressive All-Ireland run. In total a period of 5 weeks went by without a competitive game played. Surely this should be looked at next season.
September
“If only, perhaps, may be”. There is no solace in these words. After all the training and dedication of both the players and management it all came down to a playoff with Strabane Sigersons. Dispite a gallant effort we lost out 7-3 to 4-18. We just ran out of momentum as the final whistle approached and defensive mistakes cost us in the end.
Summary
The strides made by this group of players in 2010 are there for all to see. Without a doubt we need more support in 2011. Ladies Gaelic Football is the most progressive sport in Ireland at present and everyone should get behind this team. The benefits of a strong and influentual management team is vitally important and we reaped some of those rewards last year. We were knocking on the door all season. This time around we should look to knock it down. In the words of the great Mickey Harte “No ifs, no buts, no maybe’s”, in 2011, “TOTAL FAITH”. Bring it on!
Pomeroy Senior Ladies 2010 – Won 4, Lost 2, finished 3rd in league with 12 points
