Beara U12 Ladies Footballers win All Ireland Title at Community Games

Beara U12 Team Arrive home

Bonfires lit all the way from Glengarriff to Castletownbere and indeed to the outskirts of the town to welcome home the victorious U12 Beara Ladies Footballers.  They represented Beara, Cork and Munster at the weekend in Mosney at the ESB Community Games and went all the way to winning the first All Ireland Medal for Beara, Cork and Munster.  Along the way they defeated Mayo in the semi-finals on a score of 4-3 to 2-1. Yesterday, Sunday 19th Aug. they defeated the reigning champions Westmeath with a score of 2-9 to 0-6.

Teddy Black was on stage (Fast Fish's Lorry) to officially welcome them home along with their families, coaches, minders, mentors and supporters who travelled to Mosney with them.  Tina Turner's 'Simply the Best' blared and the girls danced, sung and hugged each other on the lorry.  Teddy Black called upon Ciara Murphy, the captain to say a few words.  She thanked all her fellow team mates, the trainers, coaches who helped them achieve their title, everyone who supported them along the way and everyone who was there to welcome them home.  Some of those mentioned were: Sean and Mary Power, Anne Hanley, Michael Murphy, Mary Lehane, Phil Murphy and Mary O'Shea-Power. For a 12 year old, she spoke calmly and precisely and was indeed excellent - take a bow Ciara - some of the politicians should take lessons from you.  She then introduced each of the team individually to the crowd and rounded off by calling on three hip-hip hoorays.  Joey Blake then played 'The Champions' by Queen and again everyone sang along.  The joys and tribulations got too much for some of the team and some tears of joy were shed.  Food and refreshments were then served to the team and their mentors at Breen's Lobster Bar.

Dympna Daly, Chairperson of Beara Community Games then welcomed them home and congratulated them and their trainers and everyone who helped to bring them to this happy occasion.  She thanked all who gave donations over the last few weeks - it was greatly appreciated and gladly welcomed as this event was an added cost to their budget.

Michael Murphy, one of their trainers, then spoke and again congratulated them on their tremendous win.  He apologised for the time he may have got 'cross' with them and explained that this was part of the commitment needed and which they gave.  He urged them to remain focused and better days would be in store.

Well done young ladies and indeed well done to all your trainers, coaches, families and supporters.

The Community Games will continue next week-end and one of the football team not present here this evening - Harriet Cross - will be among one of those from Beara who will be partaking in these events.  Also competing are Rachel O'Shea and Brendan O' Connor.  Best of Luck to you next week-end.

Maeve Coughlan, daughter of Tommy and Mary Coughlan, Cork and Droum, Castletownbere also won 1st Prize in her swimming event - Congratulations and well done from everyone in Beara.

Pictured above is Ciara Murphy, Capt. and some of the crowd  who welcomed them home.

Some of the Team pictured on Fri. Morning last before they departed for Mosney.

Team with family, trainers, coaches, minders and supporters