Cork Ladies Footballers - All Ireland Champions
The Beara Connection


The Victorious Cork Ladies Team

The Cork Ladies Football who won the All-Ireland Under 14 Football Final in Portlaoise last month included 7 members of the Beara Ladies team in the selection, with the Captain being Laura Power, daughter of Sean & Mary Power, Rodeen, who are very actively promoting the game here in Beara and in Cork. The Coach of the team is Mike Murphy, Clounaglaskin whose daughter Amanda played outstanding football on the day and indeed throughout the year.

Playing an exciting brand of open, free flowing football, Cork were much to good for Monaghan, played in ideal conditions at O' Moore Park in Portlaoise. From the opening seconds Cork made their intentions known and by the 15th minute had raced into a 3-7 lead before Monaghan registered their first score.

Inspired by the majestic displays from the centre field pairing of  Laura Power,(Beara) Captain, and Geraldine O' Flynn, Cork mounted wave upon wave of attacks and with the youngest player of the field, 12-year-old Amanda Murphy (Beara) in deadly shooting form, the game appeared to be over as a  contest in the middle of the first period. Miss Murphy, who had a personal tally of 1- 9, had a goal and two points on the scoreboard by the fifth minute, to set the standard of the day.

Try as they might Monaghan could not contain the Cork forwards, with Noreen O' Farrell and Margaret Murphy particularly dangerous.

Any time Monaghan broke beyond midfield they found Rena  Buckley, Lisa McSweeney, in particular  Emma Dunne, and all the backs, as well as keeper Cathyrn Fahy in superb form.

Monaghan to their credit tried very hard and did get through for a goal off the inside of the post which gave them a temporary lift, but Cork's response was immediate and they fired over some beautiful points with monotonous regularity to open a huge 3-15 to 1-1 lead at the short whistle, after playing with a very slight breeze.

With victory virtually assured, Cork did not show the same urgency in the 2nd period and despite Monaghan's best efforts, there was never any doubt about Cork retaining the title they won for the first time last year.  Cork added to their first half total,while Monaghan replied with 1-2.  The forte of this particular team is the tremendous team spirit, where every player works for each other and for the good of the team.

There were joyful scenes for Cork when the referee blew the final whistle to the delight of the large Cork following.  An inspiring captain Laura Power received the coveted trophy from Walter Thompson, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Board.  Incidentally, Laura was player of the fame last year and will be under 14 again next year.

At a meal for both teams Amanda Murphy was presented with the player of the match award for her outstanding contribution and as she will be under 14 for two more years, the future looks very bright for Cork.  It was a great day too for Amanda's dad, Mike Murphy, dedicated Coach to the team, Justin McCarthy, Manager, Fr. Liam Kelleher who looked after the Physical and spiritual needs of the team, Eileen O'Brien, Mary Power, Charlie McLaughlin and County Chairperson, Dan O'Mahony.

After the victory meal the team met up with all their parents at Abbeyleix for a thanksgiving Mass, celebrated by Fr. Liam Kelleher, followed by an impromptu concert when the players displayed their musical talents.

 
Pictured with Coach Mike Murphy, the Beara Ladies on the Cork team, are his daughter Amanda, Miriam Sheehan, Michelle & Amanda Goggin, Sinead O'Dwyer, Áine O'Sullivan, and Capt. Laura Power.