17/09/01- Dunsany V's Simonstown

Senior league, played in Dunsany:Before the match started, as we were warming up, we were wondering when the last time we played at home was? I can't put a date on it no one could but, it was certainly a long time ago. All the girls seem to be of the mind, that it would be a good idea if we tried to salvage something out of this year. We started on the right foot. I amint sure what the final score was , maybe 6-14 to 1-3, but I stand to be corrected. Lisa Donnelly scored like there was no tomorrow and Skinny did great aswell.

30/09/01- Summerhill V's Dunsany

Senior league,Summerhill coulnd't get a pitch so our away game was played at home. Whats that they say about waiting for buses and then a load of them come along together?

If I was to tell you the score now, and if you know anything about how dedicated Summerhill are, you would think that we played out of our skin to beat them.But to be honest Summerhill aren't the force they used to be.

Playing and training for football is a job its self, but trying to run the team aswell, it might offer some explaination for Summerhills result... Dunsany have been blessed with the likes of Teresa Mangan, Alan Duffy , May Lynch and Mrs Allen to name but a few,without their time and effort....well there wouldn't be a ladies team any more.

Back to the match though. I think Dunsany ladies ran out winners by 6-11 to 0-1. Not a clear reflection on the hills efforts,but certainly a fair complement to the Dunsany regard who were the only ones who held us in the game in the first half.

The second half was more entertaining. both teams had players that stood out. Frances Lynch, Shirley Dixon, Teresa Brooks, Jenny Cusack and Sandra Coleman were best for Dunsany.Patricia McNelis was best for the hill.

Junior Championship Semi Final-The match started really promisingly for Dunsany. We led at half time, thanks to some sterling defending my the likes of Deirdre Donoghue, Teresa Brooks and Sinead Cusack. Lisa Tyrell, playing in the backs gave great support to the forwards who were some what under strength.

Most of the scores that Dunsany got were the result of strong running from Karen Ward, and Deborah Burmas. There were alot of the underage girls, filling in for some of the usual crew who missed out due to injury or suspension, and although inexperienced gave a good account of themselves.

Lucy Doherty, worked her socks off when in the forwards and when she was brough back to shore up the tiring Dunsany regaurd, she did equally as well.

In the end the difference in the teams was experience, as Navan O Mahonys rode out winners. Dunsany, at full strength might have put a different slant to the result of the game.As it stands O Mahonys will play Dunshaughlin in the final, and I feel O Mahony's will have to find a new gear if they are to take the title. The Score at full time was 3-4 to 3-11.

09/11/01- Dunsany V's Senchalstown

Sometimes you have to think "Why"? I am referring to our clash with Senchalstown, the kingpins of ladies Gaelic in Meath at the moment. Having played them in the Championship this year and losing out by the smallest of margins in a thrilling encounter, I presumed both sides would be really looking forward to the clash. Senchalstown have walked away with the championship for the last three years, have been starved of stiff competition. A re-run of the last match with Dunsany could have been just what the doctor ordered. A "Match" in the true sense of the word.

But, the only phrase you could use to describe Senchalstown's attitude is a "cop-out". Maybe it is me being the old romantic, and dreaming of past days of glory when Dunsany could compete with any team in the county. Dreaming of a time when football was for fun and county board meetings didn't resemble a pirate ship with the gang plank in constant use.

When the matter of this match arose at the county board meeting, the following two things were pointed out to the officials from Senchalstown and the members of the county board:

1:That Dunsany would be without the services of: Colette O'Connell, AnneMarie (Skinny) Dennehy, Christine (O'Brien) Fagan, Ann Gorman, Aileen Donnelly, Deirdre Dixon and Joanne Cunnigham (these being only a few of the people who come to mind)

2:That we would struggle to even field a team.

But when the pirates are placing the blindfolds on you and pointing you towards the plank, you do what you can to meet the demands...and so the match was fixed, for a Friday night, under floodlights.

Dunsany fielded a team, some not seniors, some not willing and some not old enough to go to a PG film without their parents. So you've guessed the ending already: I would love to sit ,hear and draw a parallel with the Samson and Goliath story.I can't, unfortunatley Samson had just received the "short, back and sides".

Senchalstown went back with the points, Senchalstown remain untouchable, but then they can't genuinely have felt any sense of achievement. But what can you expect from a club that were happy to take home a championship cup when their opposition wouldn't field due to a funeral in the family of one of the members of the team? So to them I say, you have the victory but not the respect. And when you take a trip down memory lane in the years to come, when you have gained a sense of fair play and sportspersonship, photos and memories of your team holding a undeserved cup aloft will bring no sense of pride, of glory days past - just a feeling of embarrassment and shame.