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On Wednesday the 4^th Of March, the First-Year girls suffered Connaught Semi Final heartache, as they bowed out of the competition at the hands of Colaiste na Corrib, Co. Galway. On a beautiful spring day in Ballasadare, two quality teams went head-to-head and there was nothing to choose between them at the end of normal time. Chances were at a premium throughout as both team’s defences were on top. In St’ Nathy’s case, joint vice-captain Natasha Jackson was her usual composed self. Either side of her, Penny Sharkey had her best game in a Nathy’s jersey, while Emily Horan climbed out of her sick bed to give a superb performance at left -back. However, it was Natasha’s partner, Ava Flannery, who was imperious, repelling numerous dangerous Corrib attacks, both on the ground and in the air, in a dominant person-of-the match performance. Behind them, Aurelia McElroy, was rarely troubled in goal, such was their resilience, but on the one occasion the defence was breached, shortly before half-time, Aurelia produced a stunning save, clawing the ball away from behind her to keep the sides level.

In mid-field, captain, Sadhbh Dillon, and joint vice-captain, Orla Malloy, worked tirelessly against the speedy and technically adept Galway school. Both players much have covered every inch of the pitch in their efforts to keep their opponents at bay.

On the flanks, Sienna Mulleady and Jennifer Connor, found themselves assisting their fullbacks, more than getting forward, such was the skill and speed of the opposing wingers, and they both put in an enormous shift. Sadly, Jenny had to leave the pitch in extra time having picked up a nasty ankle injury. In was in the first period of extra-time that Sienna really came into her own, making a series of scintillating runs down the right wing, leaving several Corrib defenders in her wake. On one occasion, she stung the palms of the visiting keeper, and she also won a couple of corners, which despite Orla’s excellent deliveries, unfortunately came to nothing.

Up front, Clara McCann, Aoibh Johnston and Katie Cummins, worked tirelessly against a well-drilled and resilient Colaiste na Corrib defence. In truth, our strikers were living off scraps and despite their endeavours, we never got that one clear sight of goal that might have swung the game in our favour.

As the game entered the last five minutes of extra time and the deadlock still not broken, coaches, Ms. Powell and Mr. Nealon started to think about a penalty shoot-out. We had prepared well for such an event, choosing our five penalty takers in advance and having practiced extensively prior to the match. Sadly, it wasn’t to be and there was one last sting in the tail of this absorbing encounter. A Nathy’s attack broke down on the edge of their opponent’s penalty box. With many players committed forward, and tiredness becoming a factor, the Galway school countered with speed and precision and within seconds the ball was being slammed high into the Nathy’s net, giving Aurelia no chance. Credit to the girls, they immediately attacked from the restart and won a corner. Orla’s corner was headed away by the Corrib defence and with everyone attacking in desperate search of an equaliser, the Galway school once more broke away and scored the second, insurance goal. There was barely time for the girls to kick-off again when the referee blew the final whistle, bringing the team’s incredible journey to a heart-breaking end.

To their immense credit, the Nathy girls hid their disappointment and sportingly congratulated their opponents on their victory. From the very outset, Ms. Powell and Mr. Nealon have being hugely impressed and proud of the First- Year squad, for their hard-work, skill and commitment. It has been a hugely enjoyable journey for both coaches. As the girls exit the competition, they can do so with their heads held high, they are a huge credit to their coaches, their school, their families and most importantly, to themselves. They are at the very beginning of their St. Nathy’s sporting journey and there is no doubt they will represent the school with distinction many more times in the coming years.