Kilbride 3-14 Eastern Gaels 4-09

On a historic day for the club, Kilbride’s Second Ladies team secured their first-ever piece of silverware, defeating Eastern Gaels in a dramatic Division 8 League Final at home. The victory marks a landmark moment in Kilbride’s history – the first season ever for a second ladies’ side.

The game began with a tough start, with Eastern Gaels starting with a three-goal lead in the opening five minutes. But the girls were driven by determination and resilience. They steadied the ship and fought their way back into contention with a flurry of well-taken points and a crucial goal from Maeve Faherty, which greatly encouraged Kilbride.

Ruby McManus produced what looked like a hopeful point from distance, which just hit the inside of the crossbar as it went to go over. From there, Aideen Reilly produced a brilliant display of point-scoring from every angle. Kilbride’s midfield worked tirelessly, covering every blade of grass and linking defence with attack superbly. By halftime, the comeback was complete – 13 points apiece, a remarkable turnaround after a difficult start.

The second half was a fiercely contested affair. Kilbride’s defence stood tall, shutting down waves of Gaels attacks. The girls made brilliant efforts at keeping out the Gaels, working the ball through the hands out of defence. Also Meghan Leddy producing accurate kickouts to relieve the pressure. Erica Reilly added to the momentum with key scores, while Kilbride’s fitness and unity shone through in a tense final quarter. Katie Moody came close to a super goal but her shot narrowly missed the mark. 

With 15 minutes remaining, Eastern Gaels edged ahead by three points, Kilbride refused to relent. Chloe Smyth and Maeve Faherty reduced the difference with vital points, bringing it down to a single score. The Gaels got lucky with frees, but Kilbride retaliated. 

In the final two minutes, Kilbride launched one last attack. A slick move saw Lily May Donnelly deliver a pinpoint pass to Tara Howard, who buried the ball in the back of the net to send the home crowd into raptures.

Kilbride expertly held possession in the closing seconds. When the final whistle blew, the celebrations erupted, Kilbride were Division 8 League Champions.

This triumph is a testament to the determination and unity of a team competing in its first ever campaign. The win not only secures a trophy, but cements the legacy of Kilbride’s growing ladies' football community.

Kilbride: Meghan Leddy, Layla Stewart, Amy Ward, Saoirse Boyle, Rachel McManus, Caoimhe McCormack, Ava Nugent ,Jessica Malone , Sarah Hayes, Ruby McManus, Rebeka Wilhelm, Erica Reilly, Katie Moody, Aideen Reilly, Lily May Donnelly.

Subs: Maeve Faherty, Tara Howard, Chloe Smyth, Isabel Ward,Líle Brady, Jai Mitchell, Ellen Sheridan.

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