The trip to Thomas Davis’ grounds on May 11th had seen Ranelagh Gaels ladies lose to the home team, who managed a couple of last minute goals to win with seven points to spare after Ranelagh pulling level in the second half.

After seeing that game get away, the ladies were determined to come away with the points for the return game in Bushy Park on Wednesday last.

The tough training sessions with manager James Trimble who has joined the Ladies this season seemed to be paying off, with a good start to the match, the Lady Gaels finished the first half a point ahead at 2-2 to 7 points.

Edel and Aoife had done a lot of hard work in midfield keeping the forwards well supplied with good ball into the square with both Donna and Ger capitalising on this with each hitting the back of the net.

Goalie Brenda McEvoy had a great game letting only one ball past her despite having a busy time from the Davis forwards and used her height to her advantage getting her fingertips to a dangerous looking ball in and ensuring the opposition registered a point instead of three.

In the second half the experience of Thomas Davis started to show and they ensured that our full back line of Jean Larkin, Alison O’Keeffe and Philomena McShane were kept busy. With a well worked goal and a flurry of points Thomas Davis started to get the upper hand.

They never got too far ahead with the half forwards for Ranelagh of Noelle, Deirdre and Mary ensuring that they and the full forward line of Claire, Donna and Ger Connolly kept Ranelagh in the game.

Laurene Barret and Sarah Walsh both had great games in the half back line winning the Gaels kick outs and doing their best to contain the Davis half forwards, who were well capable of scoring from their position.

Excitement levels increased with a penalty either end in the second half. Thomas Davis didn’t trouble Brenda with theirs which went left and wide of the posts. Ger Connolly at the other end of the pitch showed them how to do it and hit the back of the net with hers.

When fresh legs were needed the replacements were only too happy to join the action and all four got stuck in straight away – Edel O’Brien joined the half backs and made a number of strong runs to clear from the defence and serve the half forwards well. Maria O’Neill and Debbie Hilliard joined the forwards working hard to ensure the ball stayed in the Davis half as much as possible and Mags Dwyer came on the in second half to join the defence.

When the full time whistle came Ranelagh were on the wrong side of the scoreline by a point. The final score was 3-6 to Ranelagh and 1-13 to Thomas Davis.

It’s certainly progress for the team from the 7 point margin only a few weeks before. With a break from matches this week the Ladies look forward to continuing with their matches on Wednesday week and building on the good work to date.

Ranelagh Gaels’ Ladies Junior E Championship winning team are back in training for the 2011 season.

The sessions begin on Monday, February 28 and we train at Clan na Gael Fontenoy every Monday from 20:20 sharp. Games are usually held on Wednesdays, starting in March. Click here for directions to the training pitch.

Everyone is welcome to join us on or off the field regardless of experience.

If you have any questions or want to join in for the first time then leave a comment below or email info@ranelaghgaels.ie. You can always check back here for updates.

Looking forward to seeing you out there.

The Ranelagh Gaels Ladies Team are back to training for the coming season.

We train out in UCD All-Weather Pitch every Monday from 19:45 Sharp and play games most Wednesdays.

Everyone is welcome to join us on or off the field regardless of experience.

If you have any questions or attended training for the first time then leave a comment here or email info@ranelaghgaels.ie. You can always check back here for updates.

Looking forward to seeing you out there.