The 2011 Championship adventure came to a heartbreaking end last night as the Ranelagh Gaels Ladies were edged out by a single point in a pulsating County Final.

Looking to secure unprecedented back to back championship titles, the Gaels lined up against O’Tooles of Darndale under the lights of Finians GAA club in Newcastle – Geordie Shore couldn’t have come up with the drama that unfolded in the Junior D decider.

Perhaps the occasion got to the girls early on as it was O’Tooles who raced out of the traps, attacking down the middle channel with a strong, direct running gameplan. Any rub of the green that was going early on went the way of the North Dublin side, with a couple of speculative efforts leading to goals and they had posted a 3-2 to 0-3 lead inside ten minutes.

As has happened so often this year the girls dug deep and gradually clawed their way back into the contest, refusing to give up. Tactical switches from the line saw Eimear enter the fray with Aoife dropping deep to steady the ship at the back.

This in turn allowed Lil to get on the ball and dictate the play from deep, aided and abetted by her wing backs Caoimhe and Laurene. The trio carried plenty of ball, linking defence and attack and the scores started to come.

Finals demand big performances and many of the girls saved their best for when it mattered most. Karen Coughlan had a super game at wing forward, getting on the score sheet early on and making probing runs all game. Mary Connolly meanwhile flourished initially at wing forward before moving back to defence where she snuffed out the threat of the dangerous O’Tooles corner forward.

Claire Gleeson had another fine game at full back including a majestic piece of fielding in her own square to thwart another O’Toole attack as the Gaels pushed on in the second half.

Aine Breathnach once again had a stormer, driving forward at every opportunity and conducting the Gaels orchestra from her position on the 40. She deservedly picked up the player of the match award and despite the disappointment of defeat the Port Lairge native can be proud of her display.

After being eight points adrift the Gaels had reeled in O’Tooles and by half time were a point to the good. Scores were much harder to come by at both ends of the field in the second half; as the winning line came into view both sets of players retreated with space in front of goal at a premium.

A sensational O’Tooles goal nudged them ahead again and the Gaels once more had to go chasing the game. That task was made a little bit harder when the referee brandished a yellow card after Edel O’Brien was involved in an accidental collision on the ground.

The corner forward, along with Barbara Whooley, was in great form up front in what was a hugely impressive scoring display by the entire team; 2-13 from play is an incredible haul any day.

The girls did their utmost to once again peg back their opponents but in the end they couldn’t beat the clock and the whistle sounded with a point between the sides.

One will do well to find a losing score line of 2-14 in any county final across the country over the next few weeks but that was how it turned out for Ranelagh.

Great credit is due to the management team of Jimmy Trimble and Denis Doolan, and also to the team’s sponsor Tribeca.

In true Dublin GAA style some dedicated members of the club paid a visit to the unofficial club sponsors on Harcourt St to acknowledge their contribution to the effort.

To reach a final after only making the step up to Junior D level this year was a great achievement and no doubt the girls will be in the hunt for championship glory in 2012.

Well done to everyone involved. Gaels Abú.

Ranelagh Gaels ladies took part in the All Ireland Sevens tournament hosted by the Naomh Mearnog and Slyvester clubs in North County Dublin yesterday.

90 teams from all over Ireland, and indeed further a field, took part in a great day’s football in the September sunshine.

Ranelagh Gaels 2-6 St Brides 4-2

The Gaels had an early start, getting proceedings underway at 10.0 against St Bride’s of Louth. A win in your first game is imperative and the girls duly delivered. It was a tight encounter but the old adage of goals winning games certainly rang true, a four goal haul proving decisive in a two point victory. Barbara and Ger did the damage up front with Claire having another dominant day at the back.

Ranelagh Gaels 2-0 Strabane Sigersons 6-15

The next game was completely different however. The Gaels came up against a master class from Tyrone side Strabane Sigersons. Their total football display would have made Mickey Harte proud as their kick passing and quick transfer of possession resulted in them posting a phenomenal 6-15 in just 20 minutes of play. Indeed it could have been more but for some smart stops by Louise Donohue in goal.

The girls never stopped trying though, Debbie and Louise Shorty epitomising the work rate and effort of the entire panel.

Ranelagh Gaels 3-2 An Eoraip 1-4

The girls got back to winning ways straight away as they came up against An Eoraip, a team made up of the continents best players from clubs such as Brussels and Paris. After struggling in their early games An Eoraip seemed to be getting the jet lag out of their system and put in a much improved display. They were kept at arms length throughout though – Fran and Maria alternated the net minding duties, while Edel covered every blade of grass in an all action display.

Ranelagh Gaels 1-1 Glanmire 3-5

Going into the final group game against Glanmire, Ranelagh knew a win would leave them level on points with the Cork side and facing a points shoot out. Glanmire had won a close encounter with Strabane just before which opened up the group. The girls played their best football of the day in the first half, with Lil and Laurene dictating the play around the middle. Unfortunately the excellent play and domination of possession wasn’t transferred to the scoreboard and the side were level at the change of ends. Glanmire found another gear early in the second half and pulled away to book their place in the knockout stages.

The girls acquitted themselves brilliantly throughout the competition and it was great preparation for their upcoming county final joust O’Tooles. Huge credit must go to the host clubs who provided an enjoyable day for all who attended.

The Championship game is expected to take place this Wednesday although the venue has yet to be confirmed; keep checking back here for details. Any and all support will be welcome on the night – c’mon the Gaels!

Thomas Davis  2-6    Ranelagh Gaels 2-9

Ranelagh Gaels ladies have qualified for a second county final in twelve months after another courageous display in the wind and rain of Tallaght on Wednesday night.

They overcame Thomas Davis in their semi final encounter, producing a stirring comeback after the home side had dominated proceedings in the first half.

Once again the girls had to dig deep into their reserves of heart and commitment and they found plenty of it as they battled right to the end and came out deserving three point winners.

The home side were in control early on, winning everything in midfield and taking their scores well. The pressure on the Gaels goal was incessant with the ball coming back in as quick as it was being cleared.

Conditions were desperate throughout and the greasy astro surface was causing problems. Little breaks and bounces were going against the girls but they kept persevering in the belief that their ability would come through.

Thomas Davis made their dominance show on the scoreboard almost immediately with two goals but it could have been even more with the crossbar twice coming to the rescue, while netminder Maria O’Neill also pulled off a couple of smart saves.

The Gaels goal was leading a charmed life but with Alison and Lil in superb form they held firm and dragged their team up the field.

Ranelagh were struggling to win possession around the middle but when Aine Breathnach was brought back to a deeper role the game started to turn. She put in another towering display and with Aoife and Caoimhe doing the same in the half back line the comeback was put into action.

Fine scores from Ger Connolly and Edel O’Brien got the team off the mark and when Barbara finished emphatically to the net the gap was down to four points – all to play for at the break, 1-4 to 2-5.

The ante and work rate was upped in the second half with Laurene, Eimear and Edel Brennan all coming into the game.

Karen Coughlan and second half substitute Donna worked brilliantly from wing forward, supporting the full forward line while also picking up the all important breaking ball around the middle.

It was imperative that no more goals were conceded and with Claire Gleeson, Philomena and substitute Mags all marshalling the square the home side didn’t get a sniff; indeed just one point was conceded in the entire half.

The bit of luck that the girls’ efforts deserved came as the game entered the final quarter. Caoimhe’s punt towards goal caused confusion at the back with both full back and goalkeeper going for the ball – it ended up in the net and the sides were level.

The girls had victory in their sights now and pushed on until the end. Points from Edel, Aine and Ger sealed a great win and a spot in the Junior D Championship Final; full time score on the night was 2-9 to 2-6.

All eyes are now on back to back titles – never mind the Dubs, the sky blues of Ranelagh are on the march!

The pressure was on the Ranelagh Gaels ladies team last night and they delivered in style to qualify for the Junior D Championship semi finals. A stunning six-point victory away to Craobh Chiarain set up a last four encounter, most likely with Thomas Davis.

The girls went into the game knowing they not only had to win but also had to register a winning margin of at least three points such was the points difference their opponents enjoyed over them coming into the clash.

There were scores aplenty early on – Barbara Whooley hit the net in the opening minutes while her full forward partner Edel O’Brien grabbed two points in quick succession.

At the other end Craobh Chiarain were also finding their range in what was a high quality contest. A narrow defeat would have sufficed for the home side so with the scores level, 1-4 to 0-7, they went to their half time team talk the happier of the two teams.

The management team had identified the Craobh Chiarain threats before the game and they were well marshalled by Claire Gleeson at full back and Lil at centre back.
In the corners Mags and Alison were solid throughout, the latter getting a nasty bang to the head for her troubles and was replaced by Jean.

Aine Breathnach produced a superb display of high fielding throughout and her probing passes into the full forward line set up numerous scores, while she also bagged 1-2 for herself in the process.

The rest of the forwards worked tirelessly, preventing quick breaks from the back – Karen, Louise and Debbie all won vital possession and kept the ball moving as Gaels played a high tempo game.

It has become almost a given with our girls at this stage but once again their work rate and honesty were terrific during the entire sixty minutes. Aine continued dictating the play around the middle, ably assisted by Edel Brennan and Caoimhe, with all three driving their team forward at every opportunity.

The defence in the second half was immense, conceding only four scores and repelling numerous attacks. Laurene and Aoife ran themselves into the ground while Eimear, introuduced at wing forward, covered back well around the middle third to win possession.

Edel and Barbara notched 2-7 between them in the full forward line as they thrived on the ball being delivered in. They showed great hands and composure taking some wonderful scores. Ger kept the scoreboard ticking over early in the second half with some nerveless free taking; the Gaels edged in front and pushed out to a three point lead – the magic number that was needed.

Disaster soon followed with a goal conceded at the other end with only four minutes remaining. The girls didn’t panic though – Maria found Aine with a pinpoint kick out and the ball was worked up the field for a point.

Almost immediately the ball was returned to the Craobh half from the resulting kick out and Edel cut in from the left to bury the ball into the corner of the net. That was enough but just to make the scoreline even more emphatic, Aine found the net for a third Gaels goal, rounding off a wonderful team performance – 3-12 to 2-9 it finished.

The girls haven’t got too much time to dwell on their win with training pencilled in for Saturday and Monday in preparation for their semi final…..just sixty minutes from another final!

The girls went down by the smallest of margins to rivals Clanna Gael in the opening game of the Junior D Championship despite a strong, committed and passionate display.

The conditions were atrocious from the off but you wouldn’t have known it such was the fine skill levels on show – high fielding, accurate kick-passing and well taken scores aplenty in what was a well contested championship encounter.

The top class work rate and effort from everyone was a key feature of the game. The defending started from the front with Clanna Gael coming up against a wall of blue jerseys as they tried to carry the ball out of defence – wing forwards Debbie Hillard and Karen Coughlan put in great shifts while Eimear and Claire, and later Jean, hassled and harried in the full forward line, suffocating their opponents.

When the ball did reach the Gaels half of the field, Maria in goal along with her corner backs Alison and Louise Connolly looked composed and assured. Claire Gleeson gave an exhibition in the art of full back play, particularly in the first half, as the entire defence worked tirelessly in shutting out the Fontenoy attack.

The pattern of the game was similar to the league meeting between the sides earlier in the year, with the visitors racing out of the traps, posting 1-2 inside the first few minutes. Ranelagh didn’t panic though and points from Louise Donohue and Ger Connolly reeled in the Ringsend outfit.

Lil Whooley at centre-back, along with the centrefield pairing of Aine Breathnach and Edel Brennan provided the platform from which attacks were launched.

Clanna Gael couldn’t keep up with the energy of the Gaels with Mary and Caoimhe in the wing backs positions picking up plenty of ball. After a shaky start the team found themselves only two points down at the change of ends, 0-5 to 1-4.

The deficit didn’t last long after the break with a blitz of scores including a goal from the excellent Connolly. Another goal at this stage may have won the game but instead it was a debatable penalty award at the other end that proved crucial.

It gave the visitors just about enough breathing space and they survived yet another Gaels fightback to eek out a victory, on a 1-12 to 3-7 scoreline.

The girls have plenty of positives to take form the game though and all eyes now switch to their next championship battle in two weeks time.

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.

The Ranelagh Gaels Ladies team got their Division 5 League campaign off to a flying start with an impressive performance at Fortress Bushy on Wednesday night.

Last year’s championship winning panel has been boosted with the addition of some new players creating strength in depth and a real battle for places.

There were a number of debutants in the starting fifteen along with the stalwarts from last year and they combined to devastating effect.

Aside from a ropey start and a few scores conceded at the end, the Gaels were outstanding in between, including a blitz in the second quarter where they outscored their opponents 1-4 to 0-0.

Clanna Gael, with the aid of a stiff breeze, raced into an early lead with a couple of points followed by a 3-pointer and it looked ominous for the home side. They didn’t panic though and kept trying to play their football. It was difficult for the forwards to get their hands on the ball playing into the wind but the Claire double-act in the corners worked tirelessly throughout. The rewards eventually came with some forays into opposition territory resulting in Ger slotting over some well taken frees.

The game’s first big turning point came when Edel got forward from midfield to raise a green flag. The Sligo native and centre-field partner Aoife created numerous openings with their bursts from the middle and the captain repeated the trick in the second half with another crucial goal.

With the scores tied at 1-4 a piece at the break, the second half took off at great pace with the girls running at the Fontenoy defence and causing them real difficulties; Deirdre’s piercing drives were a key feature of the game. Wing forwards Mary and Laureene were picking up plenty of ball as the girls dominated possession for long periods.

The strength in depth in the squad showed in the second half with all the switches making telling contributions – Maeve, Donna and Brenda in the forwards played their part in stretching the lead and with ten minutes to go the second goal put the game to bed.

The backs played their part too with the full back line of Jean, Caoimhe and Mags along with subs Aine and Michelle putting in assured displays, giving little or nothing away. This allowed those in front of them to join in the play further up the field with Lil directing operations and starting off many attacks with her precision kicking. Half backs Sarah and Edel ran forward when they could and suffocated the Ringsend side giving them no space to manoeuvre. Maria gave an assured display in goals, collecting several shots on her goal-line as the visitors pressed for an opening.

In the end a goal separated the sides, 2-9 to 1-9, in what was a great win considering the Gaels had gone down to the same opposition in challenge and cup games in recent weeks. Well done to all; the season is up and running.

RANELAGH Gaels Ladies team will play their first competitive game of the season tonight against Clanna Gael Fontenoy.

Throw-in for this Division 5B League game at Ringsend Park is at 6:45.

There was disappointment for the ladies last week with a one sided friendly already against Clanna Gael. With so many new ladies coming into the setup and a few to return from the Championship winning side management are looking for a more impressive performance.

Come out and show your support for the ladies on what will a be another exciting year for the club with such a young history.

For directions to Ringsend Park, click HERE

RANELAGH Gaels’ Championship winning ladies football team is on the lookout for a new manager.

The Gaels claimed the Dublin Junior E Championship last year in their first season playing competitive matches.

Training for the new season has started already with the throw-in for both league and cup now only weeks away.

Numbers so far have been extremely encouraging and the signs are good for 2011.

The team is currently being run by Ronan Murphy, Denis Doolan and Brigan Regan, who all play on the men’s team.

They are delighted to help out any way they can, but the club are currently looking for someone to take sole charge of the team.

Nearly all of last year’s Championship winners are back this year for a go at the Junior D Championship and several promising new players have been added the panel, with more joining up every week.

This is an exciting time for the club and we would welcome a manager that can devote their experience and time to help with developing ladies football at Ranelagh Gaels GAA Club.

Please contact Club Chairman, Barry Coogan 087 257 9013 or info@ranelaghgaels.com for further information.

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.