On Friday last, the under 16 girls had a decisive victory against Scoil Mhuire that saw them win by a scoreline of 56 to 29 points. In truth, the flattering scoreline did not represent the real story as the game was closely contested right up to the final quarter when the home side took charge.
Stunning performances from M.V.P. Ellie O'Donovan who had a sensational 25 points propelled the Skibbereen girls forward throughout the game and we went into a commanding lead in the final quarter when the city girls challenge wilted under the pressure. From the start, Mollaidh O'Neill and Maria O'Mahony were as solid as a rock in defence and lethal threats on the break. The skillful, dynamic duo up in front Aine McCarthy and Lia Hogan were a constant threat charging forward. Once again, we acknowledge the enormous impact that Dave Quinn has on this team who go from strength to strength playing against the best in the A league and under Pat Dwyer, Lia has transformed her entire game and turned into a scoring machine.
The long warm up also took its toll on the home side as our visitors were almost an hour late and many of our girls were looking ragged in the third quarter. Our fouls were also a cause for concern and we need to address this issue looking forward.
Now we face the formidable challenge of facing last year's county winners and beaten All Ireland finalists St Angelas and it is a challenge that we are looking forward to. Curbing the impressive international Dara Dignin will be our main aim in this game but there is no doubt she has a solid team around her. But the city side will be wary of our side too and we have every intention of making their fears a reality.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, 'there is no passion to be found playing small and settling for a life that's less than the life one is capable of living'.
