News

Galway Under 16s win Smith Cup

17 April 2011

Smith Cup Winners 2011

Back Row L-R: Orlaith Corcoran, Jenny Timmon, Rachael Heskin, Leah Casey, Cora Conneely, Aoife Donovan, Sarah O'Mahony, Orna Cunningham.  Front Row L-R: Carra Withero, Niamh O'Sullivan, Aileen Prendergast, Jenny Farrell, Heather Henry, Catherine Clancy, Sadhbh Gavin (capt.), Gemma Rhatigan.  Front: Michaela Van der Walt.

Congratulations to Galway's under 16 squad who have just won the Smith Cup for the second time this season.

The cup was to be used as an under 16 trial for Connacht players to give an opportunity for Connacht Coach Deirdre McDermott to see the Connacht Under 16 players in action.  

Galway played Greenfields in the semi-final early in the day and when no goals were scored in normal time, penalty strokes were called upon to decide the game.  Four excellent strokes later and Galway were through to the final to play Knocknacarra who had dispatched Athlone in the other semi-final with a 7-1 scoreline.  

The final started at a fast pace with Galway on the attack from the outset.  Sadhbh Gavin, Orna Cunningham and Gemma Rhatigan strong from the outset and dominant in midfield.  In defence Catherine Clancy was strong and ensured very little went past her.  When called upon, Michaela Van der Walt in goals, was equal to any task.  Knocknacarra were determined to win on the quick break and used their strong hits to great affect by clearing out of defence with long hits.  Galway played to their strengths and passed the ball around their players with great effect.  Midway through the first half a quick free from the half way line was passed quickly into the circle where Orlaith Corcoran calmly placed the ball passed the Knocknacarra goalkeeper.  

This seemed to fire up the Knocknacarra players who continued to use the long ball into the Galway half from their own circle. Galway's defence however stood firm and although many short-corners were awarded against them towards the end of the game, the defence stood firm and Michaela, in goals for Galway cleared her line effectively.  

Like in the senior cup the day before, 1 goal was all that was needed to devide the teams and another cup went to Galway Hockey Club for the season.  This brings the total of 6 cup wins this season to Galway Hockey Club.  On receiving the cup, captain Sadhbh Gavin thanked her coaches, Norah Folan and Emilie Molloy and the managers Claire Cunningham and Nicola Van der Walt.