News Archive

22 February 2009

After a tough opening day at the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion's Challenge, Galway recovered well to pick up a win and a draw.

Day 1: Galway lost their opening game in the first in heartbreaking circumstances to Serbia's HK Bask. Galway were within just two minutes of picking up a draw in their first ever European outing but Javanna Prodanovic popped up to nick the 2-1 win. Earlier, Elaine Newell had tied the game up at 1-1 just after half-time to raise hopes of a famous result.

The afternoon game saw Galway face tournament favourites, Denmark's Slagelse, and took a first minute lead courtesy of Lynsey Trainor. The Danes, however, and steamed clear to win 5-1, thanks to Nielsen sisters Janne and Marianne who netted all the goals between them.

Day 2: Day two of competition began much brighter for Galway as they beat Welsh outfit, Howardian LHC 3-1. Eavan Murphy opened the scoring in the third minute with Lynsey Trainor adding the second on the stroke of half-time.

The Welsh side fought back, making it 2-1 through Michelle Daltry but former Pembroke player Emma Glanville whipped in a corner with 12 minutes to go, giving Galway a first ever European win.

They followed that with a 3-1 defeat to the Portuguese host side AD Lousada, Murphy getting the only Galway goal

Day 3: Galway rounded out the tournament this morning with a 1-1 draw with Cankaya Bld SC from Turkey. Elaine Newell scored the equaliser seven minutes from time from a corner to end the tournament on a high. Galway goal keeper Tara Browne was also voted Goal Keeper of the Tournament.

Considering the lack of  participation in ladies indoor competition in Ireland the fact that most of this Galway Squad had only got their first taste of the indoor game this time last year at the ladies national Indoor Cup, this weekend's result will be viewed a great success for the club. It’s the first time a Connacht club has ever played in a European tournament at this level, so it’s a fantastic achievement for the players and everyone who supported them. Galway have gained a great experience they can use as they seek to progress further, and this is certainly not the last of Galway's European adventures. The squad have represented the club, Connacht and Ireland well on the European stage and had great support behind them from all over the country with the likes of Hermes, Pembroke, UCD and IHA President Doreen Howe wishing the squad well on the Lousada micro-site. This weekend's result is a positive step forward for Connacht's largest club and it marks Galway's progress toward becoming one of Ireland's top clubs at both the indoor and outdoor game.

Game Reports thanks to Stephen Findlater of The Hook - Leinsters Only Hockey Blog