For 2006 management and players of Kilcoole had one main objective – to win the championship and join the senior ranks of Wicklow Ladies GAA!!
With that focus, training began in early February - We had a fully committed squad who turned up for training twice a week come hail, rain or shine. Our management team of Johnnie Kavanagh and Tommy Nolan combined fitness and skill training like professionals and put us through our paces. We can’t say it was the most enjoyable part of the year – but it certainly paid off!
We got off to a good start in the season with only one defeat in the first leg of the league, this gave us the confidence and zeal we needed to achieve our goal. The first three matches in the championship resulted in three convincing wins which took us to the county final against Eire Og in Newtown. The day was filled with a combination of nerves and excitement and both players and management knew that this was the day that we had been working towards since February. After an inspirational team talk from both Tommy and Johnnie we knew what we had to do and there was no way we were going home without the cup. An hour later we had achieved our goals through a solid, skilled and dedicated performance from all team players. The support on the day showed that we weren’t the only ones out there for a win – and we were cheered on all the way by a huge Kilcoole turnout. A mention must be made for our very own International soccer star Susan Hackett who got player of the match that day and has been outstanding during the year despite her busy schedule!
After a couple of weeks of celebration and rest we began our preparation for the first round of the Leinster Championship. Unfortunately despite our best efforts our opponents Myshall from Carlow proved stronger on the day. The second leg of the league proved to be more difficult than we thought. College, school and work commitments for many players left numbers at training and matches down considerably. Despite this we played out our remaining matches but were unsuccessful in pulling off the double!
Overall both players and management were happy with the year. We had won the championship and achieved our goal whilst having the craic all the way! A huge thank you must be said to the few dedicated supporters who followed us around the county and who braved all the elements to support us…the jerseys were always washed, sandwiches and tea readily available! It was much appreciated. A special thank you must be given to both Johnnie and Tommy who gave so much time and dedication both on and off the pitch. The cup wouldn’t be in Kilcoole today without them. We look forward to February 2007 when training will begin for our debut in the Senior Ranks. Watch this space!!
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