On Saturday August 3rd, both of Atlanta Clan na nGael’s Gaelic football squads travelled to Charlotte to play our local rivals.
Atlanta’s ladies faced a very strong Charlotte team ahead of their entry into the senior championship in Cleveland over Labor Day weekend. Charlotte started the game strongly but Atlanta countered with a great point from the wing scored by Carrie Frick. Under tremendous pressure throughout the half Atlanta defended bravely as demonstrated by an outstanding block down by Becky Biggs. Kerry woman Laoise O’Driscoll fielded numerous high balls with Karina Clarke making some strong runs to support the forward line.
In the second half, Charlotte continued to attack in waves as their experience of senior football took hold. Atlanta showed great heart as Laoise O’Driscoll blocked a ball, reclaimed possession and made a great run through the heart of Charlotte’s defence until she was fouled in front on the posts with Linda Abbarry converting the resulting free. Other highlights included a great catch from Zoe Beato which led to a nice point from play by Linda Abbarry and Erin Prentice making a goal saving tackle. Bregeen Campbell and Fiona O’Donoghue also made an impact off the bench in the forward line in their respective debuts for the ladies team. In the end Charlotte were too strong for Atlanta but the game was played in a competitive spirit throughout.
Led by coach Cathi Dugger, the ladies squad has made great progress since the season began resulting in good forward momentum for the 2014 season.
Ladies’s squad: Cathi Dugger, Carly Harrington, Becky Biggs, Jen Beato, Laoise O’Driscoll, Erin Prentice 0-1 (free), Jolene Glenn, Karina Clarke, Zoe Beato, Linda Abbarry 0-2 (1 free), Rebekka Judge, Ashley Harmon, Carrie Frick 0-1. Subs: Megan (Ace) Silver, Bregeen Campbell & Fiona O’Donoghue
Charlotte got off to a fast start by winning a lot of ball around the center of the field as Atlanta struggled to get going in this game. Some mistimed clearances and poor passes led to easy scores being conceded by Atlanta in spite of brave defending from Adrian O’Sullivan and Dan Kuemmerle. Against this at the other end of the field, Atlanta missed some easy scores as the forward line rushed their kicks and the Charlotte keeper made some timely saves. The heat and humidity took its toll in the first half as Charlotte looked to be the fitter side. Points from Robert Lambert & Neil Jordan however kept us in touch so that Atlanta were only behind by 5 points at half time.
Charlotte continued their dominance through the third quarter of the game. Weather conditions however cooled in the last twenty minutes which gave the Atlanta team a real boost when needed. Led by Kieran Cronin, Atlanta launched a comeback with wave after wave of attacks as Charlotte’s midfield dominance was reversed. Neil Jordan got the comeback going as he made a great run along the right wing before cutting in to finish low past the keeper. After this score, momentum switched and the Atlanta forward line got going with Robert Lambert, Miles Bishop (in his first game of Gaelic Football) and James Noonan winning lots of ball. Neil Jordan, who did not miss a dead ball opportunity on the day, kept the scoreline ticking over from frees and two 45s. Points from Kieran Cronin, Robert Lambert, James Noonan (including one direct from a side line kick) and Chris Kendrick also reduced Charlotte’s lead. Another Neil Jordan goal followed by a deft finish to the net from Robert Lambert brought Atlanta right back in it as pressure on the Charlotte defence began to pay dividends. A great finish to the game meant that Atlanta drew level before the final whistle as the game ended in a draw (3-13 to 2-16) after they were 11 points behind at one stage in the second half.
Special thanks to Robert Lambert who helped the hurling squad in Greenville and this weekend while over here on vacation from Ireland. Come back for Peach Cup Rob…..!!
Men’s squad: Dan Kuemmerle, Kieran Cronin 0-1, David Molony, Adrian O’Sullivan, Chris Kendrick 0-1, James Noonan 0-2, David O’Donoghue, Miles Bishop, Robert Lambert 1-2, Jim Whooley, Neil Jordan 2-7
Thanks again to hosts Charlotte and Connolly’s Irish Pub who provided food and an after-party for all players. More photos from the day can be seen here.