Abbeyleix Hockey Club’s intermediate girls team landed a first Leinster League Divisional title for the club recently
They did this when they beat Suttonians Hockey Club 2-0 in a thrilling Division 6 final played at Loreto, Kilkenny.
Runners up in the Leinster League Division 7 Play-Off final last year, the team gained promotion to Division 6 and the desire was there to push for a place in the Play-Off final and hopefully go one step further this season.
The onter girls convincingly won all their matches in the regular season but finals are a unique occasion, and the form-book is often upset.
In a tense first half, Abbeyleix dominated possession and had several shots on goal, as well as two penalty corners, but they just couldn’t get the ball over the goal line.
A fine effort by Hannah McCorry from a tight angle slipped just wide and likewise a good effort from Alex Charlton.
While the Suttonians goalkeeper did well to save a couple of strong shots from Abigail Clarke, who, as always, played a lead the team brilliantly as captain.
It was 0-0 at half time but after the break, Suttonians piled on the pressure and play opened up.
The Suttonians captain was lightning fast and, on a number of occasions, quickly turned defence into attack.
But, the midfield of vice-Captain Emily Creagh, Poppy Walshe and Meabh Rafter stuck strongly to their task.
And with defenders Penny Wilkinson, Faye Delaney and Aoife Mullally being well marshalled by goalkeeper Ruth Talbot, the visitors best effort was thwarted with a great clearance off the line by Abbie Meagher.
When the breakthrough finally came, well into the second half, a well-positioned Georgina Charlton got a touch on a great cross into the circle from Abigail Clarke to make it 1-0 to Abbeyleix.
Once the stalemate had been broken, it was no surprise that a second goal followed.
This time, a strong hit from Ellen Harvey through midfield, was picked up by Orla Duggan who rocketed the ball onto the backboard.
This was a small panel of players and every one of them – and their parents – showed great commitment all season long, turning up for training early on Sunday mornings and travelling all over Leinster to play matches, from Navan to Enniscorthy.
This group will go down in history as the last Abbeyleix inter team, as the club is in the process of amalgamating with Portlaoise to form the new Laois Hockey Club.
The 2022/23 season ends this Sunday, April 16, with a Club Morning (10am-12noon) at the Portlaoise Leisure Centre Astro.
Meanwhile, any adult interested in giving hockey a try, Portlaoise Ladies is again running Social Hockey every Tuesday night from April 18 to May 23 from 7-8pm at Portlaoise Leisure Centre (Pitch B & C).
Abbeyleix Inter Squad 2022/23: Alex Charlton, Abbie Meagher, Abigail Clarke, Aoife Mullally, Ellen Harvey, Emily Creagh, Esmée Van Den Bergh, Georgina Charlton, Hannah McCorry, Lily Van Den Bergh, Meabh Rafter, Penny Wilkinson, Una Duggan, Orla Duggan, Faye Delaney, Poppy Walshe, Leanne Shirley, Ruth Talbot.
SEE ALSO – Laois TD confirms that Kolbe Special School has been approved to go forward for tender
