Our U8, U10 and U12 ladies went on an amazing bus trip and some of our U10s were even lucky enough to play a match on the day of the TG4 Ladies Gaelic All-Ireland finals day in Croke Park on Sunday, September 27th, 2015. Over 40 of our ladies, together with various family members and coaches, headed off from Ballinrobe at the early hour of 7.30 on two buses & 6 cars to reach the grounds of Croke Park before the Ladies Junior Football final began at 11:45. The Junior ladies final score was Louth 4-12 V’s Scotland 0-2. Louth, who were beaten finalist in 2010 and 2012, got it third time lucky. The highlight of this encounter, however for Ballinrobe was the half time game. Twelve of our ladies, accompanied by Michael Bradley and Aidrienne Gleeson, proudly ran out on to Croke Park pitch behind the iconic Artane Band to play a ten-minute match v’s Grattan (Longford). The game was fantastic with fast movement of the ball up and down the field by the two teams. Our girls displayed the best of skills and used the full pitch. It was a game to be proud off. The shouts of the other eighty Ballinrobe contingency was heard all over Croke Park during the exciting match. Shortly after the match team and supporters headed off to the Croke Park restaurant and ate in style together. The staff in the restaurant, together with all the staff at Croke Park, including those associated with the LGFA, treated us so well on the day. It was a credit to all involved. After the bellies were full, and I mean full, we headed back to the stands and watched the Intermediate match. The final score was Waterford 3-14 V’s Kildare 0-10. Between the Ladies Intermediate match and the Ladies Senior final a group of us headed of to the Museum. The Museum is a well worth visit, and children and adults alike enjoyed the experience especially the interactive activities available within the Museum. Then we all settled down to watch the Ladies Senior Football Final. The game did not disappoint us. Cork claimed the five-in-row scoring a two point victory over Dublin in front of a bumper 31,083 attendance. It was a tight encounter with final score, Cork 0-12 V’s Dublin 0-10. We headed home shortly after this game taking some photos on the way. Arriving in Ballinrobe around 10:30 we all headed home with tired heads and a great memory forever of our Ballinrobe Ladies big day out in Croke Park. (Photos of the day attached) ~
