James’ ladies on the brink of History

Club News

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3 in a row county champions, St James’ Ladies, are preparing for their biggest test yet, the Junior Connacht final, which takes place this Sunday. In their short history to date St. James’ Ladies Football Club has seen great success, rising from the Junior D championship division to their current status as Junior A champions, winning all titles possible along the way. A remarkable feat in itself but to have achieved so much in just 4 years emphasizes the hunger and potential of this team.
As the outset of this year, a sense of urgency descended on the club as the success and growth of previous years had not satisfied the desire for silverware. The team suffered an opening league match defeat to Naomh Leitir Mor. Nevertheless, this was a minor setback as one can see from league victories over Caherlistrane, Barna, Mountbellew-Moylough and Tuam-Cortoon that qualified the girls for the final against the powerful Barna side. An injury to captain Aine Conroy early in the league allowed vice-captain Roisin Gibbons to step up to the challenge and lead the girls in this league campaign match. This game was a nip and tuck, full of passion match, and St James’ needed every ounce of their determination to win by 3 points. Three league titles in a row was a remarkable feat in itself, but the Jimmies girls were not finished. They opened their championship drive with a convincing win away to Glinsk.

Some personnel changes on the field were overcome and St James’ powered their way to victory in front of a large side-line of supporters in Renmore. They found themselves up against Mountbellew-Moylough in the semi-final and it proved a very close game. At half-time St. James’ looked to be on top with a lead of four points. However the second half saw Mountbellew-Moylough fight their way back into the game and held the Jimmies to a draw at the final whistle. Extra time saw the Jimmies’ superior fitness pay off with a win by 3 points. The final was played the following week and a last minute venue change was not enough to deter the girls of James as they faced Leitir Mor in Rosmuc. Aine Conroy, Bernie O’Connor and goalkeeper Fiona Kinsella were outstanding on this occasion and the glory went to the eastside girls of Galway city once more. County board chairman, Paul Gannon, called on Sean Conroy, a legend of the host club Na Piarsaigh, to present the Junior A Championship Cup to his daughter Aine. The Junior ladies are destined for intermediate football in 2017. St James’ Ladies Football Club is a product of its time, and the passion and determination of its players, managers and committee members. They have benefitted enormously from their supporters. Above all, the club embodies their motto ‘Never Give Up’ and their enduring ability ensures that hard work does make dreams come true. The ladies have certainly proved that they are worthy 3-in-row champions. Furthermore, the Jimmies went on to defeat St. Patrick’s of Sligo in the Connacht semi-final. despite a rocky start, the girls from the city cruised to victory on a score line of 7-10 to 1-04. St. James’ now contest the Connacht Junior A final this Sunday at 12 noon in Ballindine G.A.A. grounds. The Jimmies take on Kilmoremoy of Mayo in the final. A win would put them in the All-Ireland semi-final and would add more silverware to the trophy cabinet for 2016.

Caption for picture: Pictured from left to right are vice captain Roisin Gibbions, manager Gay O’Brien and captain Aine Conroy