Kingscourt Harps Ladies take Shield honours

So far the 2009/2010 season can only be described as outstanding for the ladies of the Kingscourt Harps senior team. Only established since October 2009, the Harps ladies entered the Dublin women's winter league and were paired with teams who had up to 13 years experience at this level. The Kingscourt girls hit the ground running and their skill and versatility soon earned them a reputation as a team to be reckoned with. On their route to the final the Harps came up against teams like St Patrick Athletic, Leixlip Utd, Garda FC, and Walkinstown to set up a mouth watering final with the much fancied Fettercairn FC. After a convincing 6-1 victory over Garda FC in the semi final, sprits were high and the Harps ladies were on course for their first piece of silverware, after only eights months since getting together as a team. A convey travelled to the capital for what can only be described as a nerve racking and intense final. Going into the final the Harps were seen as complete underdogs. From the first whistle Kingscourt found themselves on the back foot, and needed a spectacular goal-line clearance from Tina Curtis after 15 minutes to keep them in the game. Slowly the Harps began to come to terms with the pace and physicality of their opposition and midway through the first half the nerves were settled with a well worked strike from Fiona Gargan giving the harps a 1-0 nil lead. Between the posts Becky McMahon kept the Fettercairn attack at bay with a number of point blank saves. Harps management was forced to make a change late on in the first half when a late challenge on full back Cathriona McKenna meant she was replaced by Laura Hughes. In the second half the Harps re-emerged more composed and starting to dictate the pace of the game. Their midfield was in total control and influential captain Aisling Callan covered every blade of grass on the pitch. A stunning solo effort from Daena Clerkin and a late winning goal from Sarah Hughes insured a 3-2 victory for the Cavan side. Mangers Paul Brennan and Kelly Lynch praised the girls for the effort and work rate that the squad of 23 had shown since last October, and said that it was a fantastic achievement to compete at this level considering the space of time the squad has been together. Having already convincingly won two out of their first three games in the current summer league, hopefully the Harps ladies can add to their trophy collection this season. Give them your support.