Team of the Year: Cavan minor ladies
The Anglo-Celt Community & Sports Awards, in partnership with Mannok and Kingspan, will take place this evening in the Cavan Crystal Hotel. Cavan Minor Ladies are finalists for Team of the Year...
Cavan Minor Ladies made history in 2024 by claiming the county’s first-ever All-Ireland Minor A Championship title, capping off an unbeaten season under the astute management of Crosserlough clubman Gerry Charters. Ellie Brady, the inspirational captain from Ballyhaise, led her side with poise and determination throughout the campaign, later earning the Ulster Young Player of the Year award for her outstanding performances.
The campaign began with a statement of intent as Cavan powered through the Ulster Platinum Championship, culminating in a comprehensive victory over Donegal in the final. The eight-point win underlined the strength of Charters' side, who combined a relentless work rate with a potent attacking threat. This success propelled Cavan into the All-Ireland series, where they faced Kildare in the semi-final.
That day, the Breffni girls showcased their attacking prowess, hitting six goals to blow Kildare away. Emma Tolan from Lurgan delivered a stand-out performance, netting a hat-trick and spearheading a rampant forward line that left the Leinster side shell-shocked. The result set up a mouth-watering final against Kerry, a rematch of the 1980 All-Ireland Minor A final in which Cavan had fallen short.
O’Connor Park in Tullamore hosted the 2024 final, a contest that proved to be every bit as enthralling as anticipated. Cavan, buoyed by their semi-final display, stormed into an early lead, with their forward line firing on all cylinders. By half-time, they held a commanding advantage, but a second-half surge from Kerry, inspired by their own potent forward unit, threatened to undo Cavan’s dominance.
However, Cavan’s resilience shone through. Ella Sheridan from Killinkere produced a Player of the Match display, registering 1-5. Sheridan’s poise and accuracy under pressure kept Cavan’s noses in front as Kerry launched wave after wave of attacks. The final whistle brought wild celebrations as Cavan held on to secure a 4-11 to 4-8 victory, etching their names into the record books as All-Ireland champions.
The significance of the victory cannot be overstated. It was a watershed moment for Cavan ladies football, a culmination of years of development and investment in underage structures. The side’s blend of attacking flair and defensive tenacity was exemplified by standout performances across the pitch. Abbey McDermott provided a calming presence in goal, while Sinead Kelly and Blanaid Smith marshalled the backline with aplomb. Kristina Grigorenko’s positional awareness and Ailbhe Kennedy’s work rate were instrumental in curbing Kerry’s threat.
In midfield, Brady led by example, chipping in with a crucial point and driving her team forward at every opportunity. Lauren Miney and Sarah Clarke added crucial contributions, while Emma Tolan’s electric pace and sharp finishing proved pivotal in the semi-final and final.
The forward line was spearheaded by Sheridan, whose tally of 1-5 in the decider underlined her class, while Kate Fegan and Katie O’Meara also found the net, capping off memorable campaigns for both players.
Cavan’s bench also made a significant impact, with Kayla Bartley, Danielle McGovern, Holly McPhillips, and Muireann Daly all playing their part in a pulsating contest. McPhillips notched a crucial point after being introduced, further emphasising the strength in depth.
The Cavan team in the final was: Abbey McDermott, Sinead Kelly, Blanaid Smith, Kristina Grigorenko, Ailbhe Kennedy, Alex Peters (0-1), Cora McDonnell, Ellie Brady (0-1), Lauren Miney, Sarah Clarke (0-1), Emma Tolan (1-1), Ella Sheridan (1-5, 1-3f), Kate Fegan (1-0), Katie O’Meara (1-1), Katie Mai Reilly.
Subs used: Kayla Bartley for K. O’Meara, Danielle McGovern for K. Grigorenko, Holly McPhillips (0-1) for E. Sheridan, Muireann Daly for K. Fegan.
With special thanks to our partners and sponsors in these awards - Mannok, Kingspan, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dovida, Kyte Powertech, CICS Silo Clean and Joe Rowley Windows