The 2017-2018 season saw a lot of changes for the Ladies 1s. The team lost out in a promotion play off against Rathgar at the end of last season. However, with Trinity winning a spot in the EYHL, there was a spot in Leinster Division 1 for the ladies to fill. They also had a change in coaching personnel. The ladies welcomed David McGivern as head coach from Railway Union and Stephen O’Keeffe as assistant coach and strength and conditioning coach. A meeting was organised before preseason where everyone was introduced and goals for the season were made.
Preseason started on the last weekend of July where we felt the full brunt of Stephen’s expertise. The worst drill by far was the timed 1 km sprint. Included in preseason was a trip to Moseley for a tournament with the Mens team. It was a great way for new players and coaches to play together before the start of the season. The first half of the season was a tough one, picking up 2 points from draws against Avoca and Our Lady’s. The second half was a lot more successful, picking up 2 more points from draws against Rathgar and North Kildare and 3 points from a brilliant win in the second leg against Rathgar. The improvements that the ladies made were huge as the season continued. They had no problem taking on new styles of out letting and pressing which were applied with great success against the top teams in the division. They were consistently getting better at opening up defenses and producing goal scoring opportunities with Nicola Taylor hitting the post at least twice per match.
Unfortunately, the ladies great run at the end was not enough to guarantee a play-off spot to stay in Division 1. Although the girls are disappointed, we are extremely happy with the improvements we have made throughout the season. The new players slotted into the team seamlessly and it was great to see young players like Alannah and Becky hold their own in Division 1. David and Stephen brought an air of professionalism into the squad with video sessions which helped our improvements no end. The Ladies had a great time at all of the socials and fundraisers throughout the year and look forward to more next year.
Written by: Sadbh Quinn