U15 Girls Crowned Ulster Indoor Champions

Armagh Ladies Hockey Club are celebrating more club ‘Indoor’ success once again. This time, it is their U15 charges who have picked up the Ulster Indoor Silverware. An amazing achievement for both the players and coach Richard Menary.

The Orchard ladies had to navigate a very tricky Qualifying Group with impressive results against North Down, Lisnagarvey, Coleraine and Ards. This set the team up for a Semi-final match against a talented Bangor side. Armagh stormed ahead and never looked back winning the semi 4-0 and progressing to the Final to face a familiar opponent in local rivals Portadown.

Like Armagh, Portadown could boast of the majority of their team on the Ulster Talent Development Programme, so it was very much an even line up of talent.

The final was extremely tense and nervy from both sides and it was the Portadown girls that seemed to take control early on. Both sids defended excellently and attacked when the chance presented itself. However, both sides were cautious and after full time the score finished 0-0. The dreaded penalty runs would decide the Champion, and with a goalkeeper as talented as Lily Alderdice you always have a great chance.

Armagh Coach Richard Menary said, “I am honestly over the moon for the girls, they totally deserve the trophy and the title of Ulster Champions. This is a great bunch of girls, who work so hard and always do it with a smile on their face. The talent is very evident with this group and we are expecting big things from them over the years. There were so many excellent teams in this competition with great indoor pedigree. I want to thank Portadown for an excellent final, they played very well. However, all the praise goes to my players, the entire squad over the Qualifiers and Final stages who were a real credit to the club.”

Armagh Squad: Lily Alderice GK, Emily Dunwoody GK (reserve) Rhianna Gillespie, Katie Kellet, Daisy Nicholson (Capt), Cadence Gillespie, Hannah Redmond, Hannah Waterson, Evie Menary, Lydia Thompson, Mia Taylor, Rose Redmond & Kate Livingstone.