Civic reception for Breaffy rounders team who won All-Ireland title
THE Breaffy rounders team that claimed their first ever All-Ireland GAA Senior Ladies title has been accorded a civic reception by members of the Castlebar Municipal District.
They beat Glynn Barntown (Wexford) in the decider at Abbotstown, Dublin, by 8-6 to deny their opponents a fifth title in a row and sparked jubilant scenes among a side that had lost three semi-finals in recent years.
The final was scheduled to take place in 2020 but was played in June 2021 due to Covid.
The members of the history-making squad included Helena McArdle, Gráinne Fahey, Katie Kenny, Paula Lenehan, Áine Basquille, Michelle Hopkins, Majella Haverty, Olivia Tolster, Karen O’Neill, Helen Gallagher, Avril Coyne, Laura Williams and Gráinne Gavin.
A number of them have previously tasted national success with Castlebar.
Councillor Martin McLoughlin, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, welcomed the gathering at Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre.
Councillor McLoughlin said: "We're here to offer you a civic reception. This is the highest accolade the county council can give you. You're very worthy recipients of this civic reception.
"To be winners of the 2020 All-Ireland senior ladies rounders is some achievement. You did it in style and we are very, very proud of you.
"You're role models for girls for what you've achieved in sport and I know many of you are multi-sport and play it at various levels.
"I want to recognise the player of the match on the day, Michelle (Hopkins). She was also player of the year and I think that should be recognised. "I also want to congratulate Colm, Seamus and Shane, the managers, for the huge success that they have installed in ye."
Councillor McLoughlin added: "Mayo County Council are involved in promoting all sport and rounders is a GAA sport. Mayo County Council, through Mayo Sports Partnership, put a lot of investment in and it pays off when you see the result.
“It is only right and fitting that it takes place here in a centre of excellence of sport. It's the right setting for an occasion like this.
"I certainly wish you, on behalf of Mayo County Council, all the best in the future."
Gráinne Fahey, vice-captain, thanked the council for the honour of the civic reception. While the defence of their title a couple of months later ended in the semi-finals against Glynn Barntown, they've made a great start to this year's championship, with four wins from four so far.
"It seems like a lifetime ago we played in the final. This time last year, we played in the final. We were lucky enough to play our game and we were so enthusiastic to be out training after Covid.
"We've a great bunch of ladies who are very committed. It was a brilliant match and many said it was one of the best matches they'd seen in a long time. For us to win and be involved in such a good match is just wonderful.
"It's a brilliant game. We love trying to promote it and we'll keep going and enjoying it."