Junior Ladies teams record wins against their Northern Ireland counterparts on St. Patrick's Weekend
Report by Grainne Culliton
The U21 and U19 Junior Ladies volleyball teams are celebrating after their success against Northern Ireland on March 19th, held in Craigavon, Armagh winning 3-0 and 3-1 in their respective matches.
Both teams consist of players who are competing for a place on the Irish team that will participate in the Small Nations European Championship during Easter 2008.
Led by captains Edel Nolan and Anna Miller, Ireland were superior to Northern Ireland in defence and attack, though strong serves from the Northern Irish team put Ireland under pressure in both matches.
Introducing Anna Farrell for the first time as a libero and Niamh O'Sullivan as an opposite attacker, illustrated the versatility of the players on this juniors squad. Excellent setting decisions from setters Aisling Gayle and Shauna Parle gave attackers Fionnuala Nevin, Emma Martin, Jennifer Corrigan, Chloe Campbell, Ruth Healy, Denise Gaule, Orla Fitzpatrick and Caileen Meehan the opportunity to shine. Substitutes Grainne Mc Nieve, Aisling Bell, Kate Heron, Gayla Stanley, Eadoin O'Flanagan, Aishling Croghan, Sinead Croghan, Charlotte Duffy, Ciara Dixon provided good variety options from the bench and experienced libero Jill McDowell was strong in defence.
Irish coaches Denise Tallon and Grainne Culliton were very impressed with the junior teams in this, their first international competition. The competition is now a regular feature of St Patrick's weekend festival and will be held in Dublin in 2008.
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Irish Women's Senior Team |
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Irish Women's Junior Team (1) |
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Irish Women's Junior Team (2) |
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