On a crisp day filled with determination and passion, Trim took to the pitch for a spirited clash against a strong Navan side. Right from the start, it was clear both teams came to battle.
Navan claimed early dominance with a string of points, including a well-taken score by their number 11 and a pair of accurate frees. Despite the pressure, Trim’s goalkeeper Grainne pulled off an excellent early save to deny what looked like a certain score. At the back, Lauren, Stacey and Katie put in tireless shifts, making crucial interceptions and keeping the Navan attack at bay.
Trim got off the mark through a composed 45 from Shona White, making it 4-1 to Navan at that stage. Leighann's clearances were vital in launching attacks, and Shona added another from a free to narrow the gap to 4-2. But Navan continued to press, stretching their lead to 7-2 before Shona once again responded with a free.
The momentum began to shift late in the first half. Rachel stepped up with two brilliant points from play, followed by another Shona free. Trim clawed their way back to trail by just one at halftime, 7-6 – a testament to their growing belief and work rate.
The second half started with Navan quickly tacking on more scores, moving the scoreboard to 11-6. But Trim kept their heads up. A pivotal moment came when Rachel’s relentless tackling earned Trim a free, and Shona took full advantage with a sensational goal from the dead ball. That closed the gap to 1-6 (9) to 12.
Shona continued to impress with another free, followed by a beautifully worked point through great link-up play between Emma H and Emma O’Neil, leaving the score at 1-8 to 12. Trim's resurgence was evident, fighting for every ball and applying serious pressure.
However, Navan responded with experience, notching several key points and adding two late goals that ultimately sealed the contest. Shona added another point, and despite the increasing gap, Trim never gave up – battling right to the final whistle.
Final Score: Navan 2-17, Trim 1-9
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the full story, this was a game filled with grit, moments of brilliance, and relentless effort from the Trim players. With standout performances across the pitch — from Grainne’s early save, to Rachel and Shona’s scoring, to tireless defending and link-up play — there is plenty to be proud of.
Trim are now into a semi-final to be played on Saturday 11th October. Opposition, Venue and time tbc. The girls will come back stronger and fighting for the next game.
Panel Gráinne Ní Laoire, Lauren Farrell, Leighann Massey (Capt), Stacey Donoghue, Clíona Walsh, Alex Donoghue, Rian Kearns, Mischa Beggs, Katie Holden, Amy Boyle, Bláthnaid Hughes, Rachel McCormack (0-02), Emma O’Neill, Shona White (1-09), Emma Hanifin, Leah Boyle, Ellen Birmingham, Aoife O’Reilly, Evelyn Williams Byrne, Anna Foley
