Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé, February 2023
Newtown Ladies football team set out on Friday to represent our club in Comortas Peile Paidi O’Se in the kingdom town of Dingle. The Comortas, now in its 34th year has always been about celebration and enjoyment with the emphasis on participation and comradeship rather than competition and glory. After the long journey down, negotiated by our driver, David Murray, we settled into the Marina lodge. Onwards to Paidis for some light refreshments and entertainment begire an early retirement to prepare for the following days matches.
An early rise on Saturday and our first game saw us taking on a strong local Dingle side. Defensively Newtowns Emma Walsh and Kaitlyn Butler were strong while in the forwards Shelby McDonald was always available to take on the Dingle defence, But the strength of the home side was evident to all. Despite this Newtown fought hard and scores by Shelby McDonald and Shona Odlum kept them in touch but the young Magpies had eventually to give way to the Dingle side who went on to win the competition outright. In the second of the games Newtown competed well against another local side Annascaul. Strong showings by Kim Mooney, Emma Walsh, Becky Martin and Ava McGlynn in Newtown’s defence marshalled once again by goalkeeper Sophie Lacey kept Newtown in the game while midfield competed strongly with Sinead Keogh and Farrah Doyle showing well. Our forwards, though struggling, had fine displays from Una Power, Laragh Davis, Lynda-Lucy Elliott and team captain Dawn McKenna. The days was to be Annascaul’s but Newtown’s young side should be proud of their efforts as were their management of Dominic Leech, Kirsty and Amy Mooney together with injured players Aisling McDonald and April McKenna.
The post match celebrations at Paidi O’Se’s included a wonderful Super Ceili and the craic was mighty as we were joined by all the other sides from LGFA to GAA in dancing and singing into the night. When the night finally ended the team retired in preparation for Sundays journey home. A wonderful experience for everyone in the trip and one not to be forgotten for a long time. We would like to thank our driver David of Murray Cabs and especially our kind sponsor Kirsty Mooney of Salon H and also the Newtown Club for their help and support in what was a wonderful weekend for everyone who attendees. Congratulations to everyone who travelled down to Dingle and who represented our club and community so well.