Last Sunday, Trinity Ladies 1st XI were defeated by Avoca H.C. in a penalty shootout in the final of the Irish Hockey Trophy after a tense battle.
Having beaten Muckross in the semi-final, a game that also went down to penalties, Trinity were looking to add more silverware to the club’s collection. Both clubs had matches on the Saturday, with Avoca beating Belfast Harlequins 4-0 and Trinity confidently winning 2-0 against the University of Galway.
The final took place at Avoca Hockey Club on Sunday afternoon. The weather held up nicely as the stage was set, and supporters from both teams lined the fence. Coach Rory Treacy set the tone in the pre-match talk, priming the team for the challenge ahead. Trinity had previously played Avoca both at home and away this season, recording two losses, and so the team arrived on the pitch as underdogs. Avoca currently sit in first in the EY2 table, whereas Trinity is in sixth place.
The game got underway, and the first quarter ended 0-0 with equal possession being enjoyed by both teams. At the start of the second quarter, Trinity began to dominate, pressuring Avoca’s defensive line. Two short corner attempts were stopped by Avoca, managing to keep the half-time score to 0-0.
The second half began with the same tone. As Trinity maintained consistent pressure, Avoca struggled to respond. Julia Adams broke the deadlock, putting Trinity ahead with a great finish from the back post. Avoca needed to respond, and they looked to challenge the Trinity backline. Their young forward line was tenacious and resilient, but Alex Gallagher and Beatrice Wharton-Hood for Trinity were fantastic, communicating effectively and ensuring a structured defence. Avoca managed to win a penalty stroke, converting a well-taken flick into the back net, meaning the score was level going into the final quarter.
With everything still to play for, Trinity looked to respond and were unfortunate to go down to ten players for a while, with two green cards given against them. However, they were able to contain the Avoca attack, despite their numerical disadvantage, owing to the consistency of Cathy Green in goal.
The final whistle blew, and the score remained 1-1. A shootout would decide the final result. Lisa Biermann, Ciara Mulligan, Ally O’Sullivan, Violet O’Neill and Izzy
Mastantuono stepped up with Green in goal. The Trinity supporters remained in strong voice right until the end as the shootout got underway, greatly aiding the confidence of the players. Avoca executed three of their penalties, in comparison to Trinity converting two. After a tense, thrilling, and even battle, Avoca lifted the Irish Hockey Trophy. A superb effort from both sides provided a match that came down to the very end. Captain Ciara Mulligan of Trinity delivered a tearful speech as the Trinity girls collected their medals, demonstrating their togetherness and commendable team culture that has been developed over the season. The supporters were rightfully thanked on both sides as the crowd showed the teams their appreciation for a great game.
With one final game remaining in EY2, the team will look to bounce back and secure three points against Lisnagarvery at home. It has been a remarkable season for the team, in no way dampened by the result of the final, which highlights the resilience and determination of the squad.
Trinity Ladies 1st XI: Cathy Green (G.K.), Alex Gallagher, Beatrice Wharton-Hood, Violet O’Neill, Rachel Jackson, Erica Field, Ciara Mulligan, Ally O’Sullivan, Aoibhin Murdoch, Sophie Poole, Honor Rowell, Abi Kennedy, Izzy Mastantuono, Lisa Biermann, Julia Adams and Lilly Bean.
