Bower manager hails sixth years after narrow final defeat
Our Lady’s Bower team manager Deirdre Slevin felt particularly sorry for the Leaving Cert players in the Athlone school’s squad after their narrow All-Ireland final defeat last week.
“I really feel for them. They lost in the Leinster final at U-14 level and they never won anything until this year. I was delighted that they won the Leinster final this year,” said an emotional Deirdre in the aftermath of the Bower’s two-point defeat to Sacred Heart, Clonakilty (1-11 to 3-3).
“I really wanted it (All-Ireland success) for them more than anybody. The commitment they gave me from day one; they have given it everything for the last six years.”
While Deirdre felt the penalty decision which led to the Clonakilty side’s only goal was questionable, she didn’t want to dwell on this too much.
“You can’t look at excuses, we can look at our own team and say maybe the energy wasn’t there at the end. We did play well, two points is not a lot (to lose by). We had some chances that didn’t go our way. It’s tough on us. We have 11 sixth years involved today, and it’s absolutely wonderful to see such a bunch of girls. I brought in four second years into the squad to get that experience from them (the sixth years).”
And Deirdre was heartened by the impact made by two of the younger bridge who were introduced as subs in the All-Ireland final: Kate Stuart Trainor and Alison Nugent.
“They are only second years and have the under-14 competition coming up. It’s a learning experience for them,” she said.
Although defeat was ultimately the Bower’s lot, all involved will carry happy memories of the atmosphere and sense of occasion at the Tipperary venue on the day.
“It was great to be part of it,” said Deirdre, who was assisted by Mark Barrett, Shane Curran, her daughter Vicki McEnery and Mary Fitzpatrick.
“I knew there was a Leinster in them. We came from 12 points down in the Leinster final; they showed their character that day. It was a pity we just didn’t have that little bit of extra energy today. I just feel sorry for the sixth years.
“There was great support for the Bower team. Thanks to Anne (Beades) and Diane (Windle) - principal and vice-principal respectively - they really opened it up to everybody for the All-Ireland final. That’s what was needed when your school is in an All-Ireland final, as it doesn’t come around too often. There was a great buzz in the school for the girls,” Deirdre added.