ROSTREVOR ladies’ manager Marc McAvoy hailed the collective effort of his squad after their 3-12 to 0-11 victory over Bryansford secured the Down LGFA Division Two title last week.
McAvoy reserved special praise for goalkeeper Kerianne Parr and goalkeeping coach Roger Morgan after Rostrevor finished the season with the league’s best defensive record.
“We recognised straight away that the goalkeeper position in Rostrevor was an issue that needed to be looked at. I was very keen to get specialist goalkeeper training introduced into the team and luckily for us Roger Morgan came in. Along with the players, he turned what was a massive problem into possibly our biggest strength.
“We went from asking girls to do a turn in nets to having a core of three keepers at training that pushed each other on. I honestly believe there isn’t a better keeper in the county than Kerianne at the moment, and the younger keepers like Molly McDonagh and Erica Cousins are all thriving with the coaching Roger provides.”
He also highlighted the strength in depth that allowed his side to cope with injuries and player absences throughout the campaign.
“Like most clubs, we’ve had to use our full squad this season. We started with Niamh Whyte, Orla Farrell and Charly Jo O’Hanlon in the corner-back positions, but pregnancy, injuries and holidays meant we had to look at other options. Kate Rice, Ella Farrell, Sinéad Scullion, Enya Hughes, Katherine Fearon and Éirinn Kelly have all come in and done great jobs for us.”
McAvoy said the decision to move Sarah Rogers into defence proved crucial.
“We moved Sarah back when CJ went interrailing. She’s such an intelligent footballer, reads the game so well, is comfortable on the ball and was willing to sacrifice her natural role as a forward for the team.”
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Marc McAvoy holds the Division
Two trophy. L09-220726.
