Dolphin Senior Women’s Team Vs Skibbereen.
By Aoife O’ Callaghan
On a misty Sunday afternoon during the first week of September history was made in Musgrave Park as Dolphin’s first ever senior women’s team lined out for their season opener against Skibbereen.
Though the game tilted in favour of the west Cork side with the score-line finishing 27-0, it was a momentous occasion for the entire club.
In a post-match interview with backs coach Mikey Linn, he stated the pride he had in this group of women. He said: “I thought it was a really good quality game. I think the team really surprised themselves. The contact was really good especially those who haven’t really played rugby before.
“I think the attitude was excellent and everyone was working really hard for each other and that’s what you want to see from the start is just that willingness to work for each other. If we set that as the bedrock of the team, I think we can go a lot of places.”
Speaking about what lies ahead for this season he said, “I hope we get some more players on board and kind of keep that sort of energy and that work rate going. There’s so much that we can build on and I think it’s a really good showing for the future.”
Forwards coach Danny Gannon added just how proud he was of the group. Commending them on their solid effort he said: “Our defence was absolutely fantastic especially our scramble defence when they broke the line. There are a few small things we need to work on in our defensive lines but our focus now will be building that confidence and continuing on that upward trajectory. Overall, I could not be prouder of this group.”
Christine O’ Keeffe had the honour of being captain on this momentous occasion. Speaking about the game O’ Keefe commended her teammates, especially those that were completely new to the game. She said: “It was an amazing game. It might not have been the result that we wanted but the girls played great.
“For some of the girls it was their first match which was even more impressive. The team have come such a long way and I was incredibly proud of how everyone played. After a tough 2 years, it felt brilliant to be back on the pitch, and with such a special bunch.”
The future is bright for this group of strong women and we look forward to the exciting season that is ahead of them.