Raphoe Town FC Women Celebrate Awards Night with Record Achievements

UPDATE: Raphoe Town FC celebrated an exhilarating night on October 21, 2023, honoring their women’s teams during the club’s annual awards ceremony. The event showcased outstanding achievements from their 7-a-side, 9-a-side, and 11-a-side squads, reflecting a successful year both on and off the pitch.

The club’s dedication to promoting women’s football was palpable as Club Chairman Mike Kelly opened the event, expressing gratitude to the coaches, volunteers, and committee members. “Without you, there wouldn’t be any teams,” Kelly emphasized, highlighting the hard work that enables the club to thrive.

Special guests Paddy McDaid, head of Women’s Football at Finn Harps, and Dessie McGlinchey, U19 Women’s team coach, praised the club’s commitment to player development. “The work you are doing to promote women’s and girls’ football is fantastic,” McDaid stated, acknowledging the strong sense of community within the club.

Women’s team coach Sinead Kelly recognized the resilience and dedication of the players. “We had a long season, but these girls kept coming back with smiles on their faces,” Kelly said. Their motto of “Play for the Love of the Game” resonated strongly as they overcame injuries and challenges throughout the year.

The highlight of the night was the recognition of exceptional players. Notably, Anna McFadden received the Overall Club Spirit Award for her unwavering support and contributions to the team, even while injured. Her journey from Swilly Rovers to becoming a key player at Raphoe Town exemplifies the spirit of perseverance.

The awards featured various categories, with winners including:

– **7-a-side Blue:**
– Club Spirit Award: Karla Devine
– Top Goalscorer: Clíodhna Kelly
– Young Player of the Year: Daisy Leeper
– Player of the Year: Sarah Jane Kelly

– **7-a-side White:**
– Club Spirit Award: Hollie Tinney
– Top Goalscorer: Vanessa McHugh
– Young Player of the Year: Keeley Boyle
– Player of the Year: Alannah Kee

– **9-a-side:**
– Club Spirit Award: Hannah Farry
– Top Goalscorer: Vanessa McHugh
– Young Player of the Year: Lauren O’Donnell
– Player of the Year: Orlaith Connolly

– **11-a-side:**
– Club Spirit Award: Sarah Jane Kelly
– Top Goalscorer: Sarah Parke
– Young Player of the Year: Kelsey Parke
– Player’s Player of the Year: Rocha McCullagh
– Player of the Year: Rachel Lawne
– Goal of the Season: Denise McCarron (winner in the shield final)
– Overall Club Spirit Award: Anna McFadden

The event also recognized the contributions of young players taking leadership roles, with Tory McCarron, Ellen Carlin, Hannah Goudie, and Katie Melarkey receiving special merit awards for their involvement in the club’s Disney Playmakers Programme.

As the night concluded, attendees were treated to food, music, and dancing, creating a vibrant atmosphere that underscored the club’s community spirit. Raphoe Town’s women’s team will participate in the 7-a-side Winter League starting next week, and new players are encouraged to join.

This celebration not only highlighted individual achievements but also reinforced the collective effort behind the growth of women’s football in the region. As Raphoe Town FC continues to foster a love for the game, the future looks bright for players and supporters alike.