On the 29th March the second year Bower hockey team booked their place in the final of the Sweetman Shield by defeating Salerno of Galway in an exciting and close semi-final match. Despite a very strong start by the Bower, the score was still 0-0 at half-time. In the second half, the Bower maintained the pressure with great opportunities set up by Aoife Cuffe, Hannah Raftery and Leila Oakman.  However, the Salerno goalie blocked the Bower shots and the match was still scoreless when the final whistle blew. During extra time the Bower team put in a huge effort, passing, communicating and working as a team.  Unfortunately, both teams were now very tired and the score remained unchanged. The result had to be decided by penalty flicks and it was Bower goalie Eva Concannon who held off the Salerno challenge, leaving it to Leila Oakman to book the place in the final by hitting the back of the goal. The Bower will now play the winners of the match between Taylor’s Hill and Ursuline, Sligo in the final. The school won this trophy last year in Galway.

The second match that day was a replay of the semi-final of the Lupton Cup between the second year A team and Salerno. The Galway school got off to a good start but the Bower backline held firm with great tackling from Lily Mannion, Gemma Cooney and Jane Henshaw. In goal, Cathy Greene could not be passed. A strong midfield of Anna Keegan, Stephanie Igoe, Ashleigh Coyle and Lauren Kennedy managed to disrupt the opposition’s attack.  Just before the half-time whistle, a quick pass from Aiveen Digby to Stephanie Igoe almost resulted in a goal but was just wide. In the second half, a Salerno score put the Bower girls on the back foot, and despite great defensive work from Lily Mannion, the Galway girls emerged victorious. This was a bitter pill to swallow as the Bower girls had most possession but they will remember this match as a series of missed opportunities.  This is the end of the season for them and they are very appreciative of the commitment of coach Gudge Moran.

Squad: Grace Fitzpatrick, Olwyn Sheridan, Chloe Rowan, Orla Geogeghan, Anna Keegan, Jane Henshaw, Ashleigh Coyle, Aiveen Digby, Lily Mannion, Gemma Cooney, Lauren Kennedy, Cathy Greene, Stephanie Igoe.