A Remarkable Season for Presentation Thurles Senior B and Minor B Hockey Teams
The 2024-2025 hockey season has been a truly outstanding one for Presentation Thurles, with both our Senior B and Minor B teams showcasing exceptional talent, determination, and team spirit throughout their respective campaigns.
Our First Year hockey team has shown incredible dedication this season, attending training sessions every Tuesday and Friday with great enthusiasm. For many, it was their first time playing hockey, but they have embraced the sport wholeheartedly and made tremendous progress. The team enjoyed some highly competitive matches against Ursuline and Loreto Clonmel, gaining valuable experience and confidence with each game. Their commitment, energy, and teamwork have been fantastic to see, and they are on a strong upward trajectory heading into next year. We are excited to watch this talented group continue to grow and develop in the seasons ahead!
The Senior B team, in particular, has enjoyed immense success this year. Their hard work and perseverance culminated in a fantastic victory in the Senior B League Final, played against a strong Clonakilty side at Presentation’s home grounds. The girls showed incredible resilience and character, not only in the final but throughout the entire season, defeating all their opponents with convincing performances that highlighted their skill and teamwork.
The journey to the league title began on a high note when the team hosted Crescent College from Limerick. In a thrilling encounter, the Presentation girls edged out a 3-2 win, setting a positive tone for the season ahead. Their momentum continued with a composed 1-0 victory over Loreto, followed by a dominant 5-0 triumph against Ursuline, showcasing their growing confidence and cohesion on the field.
One of the key aspects of this year's Senior B team was the way the squad gelled so well, with a blend of experienced players and younger talents stepping up to the challenge of senior hockey. The inclusion of several up-and-coming players added great depth to the squad, and it was wonderful to see these new faces gain valuable experience at senior level.
The team's journey isn't over yet either. The girls still have the Munster Cup Final to look forward to, where they await the winners from the South. Their Cup run has been equally impressive so far. After a powerful 6-1 victory over Ursuline and a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Crescent, where they came from behind after conceding early in the first quarter, the team has proven they can adapt and overcome challenges with poise.
Throughout the season, the leadership of the sixth-year students has been instrumental. Their guidance both on and off the pitch has been crucial to the team’s success. A special mention must go to Una Duggan and Roisin Burns, who accepted the League Cup on behalf of the team. Their leadership, along with that of their fellow seniors, has set a wonderful example for the younger players coming through. We wish all our 6th years, Una Duggan, Emily Carroll, Eibhleann Flanagan, Anna O`Brien and Bonnie Walsh the very best for the future.
A special mention must go to Claudia Campillos Rueda who has been instrumental in our victories this year. Claudia has been our top goal scorer with a whopping 7 goals in the league and 4 goals in the cup. Well done Claudia !!!!
Meanwhile, our Minor B hockey team also had an excellent season, playing with great heart and flair. The Minors impressed with their skillful and entertaining hockey, demonstrating that the future of the sport in Presentation Thurles is very bright indeed.
They kicked off their campaign with a commanding 5-0 win over Laurel Hill, a performance that highlighted the attacking prowess and solid defensive organization of the team. A closely contested match against Castletroy followed, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw after a spirited display from both sides. The Minors showed great resilience throughout the season and played every match with passion and sportsmanship.
In the Cup competition, the Minor B team faced a tough battle against Ursuline Thurles. Despite a strong effort and periods of brilliant play, they were narrowly defeated. While the Cup run did not end the way the team had hoped, their performance throughout the year has been a source of immense pride for the school community.
A particular highlight of the Minor B team's season has been the incredible contribution from our first-year students. Stepping up to Minor level is never easy, but these young players embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and maturity beyond their years. Their commitment and skill have not only strengthened the team this season but have also laid the foundations for future success. They have been excellent role models for their peers, demonstrating the true spirit of Presentation hockey.
Overall, it has been a remarkable year for hockey in Presentation Thurles. The achievements of both the Senior B and Minor B teams reflect the hard work, dedication, and team spirit that define our school.