2023 Euro Cup Banshees Tournament Review
The Banshees went to battle in the group stages with wins over German Eagles, Swiss Heidis, Ulster Machas and Scotish Sirens. They met a challenging outfit in Sweden but successfully managed them with a late surge in second half kicking 7 goals unanswered.
Grand Final Review:
The Banshees had secured a spot in the grand final against Scotland and the improved Scottish side piled on the pressure pulling away early, kicking 2 goals to Banshees 1 point mid way through the first half. The first Scottish goal coming from a free kick was awarded against the Banshees back line for holding. The second goal coming at the mid way point of the first half after a surge forward and uncontested mark in the Scottish forward line. Unable to capitalize on any majors, the Banshees trailed 2 points to 12.
Struggling to find their feet, the Banshees needed to find their own pace. After a late hit on Banshees forward Shannon Stevenson, a free kick was awarded and with a mark on the goal line, Amanda Brosnan kicked the Banshees first major. The second goal came right before the half time siren, Daire Power sending the ball into the forward line from the right wing about 30 meters out, the Sherrin dribbling across the goal line. Half time score Scottish Sirens 12 to Irish Banshees 14. A VERY very tight game, indeed!
The final half of the Women’s Euro cup Grand Final commenced with a huge tap from the centre circle from Banshees Ruck, Annie Walsh, directly into the hands of Banshees Captain, Amanda Brosnan, who immediately hit Sirens traffic. A strong mark taken by full back Katie O’Dea gave Ireland a second to get set up, mid fielder Ciara Corbett producing a snapping kick to push the ball forward into the arms of Shannon Stevenson who burst away from her opponents to boot it through in true ‘Steveo’ style.
The Banshees starting the half as they meant to go on, the linkage in play was much better now, they seemed to have hit the next gear. Annie Walsh having a huge influence and again winning the ball up contest, linking up with Brosnan again who snaps and goals moving the Banshees to 27 points to 12.
The Scottish weren’t finished yet, with two tackles resulting in a free kick going their way, they sent a high ball into their forward line, no mark was taken and the ball fell to the ground, the Sirens kicking off the deck to goal. Scotland were able to reduce the gap to just 9 points, but time was running against them. The Banshees finding their way back into the forward line to kick 2 more points before the siren sounded. The Banshees managing an 11 point win over Scotland to take home their fourth consecutive Euro Cup!
We would also like to congratulate our brothers the Warriors, the Men’s Irish team, who won their division for the first time since 2012. This is the first time that Ireland have had a double win in the competition since 2012, the last time the Banshees and the Warriors both won the Euro Cup. This win means that AFL Ireland now holds all European AFL titles available. We now look ahead to the AFL International Cup due to be held next year in Australia!
A huge thank you to all of our sponsors: The Irish Warriors and Banshees are proudly sponsored by Maldron Hotels, Wolfe Tones GAC Melbourne, MyBioHacker, Nexventur, and Chemist Warehouse.
Euro Cup 2023 Banshees Squad:
Backs: Katie O’Dea , Ita Heneghan, Daire Power, Sorcha Herlihy
Mids: Amanda Brosnan, Annie Walsh, Maria Quirke, Laoise Casserly
Utility: Ciara Corbett, Karen Lawlor, Louise Scully, Sorcha Nolan
Forwards: Shannon Stevenson, Eva Cafolla, Marie Keating, Abby Noonan