Waterford Minor Ladies Footballers Receive Prestigious Civic Reception
Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan pictured with the Waterford Minor Ladies football manager, Fiona Laffan, vice-captain Deirdre Roche, team members, council members, parents and supporters pictured in City Hall marking the occasion of the Civic Reception for the team. Photo: Noel Browne
This week, the Waterford Minor Ladies Footballers were honoured with a Civic Reception at Waterford’s City Hall, in recognition of winning the Under-18 C All-Ireland title.
The Waterford players claimed the All-Ireland title on July 26 against Westmeath, which saw the Déise team claim their second U-18 title in a row.
Players, management, and family members gathered in City Hall last week, greeted by Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Seamus Ryan, councillors and the the council’s management team.
Mayor Ryan welcomed the team, saying: “This group of young women came together from fourteen different clubs across the county, travelling long distances, training early mornings and late nights, and put in huge effort, all for the love of their sport and their county.
“Under the guidance of manager Fiona Laffan and her backroom team - a group I’m told, who between them hold an incredible 54 All-Ireland titles - these players developed not just as footballers, but as teammates, leaders and strong young women.
The Mayor also acknowledged captain Ava Connolly, vice-captain Deirdre Roche and all the players.
“You’ve given Waterford people something to cheer about, and you’ve set an example for younger girls watching from the sidelines, dreaming of doing the same one day" he said.
Cllr. Niamh O’Donovan who formally proposed that the council host the motion, congratulated the team on their success, saying: "As someone who’s passionate about women’s sport, this is close to my heart.
“These young women have shown what commitment looks like, what leadership looks like, and they’ve given the next generation a reason to believe ‘that could be me someday’.”
Manager Fiona Laffan paid tribute to the backroom team and the County Board for its ongoing support and belief.
She also thanked sponsors, parents, families and all the supporters.
She concluded with a message to the players, saying: "They have been nothing short of exceptional and played with a level of maturity far beyond their years and represented their county with pure class, both on and off the pitch.”
“It means a great deal for us to be here today, not only to celebrate the success of the girls, but also to recognise the hard work and commitment that went into making this year a success.”
