July Player of the Month - Naomh Barrog's Laura McGinley

  • Jul 28,2016
Naomh Barrog’s Laura McGinley saw off stiff competition from St Brigid’s Ciara Trant to be awarded the New Ireland Assurance Player of the Month award for July following a series of inspirational performances for her club.

She has been a pivotal part in the Dublin minors march towards the All-Ireland Final at centre half-back and has also been hugely influential in getting the Barrog team to their first adult championship final in 20 years.


They got their campaign up and running with a perfect four from four wins in their group stage, topping the table before following up with last week’s impressive 3-9 to 2-5 victory.


They now face a re-match of their group game against a strong Templeogue Synge Street in the final, bidding to repeat the narrow 0-15 to 1-11 win from the group stages.


And Naomh Barrog’s Gerry O’Driscoll said that McGinley has been a leading light for the side on numerous occasions during the campaign.


“Every match that Laura plays in, she gives 100% and no more so than for the ladies team in Barrog. Every player would use Laura as inspiration on how you should approach and play the game.”


The side play in Division 5 of the league but in July alone, McGinley helped them beat Division 3 opposition in the form of Templeogue in the group stages before seeing off another higher division side in Ballyboden to reach the championship final.In that tie, McGinley went above and beyond to fight for her club’s success.

Gerry added: “Laura played the second half of the match with a back injury and had to take pain killers at half time to continue which shows how dedicated to the club she is.


“To play in the All-Ireland minor final, Laura sacrificed her sixth year holiday and to win this match would be a dream come true for her and for all the hard work she has put in over the last four years at county level. She has played with Dublin since Under-14 but would never miss a club match.”


Her nomination saw off a number of close rivals for the award following a series of superb performances as the New Ireland Assurance championships reach the business end.


Ciara Trant was the key players for St Brigid’s as she combined a brilliant performance in goal in their semi-final win over Ballyboden St Enda’s along with a goal from a penalty and a number of points from placed balls.


Simmone Reilly, from Boden, meanwhile, was hailed by her club for driving their push for the championship final, top scoring in their run to the semis despite her tender years.


But it was McGinley who took the July title for her peerless displays as Barrog hope to record a piece of club history when their final date comes around.

** To nominate someone deserving of the August Player of the Month award, contact us at sport@dublingazette.com with their name, club and a couple of lines about why you feel they should be up for the honour!