Holloway Gaels Juniors Ready for Historic Championship Final

The Holloway Gaels Junior team are preparing for one of the biggest days in their journey to date, as they face St. Kiernan’s in the London Ladies Football Junior Championship Final this Saturday, August 30th, at 1pm in McGovern Park, Ruislip.

Both teams head into the final unbeaten in the 2025 Championship, and with the sides having been drawn in separate groups during both league and championship campaigns, this will be their first meeting of the season. With plenty of talent and hard work on both sides, this promises to be a competitive encounter.

A Journey That Began in 2021

The Holloway Juniors story began in 2021, when the club’s registration numbers surged during the Covid period. In response, the decision was made to enter two teams into the London Ladies football competitions for the first time.

Under the management team of Anne-Marie Dargan, Aisling Clifford, and Ciara Holland, and with Emily de Caires as captain and Áine Walsh as vice-captain, the new Junior team took to the field for their first ever game on Sunday, April 25^th at Downhills Park for a challenge match against Cambridge Parnells.

From there, the team launched into their debut league campaign, playing five matches between May and June 2021. Their first competitive win came on June 12^th with a hard-fought win over Fr. Murphy’s in Mitcham, on a final score line of 3-06 to 2-04.

The team’s learning and growth through that league campaign laid the foundation for a strong championship later that summer. Facing Fr. Murphy’s, Tara, Dulwich, St. Anthony’s, and Parnells Juniors, the Juniors secured key victories over Fr. Murphy’s, Tara, and Dulwich in July, earning a place in their very first Championship semi-final.

That semi-final took place on October 2nd against Dulwich Harps on a wet and miserable day in Greenford. Despite a valiant effort, Dulwich proved too strong on the day, bringing Holloway’s impressive debut season to a close. Reaching a semi-final in the first year was a remarkable achievement and a clear signal of the team’s potential.

2021 Junior Team

Growth and First Final in 2023

The team continued to build through 2022, developing their skills and team cohesion. The big breakthrough came in 2023, when the Holloway Juniors reached their first final — the Junior League Final.

Finishing second in the group stage, they booked a semi-final against Wandsworth Gaels on May 24^th at Tottenhall. A thrilling two-point win set up a final showdown with TCG Juniors on June 4th, 2023, once again in Greenford.

Despite a committed performance, TCG’s strong panel proved decisive.

2025: A Season to Remember

Fast forward to 2025, and the Holloway Juniors are enjoying their most successful season to date under the leadership of manager Shane Hanrahan, with Emily de Caires as assistant manager. The team’s dedication, belief, and resilience have been evident from the outset.

Their Division 3 League campaign was unbeaten in the group stages, with wins over Tara, TCG Juniors, and Wandsworth Gaels ensuring top spot. This earned them a place in the League Final, held on April 26th, 2025, once again at Ruislip.

In a repeat of the 2023 League Final, Holloway faced TCG Juniors. Despite a gallant second-half performance that brought the game to life, TCG held on for the win, denying Holloway the silverware for a second time. But the signs of growth were undeniable—and focus immediately shifted to the Championship.

Championship Run 2025

The Championship campaign began with a strong statement of intent, a 2-10 to 0-08 victory over Fr. Murphy’s, followed by a high-scoring thriller against Dulwich Harps, where Holloway came out on top 6-08 to 3-14.

These two wins secured a semi-final clash with Tara Juniors on July 26th at Cayton Road. In a repeat of the first game of the 2025 season, Holloway once again emerged victorious, delivering a confident and well-rounded performance that secured their place in the Junior Championship Final for the first time.

Eyes on the Prize

Captain Kate Aughey and vice-captain Ciara Leonard will lead the team out onto the pitch at McGovern Park tomorrow with pride and determination. It marks a huge moment in Holloway Gaels history — the first Junior Championship Final as a two-team club.

Backed by months (and years) of dedication and development — not to mention the support of teammates, coaches, sponsors (Sligo Staffing, jersey sponsors since 2021), and the wider club community — this team is ready.

Best wishes to all players and management ahead of this weekend’s final.

Best of luck, Holloway! Let’s bring it home.