If there’s any Dockyard Derby Dames roller derby team to run in fear from it’s the Irish Instigators, the Femme Fianna. By “run in fear” I mean that in a skating sense, and a “meet you in a dark alley” sense. No, they’re not mean and ruthless â€" just if they had to beat you up, they’re definitely tough enough.

The toughness and passion for what they believe is grown in their hearts, and it shows in the long practices, hardcore skating, and willingness to get up and go again after they’ve been knocked down. Ever hear that saying, “What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger”? That’s what’s happened to these Irish ladies, and boy oh boy, are they stronger than ever.

Last year they went through some challenging times finding the right skaters for the team, and for most of the season the Fianna’s skated without a coach. Yet through all of this they were able to shake the Irish curse, strap on those skates, show heavenly cleavage, and kick some roller derby ass.

Sometime near the middle of the 2007 season the Femme Fianna’s acquired an amazing coach by the name of Veronica Vicious. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because she is a Rat City alumni, and she’s graced the Fianna’s with all of her talented experience. In her back pocket she held a priceless gem by the name of Chuck Hollywood Bury. Hollywood has been an asset to the Dockyard Derby Dames as a whole, helping with all-league practices and strengthening clinics. Both Hollywood and Veronica have been blessings to the Femme Fianna and the Dockyard Derby Dames.

Fianna’s to look out for

T’Erin Traxx: She is a trained and experienced ice hockey diva. Fast? Yes. Knock her down? No way.

Diva State, Rat City retiree: She’s one of the best skaters in the league and knows all the right moves. I personally think she has 12 eyes strategically located all around her head. She can see anything coming or going.

Slim Finnegan: Fast, dangerous, talented, and hot. She can jump and bounce those skates around any obstacle. Did I mention she’s fast? â€" Steph DeRosa

Buy your tickets now for the first bout Feb. 24, or for the season here.

Past Derby Diairies

LINK: The Marauding Mollys.

LINK: Hellbound Homewreckers.