U22D Championship Final
Lisdowney 3-10 Erins Own 1-7
A greater ability to score goals at crucial times in the match ultimately proved to be the difference in this U22D camogie final played under lights in Ballyragget on 18th December. Both sides competed strongly on a cold winter’s evening and deserve huge credit for the skill level and determination shown throughout the contest.
Having scored seven goals in their semifinal win, Lisdowney started as favourites and received a tonic start with a goal from play from Niamh Holohan inside the opening minute of the match. Erins Own did settle in the following minutes aided by a slight breeze in their backs and two points from play from the lively Saibhe Walker added to two frees by Niamh Meagher had them back level (1-1 L to 0-4 EO) after ten minutes. Erins Own were generally on top at this time but Lisdowney broke through for a second goal from a smart finish by Katie Brennan in the 12th minute and further points from Niamh Holohan and Ciara Delaney (2) stretched the lead to five points (2-4 L to 0-5 EO) by the 25th minute. However, Erins Own rallied well and a well taken goal by Saibhe Walker brought them very much back into the match in the 26th minute and only a fine save by Grace Doran in the Lisdowney goal stopped Saibhe adding a further goal a minute later – in hindsight, this proved to be a key moment in the match as it helped Lisdowney have a half time lead of 2-6 to 1-6.
The opening minutes of the second half were crucial as a 1-2 scoring burst saw Lisdowney stretched their lead to 3-8 to 1-5 by the 35th minute. With the wind now favouring them, Lisdowney looked set for a comfortable win at this time although Erins Own once again settled to their task and battled hard to reduce the deficit over the next fifteen minutes when they held Lisdowney scoreless; however, they also found scores hard to come by and two scores from Niamh Meagher (F) and Keelin Brennan reduced the margin to 3-8 to 1-7 by the 50th minute. Lisdowney’s backs led by Clodagh Ryan and Orla Phelan defended well at this time and further scores for them by Ciara Delaney saw them emerge as nine point winners at the end. For Lisdowney, this was a strong team performance to see them emerge as winners and for Erins Own, they battled with spirit to the end of an enjoyable contest which was played in a sporting manner throughout the hour.
Lisdowney: Grace Doran, Lisa Kennedy, Clodagh Ryan, Lauryn Foley, Aine Kavanagh, Orla Phelan, Aine Holohan, Chloe Delaney, Ava Dooley, Hannah Coyle-Twomey, Róisín Burns, Ciara Delaney, Niamh Holohan, Lucy Dunne, Katie Brennan. Subs: Ciara Delaney, Sadhbh Blanchfield.
Erins Own: Cara Doyle, Caoimhe Brennan, Keelin Brennan, Ava McCabe, Clodagh Comerford, Niamh Meagher, Ciara Brennan, Lucy O’Gorman, Ruby Roche, Rachael Harnett, Eimear Phelan, Ella Buggy, Grace Buggy, Saibhe Walker, Aisling Maher. Subs: Eva Ryan, Kyara Dunny.
Referee: Paul Whelan
By PRO Sat 20th Dec
