Minor B Summer League Final
Young Irelands 5-10 James Stephens 4-13 (AET)
A thrilling Minor B Camogie League Final in Gowran on Friday evening ended all square after extra time, with Young Irelands and James Stephens deadlocked at 5-10 to 4-13 following a superb contest that had everything. In the end, a draw was a fitting outcome to a game in which neither side deserved to lose, and with fading light making a conclusion impossible on the night, the teams will now meet again in a replay in the coming weeks.
Played in excellent conditions, the final was a wonderful advertisement for minor camogie. Both teams produced a high-quality display full of skill, determination and attacking intent, serving up a free-flowing encounter that kept spectators enthralled throughout. The game ebbed and flowed from start to finish, with never more than a puck of a ball separating two exceptionally evenly matched sides. James Stephens enjoyed the benefit of the wind during the opening half and held a narrow 0-6 to 1-2 advantage at the interval. While the Village side deserved their lead, they may have reflected on a number of opportunities that went astray during a strong opening period. Young Irelands, however, remained firmly in touch thanks to a vital goal and some determined defending that ensured the contest remained finely balanced.
If the opening half was competitive, the second period of normal time was simply outstanding. The teams went toe-to-toe in a gripping contest, matching each other score for score as the game swung one way and then the other. At various stages both sides looked capable of pulling clear, only for their opponents to respond immediately. The intensity, skill level and commitment on display never wavered as the players produced some wonderful camogie under pressure. Those in attendance were treated to a thrilling spectacle as scores arrived at both ends. Outstanding performances could be found all over the field, with defenders working tirelessly to stem attacks, midfielders driving their teams forward and forwards taking their chances with impressive accuracy when opportunities arose.
With neither side able to gain a decisive advantage, referee Paul Hunston eventually sounded the final whistle on a scoreline of Young Irelands 4-08 James Stephens 3-11, sending a breathless contest into extra time. The drama continued immediately after the restart. James Stephens made the perfect beginning to extra time, finding the net within seconds and appearing to seize the initiative. Yet, in keeping with everything that had gone before, Young Irelands responded magnificently. Refusing to yield, the Gowran side battled back and once again drew level as the contest remained on a knife-edge.
Extra time followed the same pattern as normal time, with neither team willing to take a backward step. Every score was hard-earned, every possession fiercely contested and every attack carried the promise of changing the outcome. It was nip and tuck all the way to the finish of a truly enthralling encounter. When the final whistle eventually arrived, the scoreboard read Young Irelands 5-10 James Stephens 4-13, and few could argue with the result. A draw felt like the right outcome after such a wonderfully balanced contest, with both teams having enjoyed their moments and both showing immense character when under pressure.
Most importantly, this was a celebration of underage camogie at its finest. The skill, endeavour and sportsmanship displayed by both teams throughout were a credit to the players, mentors and clubs involved. With a replay to come, attention also turns to the championship, where both Young Irelands and James Stephens will undoubtedly fancy their chances of mounting a serious challenge for the Roinn B title. On the evidence of this enthralling final, both sides possess the skill, determination and depth required to go a long way, and both sets of supporters can be hopeful of seeing their side contest the latter stages of the championship in the weeks ahead.
Young Irelands: Aoife Brennan, Bronagh O’ Neill, Caoimhe Drennan, Saidhbh Farrell, Holly Drennan, Eimear Brennan (Joint Captain), Aimee Byrne, Orla Carroll, Kathy Phelan, Lauren Phelan, Katie Comerford, Claire Kavanagh, Caoimhe Fitzgerald, Eilish Keating, Lucy Langton Subs: Aoibheann Drennan, Stella Langton, Ciara Farrell, Sarah Phelan, Ellie Galvin, Ruby Butler, Leah Dreeling, Eimear Keating.
James Stephens: Saoirse Egan, Sorcha Larkin, Lucy Lennon, Alice Quinn, Caoimhe Egan, Emily Lauhoff, Daisy Coomey, Mia Dunne, Lucy Coomey, Aoibh Lawlor, Laura Leahy, Aoileann Cantwell, Niamh Moore, Maura Barton, Katie Murphy. Subs: Emma Larkin, Ria Quinn, Ellie Larkin, Roisin O’Shea, Hannah Devine, Hannah Purcell, Ellie Millea, Jasmine Timmons McEneaney, Ali McDonald
Referee: Paul Hunston
By PRO Tue 11th Aug
