Moycarkey Borris cruise to county title win over divisional rivals

FBD Insurance Junior A Camogie Championship Final

Moycarkey Borris 3-17

Holycross Ballycahill 1-8

Moycarkey Borris were crowned FBD Insurance Junior A champions last Sunday after a near-perfect team performance. Huge underage success in recent years has borne fruit for Moycarkey Borris at the adult level with two county titles in two years.

Last year they won the Junior B championship and on Sunday’s evidence, they will be a match for anyone next year at the Intermediate level. After the match, Emma O’Sullivan was deservedly awarded player of the match having finished the game with an amazing personal tally of 2-6 from play. In her post-match interview, she credited her scoring feat to the great ball sent in from her teammates.

With Kate Ralph, Amy Callanan, Sarah Corcoran, and Caoimhe Fitzgibbon outstanding throughout the 60 minutes, there was no shortage of great ball into Emma especially in the opening quarter. By the 12th minute, Moycarkey Borris led 2-4 to 0-1 after a blistering start to the game which saw the Holycross defense under ferocious early pressure. Sarah Corcoran who has been excellent throughout this year’s championship got Moycarkey’s first point of the day.

This was followed by an Emma O’Sullivan point before Lauren McCormack got Holycross off the mark with a pointed free after seven minutes to make it 0-2 to 0-1. Kate Ralph who was involved in so much of the Moycarkey play covering every blade of grass throughout the hour scored a super point to extend their lead and already Moycarkey’s running game and support play were causing Holycross Ballycahill plenty of headaches.

With Kate Ralph and Amy Callanan on top in midfield the scores kept coming from the forward unit.

In the 9th minute, two lovely touches from O’Sullivan resulted in the opening goal of the game, and before Declan Carr’s side had a chance to respond Cathriona Walsh had goaled. This was a killer blow for Holycross who suddenly found themselves nine points down in the blink of an eye.

Emma O’Sullivan then added two quick points in succession before Claire Stakelum who by now had come out from her full forward spot to try and influence proceedings had a well-taken score.

Two more Lauren McCormack frees completed the first-half scoring for Holycross Ballycahill while Moycarkey Borris had further points from Sarah Corcoran (2), Ciara Shelly, Emma O’Sullivan (2), and Joan O’Keefe to leave the half-time score 2-11 to 0-4. Amazingly all 2-11 of Moycarkey’s scores had come from play.

Holycross Ballycahill made changes at half-time and during the second half with all five substitutes introduced having an impact. Immediately Alison Fitzgerald got stuck into the action and along with Grainne O ‘Dowd and Lauren McCormack, they tried to turn the momentum of the game in their favour. A free from Lauren was pointed but then disaster struck as Moycarkey were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute.

Sara Gleeson pulled off a great save from Sarah Corcoran but she made some amends by pointing the resulting 45. Both sides exchanged points before Elana McGrath goaled after 45 minutes to reduce the deficit.

Emma O’Sullivan who had been quiet at the start of the second half mainly due to an impressive second-half display from Meabh Ryan and Anna Gavin in the Holycross rearguard pounced on to a ball in the 58th minute and with a lovely ground stroke found the back of the net.

She followed this up with a point to cement her player of the match award and bring her personal tally to 2-6. Sarah Corcoran also finished with an impressive scoring feat with seven points in total five from play. She was a constant thorn in the Holycross defence and was particularly strong under both team’s puckouts.

Moycarkey Borris: Molly O’Dwyer; Caitlin Shelly, Karen Mullins, Kate O’Keefe; Caoimhe Fitzgibbon, Rachel Ralph, Maria Kinane; Kate Ralph (0-1), Amy Callanan; Sarah Corcoran (0-7, 0-1f, 0-1 45m), Ciara Shelly (0-1), Emma O’Sullivan (2-6); Cathriona Walsh (1-0), Alisha Kearney (0-1), Joan O’Keefe (0-1).

Subs used: Ellen Maher, Lucy Callanan.

Holycross Ballycahill: Sara Gleeson; Meabh Ryan, Aisling Slattery, Kate Dwan; Roisin Comerford, Anna Gavin, Linda Fanning; Kate Carr, Katie Ryan; Lauren McCormack (0-6, 0-5f) Grainne O’Dowd (0-1), Michelle Dwan; Caoimhe Doyle, Claire Stakelum (0-1), Stephanie Dwan.

Subs used: Alison Fitzgerald, Clodagh Morris, Issy Carr, Amber Bannon, Elana McGrath (1-0).

Referee: Joe Kearney (Clonoulty Rossmore)