Kildare Senior champions Naas progress from dramatic Leinster Quarter-Final
A more thrilling match wouldn’t have been found this weekend as the Kildare Senior Camogie Champions Naas travelled to the Wicklow to take on Knockananna on Saturday
A more thrilling match wouldn’t have been found this weekend as the Kildare Senior Camogie Champions Naas travelled to the Wicklow to take on Knockananna on Saturday.
Knockananna, playing with the breeze started the brightest and Naas suffered a very early blow with an injury to star-midfielder Roise Hennessy. Naas struggled to get scores in the first half with sharp shooter Rebecca McDermott keeping the Kildare side in touch but only just. Half time score Naas 0-4 Knockananna 1-6.
An exciting battle commenced in the second half when an early goal from captain Caoimhe Maher appeared to settle the Naas who kept Knockananna scoreless from play in the second half.
Naas suffered another blow with Allie McGrath leaving the field early in second half due to injury. However they held their nerve and when Aoife Stynes scored a goal midway through they went two points ahead.
Two late frees from Knockananna’s Ciara Byrne levelled the game and forced extra time. Naas 2-6 Knockananna 1-9.
The two 10 minute periods of extra time finished level again with the score standing at Naas 2-10 Knockananna 1-13.
This game deserved a replay, however the rules dictated there must be a winner on the day, so the match headed to extra-extra time (two periods of 5 minutes). By now both sides were suffering with injuries and tired bodies but the fight continued.
This period ended scoreless and in what is a very unique ending the sides lined up to take five 45s’.
Rebecca McDermott, and Aine Conway pointed as their opponents failed to score from the 45m line.
Naas play Camross in the semi-final this weekend.
NAAS: Roisin Roche; Aoife Keane, Aine Conway, Fahsai Nic Chonchradha, Kate Murphy, Niamh Hegarty, Aoife McCarthy; Róise Hennessy, Sara Carroll; Aoife McDermott, Allie McGrath, Aoife Stynes 1-1, Rebecca McDermott 0-8 (5fs), Caoimhe Maher 1-1, Aoibhín Delaney. Subs: Orlaith Delany for Roise Hennessy, Ciara Ryan for Allie McGrath, Sophie Hazzard for Aoibhin Delany.