Injury-time drama as Naomh Eamann edge Abbeyleix to claim Laois Minor Camogie title
Abbeyleix fought back from three points down at half-time to level the game, but Naomh Eamann struck twice late on
Naomh Eamann were crowned Laois Minor Camogie champions after beating Abbeyleix by four points in a pulsating affair in the Centre of Excellence on Wednesday night.
The game went down to the wire, with the victors scoring 1-1 in added time, which proved the difference in the end. Abbeyleix had battled back from a three-point deficit at half-time to get level in added time; but they just fell short in the end as Naomh Eamann finished with a flourish to win the game.
Naomh Eamann have their defence to thank for their victory, as they were heroic in the second half as Abbeyleix had the momentum, but time after time, they turned over possession and denied them scoring opportunities.
It was even enough in the first five minutes as both teams traded points on two occasions, as the brilliant Aideen Gee and Niamh O'Shea were on target for Abbeyleix, while Lauren Fitzpatrick and Emma Jane Cuddy got the Naomh Eamann points.
Naomh Eamann were playing with a strong wind and they made full use of it after great work from Avril Phelan, who found Lauren Fitzpatrick and she made no mistake in finding the net. It was followed up straight away with another point from Katie Kavanagh to put Naomh Eamann in control.
Abbeyleix came roaring back with five points in a row against the strong wind. Aideen Gee kickstarted the purple patch with a superb point, while Laoise Dunne hit a brace of points in that period, with the other points coming from Holly Brennan and Niamh O'Shea to put Abbeyleix ahead, 0-7 to 1-3.
Naomh Eamann finished the half the stronger with a point from Avril Phelan before she then struck for her second goal of the game. A long-range free from Emma Jane Cuddy dropped short, with Phelan flicking it to the net to give her side a half-time lead of three points, 2-4 to 0-7.
Scores were hard to come by in the second half, with Abbeyleix dominating possession, but couldn't get past the Naomh Eamann defence. The sides traded points through Katie Kavanagh and Niamh O'Shea in the 38th minute before 12 minutes went by before the game’s next score.
Abbeyleix were owning the ball and Kaylah O'Mara finally got the scoreboard ticking over with a brilliant effort, but Ava Hosey would put the gap back to three points coming into the last six minutes.
Abbeyleix drew level on the hour mark thanks to three points in quick succession. Niamh O'Shea raised a brace of white flags, while Holly Brennan got the other score as the teams were level 2-6 to 0-12 going into added time.
Abbeyleix had all the momentum as they pushed for the winning score, but again the Naomh Eamann defence once again came away with the ball and worked it upfield. The ball then fell to Lauren Fitzpatrick, who fired it over the bar to give her side the lead.
Their defence stood firm again, as Abbeyleix threw everything forward to get the equaliser, but the ball was turned over, ending in Naomh Eamann putting the icing on the cake through a goal from Grace Cuddy to spark wild celebrations at full time.
FINAL SCORE
Naomh Eamann 3-7
Abbeyleix 0-12
SCORERS - Naomh Eamann: Lauren Fitzpatrick 1-2 (0-1 free), Avril Phelan 1-1, Grace Cuddy 1-0, Katie Kavanagh 0-2, Emma Jane Cuddy and Ava Hosey 0-1 each. Abbeyleix: Niamh O'Shea 0-5 (0-3 frees), Aideen Gee, Holly Brennan (free) and Laoise Dunne 0-2 each, Kaylah O'Mara 0-1
NAOMH EAMANN: Meibh Peters; Emma Fitzpatrick, Katie Lyons, Cara Phelan; Sarah Jane Walsh, Sarah Lalor, Doireann Wall; Kaela O'Connor, Katie Kavanagh; Chloe Lyons, Emma Jane Cuddy, Ellen Fitzpatrick; Grace Cuddy, Avril Phelan, Lauren Fitzpatrick. Subs: Ava Hosey for Ellen Fitzpatrick (43 mins), Abby Fitzpatrick for O'Connor (63 mins).
ABBEYLEIX: Alison Kenna; Caitlin Dwyer, Lucy Doyle, Clodagh Cahill; Grainne Scully, Kate Kenna, Maeve Dowling; Grainne Dowling, Kaylah O'Mara; Laoise Dunne, Holly Brennan, Niamh O'Shea; Aideen Gee, Katie Doyle, Leah Dunphy. Subs: Caitlyn Whelan for Dunphy (Blood 23-25 mins), Emma Walsh for Kenna (50 mins).
REFEREE: Mick Cleere (Rathdowney-Errill)