Mount Leinster Rangers end Camross’ hopes of retaining Leinster Camogie crown
The reigning champions were beaten in difficult weather conditions just seven days after securing their second consecutive Laois Intermediate Championship title
Camross’ reign as Leinster Club Intermediate Camogie champions is over after they were beaten by Carlow champions Mount Leinster Rangers in Saturday’s preliminary quarter-final.
Camross, who were only crowned Laois champions this day last week, suffered a two-point defeat in extremely difficult conditions, with persistent wind and rain proving a constant challenge from before throw-in until the final whistle.
It brings an end to Camross’ hopes of defending their Leinster title, having gone all the way in the provincial championship last year before completing a remarkable Laois, Leinster and All-Ireland Club Championship treble.
They were back in action just seven days after securing their second consecutive Laois Intermediate Championship title with victory over St Brigid’s, but they were unable to produce another win as Mount Leinster Rangers advanced to the next round.
Camross made an excellent start and raced into a three-point lead before Mount Leinster Rangers got off the mark through Ciara Kavanagh, who converted two frees to bring the Carlow champions back into contention.
Camross responded with the final point of the opening half to take a 0-4 to 0-2 lead into the break. Grainne Delaney, Lara Culleton, Sarah-Anne Fitzgerald and Aimee Collier were all on target for the Laois champions during the first half, with four different players contributing to their tally.
Mount Leinster Rangers needed a strong start to the second half and Ciara Kavanagh duly delivered, converting another free to leave the minimum between the sides.
The Carlow champions then drew level at four points apiece with a score from Roisin Joyce before a crucial goal from Shannon Kavanagh put them firmly in the driving seat.
Another Joyce point followed for Mount Leinster Rangers as they took control of the contest, leaving Camross with work to do in the closing stages.
Camross responded with two points in succession, with Aimee Collier and Fitzgerald finding the target to give the reigning champions hope of salvaging their Leinster campaign.
However, those scores proved to be their last of the afternoon as Mount Leinster Rangers held on to secure a 1-5 to 0-6 victory in the challenging conditions.
FINAL SCORE
Mount Leinster Rangers 1-5
Camross 0-6
SCORERS– Mount Leinster Rangers: Shannon Kavanagh 1-0, Ciara Kavanagh 0-3 (frees), Roisin Joyce 0-2. Camross: Aimee Collier (0-1 free) and Sarah-Anne Fitzgerald 0-2 each, Lara Culleton and Grainne Delaney 0-1 each.
CAMROSS: Niamh Dollard; Mairead Burke, Aisling Burke, Fiona Scully; Aoife Collier, Donnagh Mortimer, Annabelle Ryan; Luisne Delaney, Aimée Collier; Lara Culleton, Gráinne Delaney, Andrea Scully; Erin Walsh, Sarah Anne Fitzgerald, Kirsten Keenan. Subs: Leah Daly, Aoife Daly, Tara Lowry, Clare Fitzgerald, Ava Guilfoyle, Ella Cuddy.
MOUNT LEINSTER RANGERS: Catherine Kavanagh; Tara Kavanagh, Áine Ryan, Alice Dalton; Kathleen Fenlon, Rachel Breen, Sarah Joyce; Molly Kavanagh, Martha Dolan; Sarah Kehoe, Ciara Kavanagh, Roisin Joyce; Rachel Kennedy, Eimear Byrne, Rachel Bible. Subs: Shannon Kavanagh for Byrne (HT)