Key strikes spell success for Castlecomer in Under 14 Camogie Final

Two crucial goals, one in either half, from midfielder Sarah O’Neill proved the difference in this hotly contested under-14 Roinn A championship final in Palmerstown.

The combination of recent rain and a strong wind made for heavier conditions and contributed to a relatively low-scoring encounter but these two sides, who have been fancied to make this under-14 Roinn A final since the start of the year, gave their all in a fierce battle which was nip and tuck. O’Neill’s second goal, which came towards the end of normal time, ultimately gave Erin’s Own (Castlecomer) an advantage they held to the finish.

The exchanges were intense from the off in this final with both sides battling hard for every advantage. Such was the close nature of the game it took until the sixth minute for the opening score to arrive, coming courtesy of Molly Ann Phelan for James Stephens.

The Village girls did shade the opening 10 minutes but found the Erin’s Own defence, led by Kate Mullins, very difficult to penetrate.

Erin’s Own, who were seeking their second successive under-14A crown, did settle and had the better of the next 15 minutes.

This purple patch saw them score 1-4 in reply to just a solitary point for James Stephens. This run included three frees from Ciara Maguire and 1-1 from Sarah O’Neill, her goal being a fine finish to the net in the 24th minute.

All looked good for the ’Comer girls at this point, but James Stephens did rally with two Molly Dunne pointed frees in first half stoppage time to reduce the deficit to three at the break (1-4 to 0-4).

James Stephens started the second half knowing that improvements were needed to get control of the match. For the opening 20 minutes of this half they largely dominated the contest, their physical strength starting to influence proceedings.

Scores were slow to come for them although two pointed frees from Molly Dunne (one from a 36th minute penalty) and a point from play by Emma Larkin drew them level by the 45th minute. Erin’s Own were under pressure to get the ball past midfield at this time but crucially never went behind during this period.

The sides traded points from Eilis Bollard (EO) and Molly Dunne (free) (JS) to keep the sides level entering the final five minutes. A vital point from play by Zara Renwick, who was bravely playing the match with an injury, put Erin’s Own back in front at this time and a follow up score by Katie Mullins three minutes later gave them a two-point advantage.

It was still all to play for as the game headed into stoppage time but a late Sarah O’Neill goal for Erin’s Own saw them emerge with a five-point advantage by the time referee Julian Dwyer sounded the final whistle.

For Erin’s Own, this caps a remarkable two years at under-14 level. This success, added to other successful teams at under-16 level, suggests a bright future for the club.

For James Stephens, this was a match that could have been won had a few breaks gone their way but they too have a bright future with this panel of players who have performed at a very high level throughout this year.

Erin’s Own - Amy Buggy; Molly Ryan Walsh, Heidi Buggy, Ellie Brennan; Lilly Dunne, Katie Mullins, Abigail Daly; Sarah O’Gorman, Sarah O’Neill; Eimear Brennan, Ciara Maguire, Zara Renwick; Doireann Byrne, Eilis Bollard, Mairead Ring.

Subs: Ella Clancy, Sarah Phelan, Amy Brennan, Anna Dunne, Roisin Brennan, Eimear O’Neill, Chloe Brennan, Taunya Mayo, Zoe Brennan, Zara Roche, Isibeal Owens, Liliana Wernicka, Niamh Whelan, Freya Coogan, Beatrice Meally, Aine O’Neill, Hannah O’Shea, Rachel Owens.

James Stephens - Mia Holden; Emma Lennon, Hannah Purcell, Mary Kate Parsons; Ellie Larkin, Molly Ann Phelan, Jasmine Timmons McEnaney; Molly Dunne, Ria Quinn; Brook Quirke, Ali McDonald, Abbie Minogue Lee; Katie Jane Murphy, Emma Larkin, Grace Manuel.

Subs: Caoimhe Quinn, Julie Ann Fitzpatrick, Katie Marie Murphy, Holly Kelly, Sarah Mulhall, Emly Quinn, Maya Prior.

Referee - Julian Dwyer (Windgap).