Louth Camogie: St. Bride’s triumph once more to clinch four in row

Senior Camogie Final 2023

St Brides 3-3

St Kevins 1-8 

St. Bride’s and St. Kevin’s clashed in a dramatic Louth Senior Camogie final at John Markey Park, Ballygassan, which saw the Knockbridge side getting revenge for their league final defeat to the same opponents, following this nail-biting victory of 3-3 (12) to 1-8 (11), earning them the cherished Fr. Soraghan Cup for a fourth year in a row.

The final was a wonderful advertisement for Louth camogie, with both sides displaying skill, and panache in equal measure.

The fact that both sides include players who also line out for their respective football sides, also offers an insight into the level of dedication and commitment shown, with the Kevins including dual stars such as the Maguire sisters, Aoife Gregory, Rinky Kelly, Louth football panellist Katie Mathews, Lucy Sheridan, to name a few.

The Brides team included dual players Daire & Caoimhe Hoey, Orla McGeeney, while forward Cara McKeever is a key member of the Clan na Gael ladies side. 

The fixture ignited with St. Kevin’s Lily Carter drawing first blood, notching the opening point. Yet, St. Bride’s retaliated fiercely with consecutive goals from the excellent Sarah Fagan, laying down their championship intent. The first half was a tug-of-war with points flying over from both ends, Leah Cunningham of St. Kevin’s being particularly instrumental. The half-time whistle blew with St. Bride's holding a slender lead of 2-1 (7) to 0-5 (5).

As the second act of this drama unfolded, St. Kevin’s showcased a blend of grit and finesse. Their highlight of the match arrived when Aoife Gregory found the net from a stunning free minutes before the final whistle, sending a ripple of hope through the St. Kevin’s camp. Yet, St. Bride’s responded with a decisive goal through Cara McKeever, showcasing their tenacity and resolve. 

Tactical tweaks from St. Kevin’s, including Gemma Murray and Aisling Maguire, bore fruit as both replacements found their names on the score sheet. St. Bride’s bulwark of defence held firm. A defence of Niamh Dunne, Niamh McGeeney, Lorraine McNicholl, and Leah Cunningham were anchored by the defensive spine which contained sisters Caoimhe and Daire Hoey, all intercepting numerous goal-bound ventures from St. Kevin's, who logged a total of 11 shots on goal.

With the dust clearing, the Fr. Soraghan Cup was raised high by captain Mairead McMahon following a presentation from Louth Camogie Chairperson Martha Reilly. The Player of the Match distinction was deservedly granted to Rebecca Mooney, whose gallant effort was instrumental in St. Bride’s triumph.

The curtains came down on a scintillating Louth Senior Camogie final as St. Bride's battled valiantly to fend off a tenacious St. Kevin's side in a thrilling county final. This clash was more than just a championship duel; it was a quest for revenge, with St. Bride’s looking to settle scores following their earlier defeat to St. Kevin's in the 2023 league at Stabannon. The hard-fought contest saw St. Bride’s emerging victorious, clinching the championship title with a thrilling finish of 3-3 (12) to 1-8 (11).

St Kevins: Sarah King; Niamh Murray, Rioghnach (Rinky) Kelly, Julie Guinan; Katie Matthews, Niamh Matthews, Mary Taaffe, Aoife Gregory (1-0), Leah Cunningham (0-3); Roisin Maguire (0-1), Courtney Dowling, Paula Murray (0-1); Lucy Sheridan, Lily Carter (0-1), Claragh Cunningham. 

Subs: Carol Ann Logue for Mary Taaffe, Gemma Murray (0-1) for Courtney Dowling, Jessica Leonard for Paula Murray, Aisling Maguire (0-1) for Leah Cunningham. 

Panel: Lauren Gregory, Mary Lynch, Caoimhe Cunningham, Aine Byrne, Eleanor Smyth, Deborah Arthur, Anna Johnson. 

St. Brides: Mairead McMahon; Deirdre Dunne, Caoimhe Hoey, Niamh McGeeney; Niamh Cunningham, Daire Hoey, Lorraine McNicholl; Sinead Hughes, Orla McGeeney; Claire Ward, Antoinette Power (0-1), Rebecca Mooney; Sarah Fagan (2-0), Ann Quigley, Cara McKeever (1-2). 

Panel: Karen Shields, Michelle Duffy, Aoife Lawrence, Kim Poole, Ella Poole, Sarah McArdle, Rebecca Fox, Orla Cunningham, Karen Cunningham, Roisin Soraghan, Lily Fagan, Ella Wynne, Aimee McNally.