Celebrations in west Tipperary as Kickhams win county camogie crown

Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams 1-7 Silvermines 1-6

The first half of this FBD Insurance County Minor B Camogie Championship final played at Borris-Ileigh on a cold but dry day on Sunday last was a very close, physical encounter, with freetakers Ruby Kelly for Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams and Maeve Cuneen for Silvermines exchanging points.

Ellen Browne put Knockavilla a point up at half-time with a point from play.

Una Ryan was dominating exchanges at midfield for Silvermines but Kickhams had a very determined and tight defence.

However, Maeve Cuneen was also causing difficulties on the wing for Kickhams.

The second half was a more open, end-to-end affair, especially the final quarter, which was very tense, with the sides always within two points of each other.

Kickhams elected Sarah Ryan to mark Maeve Cuneen in the second half and the duo had a great battle.

There were two major turning points in the second half. The first was a Kellie O’ Dwyer solo goal that gave the “Mines” the lead, having trailed for much of the match.

However, a Clara Horgan goal, two minutes into injury time for Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams gave them a late lead that they held to the final whistle.

Well done to both sides for serving up a great game in sticky December conditions.

Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams: Aine Leahy, Orla Gleeson, Jessie Collins, Clara Horgan, Aoife White, Sarah Ryan, Niamh Buckley, Emma Kingston, Mary Ellen Holmes, Ellen Browne, captain; Jade Collins, Millie Kelly, Ruby Kelly, Saoirse O’Dwyer, Niamh Hayes.

Silvermines: Caoimhe Delaney, Ruth Maher, Molly Ryan, Emer Moroney, Kathie Ryan, Maeve Steed, Robyn O’Dwyer, Phoebe Sage, Una Ryan, Maeve Cuneen, Jane Ryan, Aoife Ryan, Ciara Ryan, Kellie O’ Dwyer, Ella Bailey.