Birr under 15 camogie girls reach Feile Division 4 final

BIRR U-15 Feile squad travelled a five hour journey to Portaferry in Co. Down last weekend to participate in the John West Div. 4 Feile, following weeks of preparations on and off the pitch. Parents of the girls undertook fundraisers ranging from bag packing, table quiz, auction and cake sale as well as generous donations from sponsors.

They headed off on Friday afternoon to Newry to break the journey and made the rest of the way on Saturday morning complete with a ferry crossing to Portaferry.

The girls were in great spirits, despite missing two of their players, Dara Delaney was out with a break sustained in a previous game and Bronagh Mulrooney remains in hospital through illness.

The girls were drawn in a group with hosts Portaferry of Down, Tir na nOg from Armagh and Clough Ballacolla of Laois.

They got off to a flying start against Portaferry in the opening game. Katelyn Canham hit three points and went in at half time 0-3 to 0-1 up.

They continued to push on in the second half, with each girl playing their part and ran out winners on a scoreline of 0-6 to 0-2.

Next up was Tir na nOg and this was a more stern test. A very strong wind meant that it was always going to be a game of two halves. Tir na nOg had the wind in the first half and despite some outstanding saves by Keeley Byrne in the goal, they took advantage of the wind and went 2-1 to 0-3 up at half time. The Birr girls didn't lie down though and came back very strongly in the second half, scoring 2-1 in reply. A great contest ended in a draw Birr 2-4, Tir na nOg 3-1

As the sun began to shine down, Birr took on Clough Ballacolla in the final group game. The girls were beginning to tire at this stage but didn't let that get to them. The backs worked tirelessly in the first half to break down many attacks from the opposition and the score at half time was 0-3 to 0-1 to Clough Ballacolla. Birr began the second half very well with two good scores, however a goal from Clough Ballacolla gave them momentum and they ran out as winners on a scoreline of 1-5 to 0-3

Birr's best performance of the day came in the semi-final against Trim. Each girl knew their job and stuck to their task throughout. In a very even contest, Birr led at the break a goal to no score. Again the second half was very evenly matched until Katelyn Canham struck the ball to the net. Birr kicked on to win 2-2 to 0-2.

In the final they met Clough Ballacolla for the second time. Again a strong breeze pervailed. and both sides were quite tired at this stage so it was always going to be close. Birr had the wind in the first half and were very unlucky with some chances. The score at half time was 1-1 to 0-1 in favour of Clough Ballacolla. Mollie KIng going off injured was a blow to the Birr girls. However they continued to give it their all, but ended up losing on a scoreline of Birr 0-1 to 1-5.

They arrived back in Birr in the small hours of Sunday morning, girls and parents alike tired, but delighted with all performances and memories that will last a lifetime.

Thanks to the mentors who include Tadgh Mulrooney, Teresa Wynne, Ian King, Orlagh Kirwan and Emmet Scully

Thanks also to their sponsors, Delaney Agri, King Recovery, Birr Lions Club, Kellys Bar, The Villa Cafe, JMC Construction, EJ Foundry, Peter & Shona Canham, LCC Clothing, Grant Engineering, Derek & Denise Kelly, Butlers Haven Pharmacy.

Best wishes to the girls Dara, Mollie and Bronagh for speedy recovery.