Ulster matches reviewed & Poc Fada

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Down suffered a three point defeat at the hands of Waterford in the Gala Junior æNew Ireland Cup’ Championship.

Down manager Joe Baldwin was left wondering what could have been as his side was denied a goal, the referee signaling for a square-ball after Catherine McGourty’s long range effort hit the back of the net.

“”During the course of the game there are critical moments and two of them went against us on Saturday. In the lead up to their second goal there was a throw ball which wasn’t picked up and we we’re punished for a square ball despite no one else touching Catherine’s free.

“”It is disappointing to lose in that manner but there were other chances for us, we just didn’t take them. It all comes down to next week; it’s ædo or die’ camogie. The talent is in the panel, we just have to perform better if we are to progress,”” said Baldwin.

There was joy for both Tyrone and Armagh in the Gala Junior æNancy Murray Cup’ Championship. Both teams recorded victories and set up a possible all Ulster Semi-Final on the 8^th August.

Armagh sealed an emphatic two point victory over Westmeath in what was a winner takes all clash and it was the home side who struck first with Paula Mallon slotting coolly over the bar. Westmeath responded immediately, Andrea Martin levelling things up with a long range effort and a Joanne Walsh goal put the visitors in the driving seat.  Armagh found themselves with it all to do when Denise McGrath bagged a second goal, to give Westmeath an eight point lead at half-time. (Westmeath 2-5 vs 0-3 Armagh)

Armagh came out determined and confident that they could turn things around, Colette McSorley was very much the star of the show, her accuracy from the placed ball, as well as her skill to capitalise on the hard work of her teammates proved decisive. The sharp shooter scored 2-6 in the second-half to clinch a semi-final spot for the Orchard County.

“”We’re delighted to be in the semi-finals the girls showed great heart and character and showed what they’re capable of on Saturday especially in then second-half. There’s still a lot to work on but we have achieved what we set out to do by reaching the semi-finals,”” said Armagh manager Patsy MaGee.

Despite being at under strength, with only 16 players Tyrone claimed an impressive seven point victory over Kildare. Aisling Corr and Sinead O’Neill put in fine performances for the æRed Hands’ with Brenda Horsefield pulling off some great stops in goals.

Corr’s personal tally of 1.03 to helped to give Tyrone a four point lead at half-time, Tyrone’s defence battled well in the second-half, keeping Kildare to a single point. Tyrone’s hard work was rewarded once again when Sinead O’Neill added a goal and Catherine Hanna’s point set them up for the win.

“”We’re delighted to be in the semi-final, there’s a possibility that we’ll face Armagh but whoever we face, we’ll be going out for the win and if possible give a good account of ourselves in the process. The girl’s all battled hard against Kildare, it was a tough match and we were under strength but everyone stepped up to the challenge and we’re delighted we managed to come away with the result. Hopefully we’ll be back to full strength for the semi-final and we’ll be able to progress,”” said Tyrone captain Juile Lagan.

Derry’s Gala Intermediate æMcGrath Cup’ Championship clash with Clare was called off; the Oak Leafs will face Galway on the 8^th August for the chance to top the group.

Results:

Gala Junior æNew Ireland Cup’ Championship: Down 0-11 vs 2-8 Waterford

Gala Junior æNancy Murray Cup’ Championship: Tyrone 2-7 vs 1-3 Kildare, Armagh 2-9 vs 2-7 Westmeath

Poc Fada

Madden’s Laura McGuiness will represent Ulster in the All-Ireland Poc Fada series after she picked up the Ulster title on Saturday. McGuiness put in a fine performance to defeat last year’s champion Aidenne Mullan from Swatragh.

There was double joy for Derry as Swatragh teenager Shannon Kearney picked up the Ulster Under-16 Poc Fada crown. While Swatragh hurler Ruari Convery picked up the Senior Ulster Hurling Poc Fada title, he will now progress to the All-Ireland stage.

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