Victories for Kildare, Tyrone and Westmeath in Nancy Murray Cup

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ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GETS UNDERWAY – NANCY MURRAY CUP

A STRONG first half display powered Kildare, the reigning Division Four National League champions, to victory over Armagh in the opening round of the Gala All Ireland junior camogie championship (Nancy Murray Cup) in Celbridge on Saturday. The Lilywhite led by double scores at half time but the Ulster side came back at them in the new half, nonetheless the final scoreline of 2-13 to 2-7 was deserved.

Susie O’Carroll led the way for the winners with 0-9 while first half goals from Roisin O’Connell and Cliona McSweeney propelled the Leinster girls into a 2-10 to 1-5 interval lead. While Kildare were the dominant force in the first 30 minutes they didn’t quite get matters their own way in the second half with a more determined performance from the Orchard County that netted a Niamh McKeown goal. However, Kildare held out and remain on course for a possible championship/league double.

Elsewhere, Tyrone built on their positive league campaign to take the spoils away to Roscommon, 2-11 to 2-6 with no less than seven Tyrone players getting on the score sheet. Green flags from Maedbh McGurk and Emma McAliskey set the Red Hand County on their way with a pair of points each from Aisling Corr, Maria Jordan, Shauna Jordan and Emma Fitzgerald.

The Rossies had their stars too in Annette McGeeney and Clodagh Rodgers who along with Cait Kenny (0-4) were among their top scorers.

On Saturday evening at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow entertained Westmeath and after a ding-dong battle had to eventually give way on a 2-9 to 3-11 score. The home side led 0-7 to 1-2 at the short whistle with Valerie Crean on target with 0-6 but second half goals from Annette Heffernan, Deirdre O’Donovan and one at the death from Denise McGrath sealed victory for the Lake County.

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