Camogie round up – minor finals and Gala All Ireland junior semi-finals

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KILKENNY’S five goals at Semple Stadium on Saturday helped them to an incredible four-in-a-row All Ireland minor camogie titles when they prevailed over Clare, 5-10 to 3-8. This was a repeat of the 2008 final, and while the Banner were stunned by the strength of the champions in the opening half when they struck for the five majors, the Clare girls fought back gamely.

The Cats led 5-5 to 1-4 at the break with æPlayer of the Match’ Denise Gaule the driving force as they went on to produce arguably their best performance of the season. They led 1-1 before Gaule rifled home a goal from a free that almost dashed Clare’s hopes there and then. However, Sh¾nagh Enright cut the margin with a fine goal inside the first quarter. But, their joy was short lived as Kilkenny dominated once again.

Goals from Gaule (two), Claire Phelan (two) and Michelle Farrell put their side into an unassailable lead at the break, 5-5 to 1-4. The Black and Amber were storming along but Clare will take heart from their second 30 minutes when they held the Cats to just five points while adding 2-4 themselves – the brace of goals coming from the sticks of R¾isÝn McMahon and R¾isÝn O’Brien.

Elsewhere the pairings for the Gala All Ireland junior championship – New Ireland Cup – are Waterford and Offaly. The Faithful County are back again in Croke Park following last season’s dramatic loss to Clare, whilst Waterford are breaking new ground and this will be a first final appearance in headquarters on September 13 for the DÚise.

Waterford overcame Laois (1-13 to 1-7) in Nowlan Park. A goal from Grainne Kenneally early in the game provided the platform for this triumph. Mention too must go to minor Shauna Kiernan who contributed handsomely after being called in as a late