A resolute Kildare unit recovered from an uncertain start to end a 20-year famine at the top level by winning the Gala All-Ireland junior A final in Ashbourne by 3-10 to 2-8 against Armagh
A goal from super sub Louise Walsh in the dying minutes meant the president of the Camogie Association, Joan O’Flynn – a former chairperson of the Kildare board – was in the happy position of presenting the Nancy Murray Cup to Niamh Breen.
A long time resident of the Short Grass, O’Flynn has certainly brought good luck to the counties she is connected with, the Cork native having had the pleasure of presenting the O’Duffy Cup for the senior championship to Rebels skipper Amanda O’Regan last year.
She will have undoubtedly had a lot of sympathy for Armagh though, as the Orchard representatives had also lost last year’s decider to Roscommon, after a replay.
For long stages in this encounter, they looked like they would go one step further this time but it wasn’t to be as Walsh followed up on a 50th minute goal from Mary Murtagh goal to stun the Ulster girls.
A couple of goals in the opening quarter from Andrea McAlinden and Joanne Mallon pushed Armagh into a six point lead but with the brilliant R¾isÝn O’Connell contributing three of her four points from play and Orla Mullally goaling from close range, the Lilies trailed by just 2-5 to 1-6 at the interval.
McAlinden almost snatched a second goal but she was denied by a smart save from Kildare custodian, Brid Byrne.
Despite the promptings of Carol Nolan, Clodagh Flanagan, Siobhßn Hurley and Ciara Tallon, Kildare were finding it difficult to break down Armagh, for whom Colette McSorley was unerring from frees.
Then came Murtagh’s goal from 40m after Catherine Toner lost sight of the sliotar in the sun and suddenly Kildare had the lead. When Walsh found the net with time running out, the celebrations could begin.
Derry’s superior goal threat was the key as they took the honours in the All-Ireland minor B final with a 3-10 to 0-9 victory over Antrim.
A Mary Jo McCullagh goal, after good work from Danielle McCrystal and Ailish Cassidy, helped the Oak Leaf girls lead by 1-6 to 0-5 at half time, while Mary Kelly and Grßinne McNicholl raised green flags after the resumption.
Despite the 10-point margin, the champions could thank the brilliance of goalkeeper Niamh McQuillan however for their success. The netminder made three brilliant saves from Samantha McKillen, Anna Devlin and Rebecca Walsh and was named player of the match.
Aimee McAtanney tried to keep Antrim in touch from placed balls but with Karen Kielt, sister of senior football star James, doing likewise and McQuillan unbeatable, it was Derry’s day.
For all the latest results see www.sportsmanager.ie/cake/camogie/Ireland/latestResults.
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