Kildare Under 16A Camogie Championship final

(i) Under 16A Camogie – championship final

Naas 3-1 Celbridge 1-0

Naas made history last Friday night (4^th April) when a victory over Celbridge secured them their first county under 16A title. Both of these clubs devote a lot of attention to nurturing young players in the skills of camogie. This was evident in a game where Naas led from the start and showed determination and outstanding ability on the ball and in the tackle.

Naas got a great start when Cliodhna McSweeney goaled from a 14m free in the early stages of the game. The æspine’ of the Naas team were exceptional in their ball skills. Niamh Burke in goal, Amy O’Hara at full and Roisin Kane were equal to any threats posed by Celbridge’s Sinead Cummins, Nimah Berry and the O’Sullivan twins, Clare and Fiona. 

Naas midfielders Fiona Trant and Aoife Caulfied (0-1), and McSweeney at centre forward (and later dominant at centre back) ensured an endless supply of good quality ball to their forwards. Here, Noeleen Fleming at full forward and Rachel Phelan were giving the Celbridge backs plenty defensive work. Phelan can be particularly pleased with her two goals in the second half which put the result beyond any doubt.

On the night the Celbridge backs saw more of the ball than they would have liked. Along with the midfielders, Sinead McCabe, Katie Devine, Sophie O’Donoghue, Alison McCarthy and particularly Aoife O’Brien work worked tirelessly throughout. The latter was rewarded with a deserved goal just before referee Kevin Brady blew the final whistle.

This Naas team are no strangers to success having represented Kildare in the All Ireland Camogie Feile two years ago. The management team of Noeleen Fleming, Dom McSweeney and Sandra O’Hara were delighted with their charges. Celbridge on the other hand will look to build on the experience of this young side, some of whom are eligible for under 16 for a further two years.

Colm Hoban, County Board Chairperson and George and Molly Bagnall presented the Lorraine Bagnall Memorial Cup to a delighted Naas captain Aoife Donner.

Naas: Niamh Burke, Ciara O’Hara, Amy O’Hara, Nessa Cassidy, Aoife Donner, Roisin Kane, Fiona Trant, Aoife Caulfield (0-1), Rachel Phelan (2-0), Cliodhna McSweeney (1-0f), Ciara O’Connor, Ellen Tate, Noeleen Fleming, Ciara Woulfe. Subs: Maria Bergin, Ciara Browne, Julia Ann McNally.

Celbridge: Aisling Slevin, Sinead McCabe, Sophie O’Donoghue, Caoimhe O’Shaughnessy, Katie Devine, Fiona O’Sullivan, Alison McCarthy, Aoife O’Brien (1-0), Clare O’Sullivan, Niamh Berry, Nicole McDonagh, Aisling O’Halloran, Bronagh Murphy, Sinead Cummins, Aoife Mulle. Subs: Erica McClorey for Caoimhe O’Shaughnessy, Rachel Gavin for Bronagh Murphy, Stephanie O’Dowd for Aoife Mullen, Niamh Rosney for Aisling O’Halloran.

Referee: Kevin Brady

(ii) Intermediate League

Naas 1-6 Rathcoffey 1-1

Naas continue to make excellent progress in the Intermediate league. With both teams competing at this level for the first time in a re-structured Intermediate league, they overcame a competitive Rathcoffey recently. Great skills by both sides made for a very enjoyable and exciting game to watch. 

Rathcoffey were on the score sheet first with a point from Tanya Johnston.  While this point seemed to settle Rathcoffey and they created several opportunities thereafter, Naas were excellent in defence. Some fine saves by the young Naas goal keeper Niamh Burke kept Rathcoffey at bay until close to half time when they scored a goal. 

In the second half Naas’ efforts were clear from the start. A long ball sent in by Cliondhna McSweeney soared over the bar registering their first score of the game.  This was soon followed by a second from McSweeney.  Naas were now back in the hunt and kept  the pressure on Rathcoffey  Naas  got a break and Aoife Caulfield got their third point.  Naas equalised with a hat trick of points, again from the prolific Cliodhna McSweeney.  Time was running out and with five minutes to go McSweeney found the back of the net to make certain of the result..

Amy Moran, the Sheehan sisters and player of the game Amy O’Hara as well as the above mentioned players were outstanding for Naas.

Naas: Niamh Burke, Sue Mahon, Joan Daly, Nicola Gibbons, Amy O’Hara, Liz Fay, Sarah Sheehan, Rebecca Sheehan, Liz Graham, Amy Moran, Clionadh McSweeney (1-5), Shona Fagan, Leah Finnerty, Annalee Murphy, and Sinead Keogh. Subs: Fiona Trant for Nicola Gibbons, Aoife Caulfield (0-1) for Annalee Murphy, Noeleen Fleming for Shona Fagan, Roisin Kane for Joan Daly, Nessa Cassidy and Aislinn Russell.

(iii) U12 Camogie Division 3 League- 1st round
 
Celbridge 1-0 Naas 0-00
The tremendous work in developing underage camogie in Celbridge and Naas was evident last Thursday night (3^rd April) when both clubs fielded second teams in the Division 3 of the under 12 Camogie league. Both clubs also field teams in Division 1 of the under 12 league.

With thirteen players this was a closely fought encounter. At the final whistle,  Aoife Galvin’s goal in the opening minutes of the match for Celbridge separated the sides. Both teams worked hard throughout the game and were unlucky to miss a number of close scoring chances.

Megan Campion, Aine Conway and Roisin O Hara were outstanding for Naas while the Celbridge backs were excellent throughout. Both teams include young talent who never stopped competing throughout the game.

Celbridge panel: Jane Staunton, Daina Hosty, Shaun O’Grady, Aideen Doddy, Stephie Moore, Hannah Quinn, Gemma Berry, Holly Long, Niamh O’Halloran, Aoife Galvin (1-0), Rebecca Williams, Roisin Doyle, Zara O’Brien, Sinead Lee

Naas panel: Ellen Forde, Aoife McGarry, Roisin O Hara, Aisling Kelly, Ornaith Mahon, Alix Kirwan, Elaine Mc Cullagh, Claire Kavanagh, Lorna Bergin, Bronagh Bergin, Emer Hegarty, Aine Conway, Blaithnaid Curless, Eve O Callaghan, Tara Breen, Kelly Doolan, Megan Campion, Siobhan Delaney, Katie Kellaghan, Ailbhe Cassidy.

Joan O’Flynn, PRO.

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