Just a week after the concession of goals almost cost Clare the All-Ireland senior hurling title, two Banner County clubs absorbed the lesson and took the major honours as a result at the 40th Daintree Paper Kilmacud Crokes 7s camogie championship writes Daragh Ó Conchúir.
Kilmaley edged out Wexford side St Ibar’s by 3-5 to 1-9, with Emma O’Driscoll bagging two goals. Aida Griffey hit the third and added a point, while inter-county sharpshooter Claire McMahon slotted three points. Denise Lynch struck the other minor.
Kate Kelly was the driving force for St Ibar’s, with the Wexford legend hitting eight points, while her long-time team-mate with the Yellowbellies Michelle Hearne notched up the remaining 1-1.
There was some consolation for Kelly as she was named player of the tournament.
Scariff made it a double for Clare by winning the Shield final on what was their first trip to this annual event.
They overcame Four Roads of Roscommon by 4-4 to 1-10. It was something of a family affair for the winners, as they were managed by Michael Rogers, whose wife Marian (O’Brien) was the two-goal heroine. Marian’s sister, Gina was also in action.
Sarah O’Donnell and Mairéad Scanlon scored the other crucial goals for Scariff, while Susan Vaughan (0-2), Regina O’Brien (0-1) and Danielle Sheedy (0-1) were also on target.
Sinéad O’Brien led the resistance for Four Roads, shooting eight points. Gillian Dicy hit 1-1 and Lizzie Glennon Tully fired the other point but their inability to keep it tight at the back proved costly.
Ballygalget were also competing for the first time and their ambition was rewarded with a 3-4 to 0-3 win over Offaly outfit, St Cillian’s. Colleen Clark was the chief scoregetter for the Down crew, with 202, while Claire Coulter hit the remaining 1-2.
Rachel Brennan scored two points for St Cillian’s, while Aisling Brennan got the other one.
The Poc Fada crown also went to Down, with county player Catherine McGourty of Ballycran taking the honours, while Lisa Bolger, from St Martin’s in Wexford was the Wall Ball winner.
