Myshall and Four Roads came through two well-contested semi-finals to secure a face-off for the All-Ireland junior camogie title on Sunday week.
The Carlow side used the experience of losing last year’s semi-final in London to Tara as a motivating factor,coming out on top in a cracking encounter against Truagh/Clonlara at Dr Cullen Park on a 3-10 to 0-11 scoreline.
Myshall produced a strong all-round performance against the Clare champions and received a tremendous boost when Ciara Quirke’s 50m free flew all the way to the net in the 17th minute. Olivia Jordan found the net five minutes later and that gave the winners a seven-point advantage at the interval, leading 2-7 to 0-6.
Truagh/Clonlara had some outstanding contributors to their cause in Cathy Halley, Helen Guinane and Michelle Caulfield but were much too reliant on Aileen O’Sullivan for scores, the sharpshooter registering eight of her side’s points.
The Leinster representatives had a much better all-round threat and a brilliant goal from Kate Nolan nine minutes from time, after a strong solo run, sealed the verdict.
One particularly noteworthy performance was that of 48-year-old Nuala Quirke, who scored two points for the winners as she lined up alongside her two daughters, Ciara and Niamh.
The clash between Four Roads and Tara was not as high-scoring but it was intriguing nonetheless, with the result in doubt right up to the end.
The home side got off to a dream start in Ballyforan as Lizzie Glennon Tully, who captained the side to All-Ireland success two years ago, goaled in the seventh minute. Cáit Kenny finished five points and she was heavily influential as the Roscommon side led by 1-6 to 0-2 at half time.
Last year’s beaten finalists weren’t going to yield easily though and Elaine Burke was in stunning form, scoring 1-2 as Tara reduced the margin to a goal entering the closing stages. Gráinne Egan pounced for a 58th minute goal to decide the matter though, 2-8 to 1-5.
