The 2012 Caman & Run All Ireland Camogie Finals competition is back!
This competition is open to all U14 & U16 Club sides so get practising your solo & handpass for this year’s relay race which will take place on All Ireland Finals Day on September 16th.
Click on the below to download a form and enter!
The venue was St Peregrine Park, Blakestown, Dublin and the opposition was the Laois and the winners were Down.
That is the all important outcome of last’s Saturday’s semi -final and the camogs now have a chance to enter the records books by claiming the county’s final All Ireland Junior title since 1991.
This game was always going to be a big hurdle for the girls to clear for many reasons much less the difficult under foot conditions both teams had to deal with throughout the match.
Captain Fionnuala Carr got the team off to the ideal start with a point within seconds of the throw in, but Laois replied with two fine points of their own before Fionnuala tied the game again with a convert free.
Laois enjoyed a period of domination when Eimear Delaney found the Down net and Sile Burke and Louise Mahony scored a point a piece.
(Down team ahead of the Premier Junior Semi-Final)
This seemed to spark the Down girls into life and points from Sara Louise Carr, Lisa McCrickard and the very industrious Laura Hughes. With territorial and possession Down really got to grips with the game and Fionnuala Carr added another couple of points to tie the match a 1-04 to 0-7.
Catherine Rocks and Emma McCormick dominated their wing half back positions and the Clonduff pairing of Lisa McPolin and Orla Maginn at mid field gave great ball into the attack. A great diagonal ball from Sara Louise Carr set Niamh Mallon in but when the ball was deflected away from her Fionnuala Carr was backing up to unleash a pile driver on the Laois goal. This brought the best out of Laura Dunne in the Laois goal but her save fell to Niamh Mallon who did not hesitate in driving an unstoppable shot to the net.
This was a real tonic for the troops and with an even greater bounce in their step Down drove forward again and again. Laura Hughes collected the ball in the left hand wing and found Niamh with a through ball and again the Portaferry ace found the net.
On the stroke of half time the same girls combined for Niamh score another point.
The many travelling supporters did not want the half to end as the Mourne girls were really on song but when the whistle sounded they had a healthy 2-08 to 1-04 lead.
So to the second where we could continue where we left of in the first half and safely secure our All Ireland final birth. Well the next thirty minutes of camogie will be remember for one astonishing fact and that is we did not add to our score. This was not the result of Laois enjoying complete domination of play as they only added a goal and a point to their tally but a mixture of reasons including continual stoppages due to the length of the grass neither team able to convert their opportunities from play or the many frees.
Both teams dug in deep and with the reliable Liatriom girls Grainne O’Higgins and Ciara McGovern and the outstanding Karen Tinnelly neutralising the best Laois attacks Down held on to the three point lead to join Ulster neighbours Derry in Headquarters on the 16th September.
Captain Fionnuala Carr described her emotions one of’ relief but mainly excitement’ as the management and squad had achieved their goal of being still in the hunt on the last day of the season in Croke Park.
‘It is what every camogie player dreams off, to be part of the season finale show piece in Croke Park. There are lots of aspects of today performance to analyse and improve on but we got the desired outcome. There is a great buss in Down camogie with the success of Minor team and our development squads and blitzes. The squad will get down to serious business of training and give ourselves the best possible chance of winning the final against Meath. We know the Camogie and GAA family in Down will be totally behind us and we aim not to disappoint.’
Team and scorers: Catriona McCrickard, Karen Tinnelly, Grainne O’Higgins, Ciara McGovern, Catherine Rocks, Lisa McCrickard (1pt), Emma McCormack, Lisa McPolin, Maria McNally, Catherine McGourty, Laura Hughes(1pt), Paula Gribben, Niamh Mallon (2-1) Fionnuala Carr(4pts), Sara-Louise Carr(1pt).
Subs: Claire McKenna, Brid McGourty, Karen Gribben, Nicola Braniff, Nicola O’Gorman, Orla Maginn for M McNally, Eimear Dynes, Orla McLogan, Karen McMullan for L Hughes, Kelly O’Higgins.
The increasing depth of camogie at inter-county level was confirmed once again at Donaghmore Ashbourne as Offaly played Derry in the U16B final, while Armagh and Westmeath faced off in the decider.
With Dublin having annexed the A title just a few weeks earlier, these final pairings confirmed the tremendous work being done at grassroots level throughout the country.
And it was Offaly and Westmeath who departed the Meath venue with the silverware, with the Faithful coming out on top of a high-scoring encounter 5-10 to 2-5, while the Lakesiders edged out Armagh 1-10 to 2-4.
Although it was double scores in the B final, Derry had a significant input into an entertaining clash. Newbridge starlet, Aimee Devlin plundered two goals and Lavey’s Aoife Shaw shot four points, two of which came from play.
It just wasn’t enough though against an Offaly team with a wide range of attacking talent however. Vice-captain, Christine Cleary scored 2-2, while Rachel Brennan also bagged two goals and added a point.
Lisa Gorman found the net as well and raised a white flag, while Mairéad Jennings from the famed Birr club slotted three frees in a five-point tally to confirm her side’s second success at this level.
Westmeath were pushed all the way to the wire by Armagh but Aoife Corcoran’s six-point contribution proved crucial as they repeated the championship glory achieved by the U16s of 2009. The Castletown Geoghegan ace converted four frees and a 45 to keep her side’s noses in front.
Jena McKeogh shot a vital goal too, while Nicola Judge (two points) and Caoimhe McCrossan played major parts in a hard-fought victory.
Hannah Gray was chief scorer for the gallant Orchard County girls, hitting a goal and three points from frees. Shannon Kelly poached a second goal, while Emma McGuigan raised a white flag but they needed one more goal and were unable to break down a resolute Westmeath rearguard for a third time.
Taken from www.camogie.ie
Catherine McGourty took a few minutes out from preparations for Down’s RTE All Ireland Premier Junior Championship Semi-Final clash with Laois to speak to Down Camogie on the mood in the Down camp and how she has prepared personally this season. Catherine is the vice-captain of the Down Junior team and is a very experienced and accomplished camogie player and sports person.
In the last year Catherine has returned home from teaching in Glasgow to St Columbanus’ College, Bangor. Today she shares her thoughts on sport, camogie and the big game on Saturday.
DC: Catherine how does it feel to be back home in Ireland and how has it impacted on your camogie?
Catherine: I enjoyed my time in Glasgow and I felt part of the community there, but I have to say I am really enjoying being back at home with more time to focus on my own game and get more involved with the sport.
DC: So your love of club and county camogie was a big factor in that decision?
Catherine: Absolutely, I have enjoyed playing many sports by nothing surpasses camogie and I am delighted to have more time for the game.
DC: Apart from playing at the top level for club and county have you got involved with any other aspects of camogie?
Catherine: Yes I have really enjoyed working with the county’s U14 Development Squads. There are a lot of girls with lots of talent in the county so the future is very bright.
DC: Who do you take your inspirations from Catherine?
Catherine: There are so many inspirational characters in camogie from coaches, managers and referees but I would have to say my favourite player is Jane Adams. She is has every skill and has the composure to make everything look easy, and nothing is a lost cause to her.
DC: Have you any other sporting favourites?
Catherine: I really admire Jessica Ennis the Olympic Champion heptathlon gold medallist. She has shown that she is the complete all round athlete and although I have never met from her interviews she comes across so humble and gracious. She is a true role model for both girls and boys.
DC: In a summer which we have enjoyed the sporting excellence of the Olympics what goals have you set yourself?
Catherine: Well personally I aim to be the best camogie player I can for the team. I work a lot on my fitness and ball skills
DC: What about free taking?
Catherine: Yes I spend a lot of time off season reviewing my technique to improve my consistency and during the season I work on consistency and making good decisions based on conditions.
DC: Back to your dreams, goals and ambitions. In terms of your teams what are your ambitions.
Catherine: At this moment the focus is completely on Saturday’s game with Laois and securing a place in the All Ireland Final in September. Then we must complete the job by winning the final and set Down back on course to be a senior county again.
For my club Ballycran I would dearly love to be part of a team to win an Ulster Club Championship and All Ireland. It would mean so much to everyone in Ballycran.
DC: Saturday, how is the mood in the camp?
Catherine: One of anticipation and expectation. We are working really hard and well together. There is 100% attendance at training and Alaster and Tom’s hard work and plans are really falling into place. So it is fair to say our confidence is high based on our commitment and hard work.
DC: So the earlier defeat to Laois has been put behind the team?
Catherine: Completely. As players we are facing up to our individual responsibilities and be part of a team which is determined to continue to move forward and get back to Croke Park.
DC: Is it fair to say lessons have been learned not only from games in the group stages but the bitter disappointment of the 2011 final.
Catherine: Totally. What does not kill you makes’ you stronger and the squad have growing as people as well as players. We are taking each game one at a time on our way to achieve what our County deserves, a successful day in Croke Park.
DC: So to your opponents on Saturday Laois. What do you know about them?
Catherine: They are a very well organised team with a few very dangerous players. Sara Cuddy and Laura Dunne were very handy in the group match but they are very strong in every position. We will be giving them our total respect.
DC: Catherine can the travelling Down support be optimistic for Saturday’s game?
Catherine: Yes we have improved greatly from the one point defeat earlier in the campaign. It will be a competitive close affair but the belief in this squad will see us through.
DC: So it is all systems go for Saturday?
Catherine: Yes we are determined.
DC: Thank you Catherine for giving an insight to you and the squad’s preparations for the match and behalf off everyone in Down the best of luck for Saturday.
Catherine: Thank you I will pass your wishes on to the squad, but before I go can I say good luck to the Derry and Armagh U16 teams in their All Ireland Finals.
DC: Yes Good Luck Down, Derry and Armagh.
Derry and Armagh are preparing for an Under U16 All-Ireland Final double header on Sunday in Ashbourne. In the B Final Derry will come against Offaly with the Orchard County girls playing against Westmeath.
Derry are preparing for their second of three All-Ireland Finals this year and the Oak Leaf County girls are confident of building on the successes on the pitch in 2012. With an All-Ireland Minor B title secured in April and the Seniors due to play in the Intermediate Final in Croke Park on 16th September, the U16’s will face Offaly in Donaghmore Ashbourne on Sunday at 3.15pm.
Derry selector Colette Darragh says the mood in the camp is positive even though they have fallen to Offaly in the group stages. ‘We played Offaly earlier this year and we got beat by four points however we never played to our potential. Hopefully it will be second time lucky and we believe we can do it. The Seniors and Minors going so well is great for Derry Camogie and it’s a credit to the work that is being done in the county. The clubs are doing great work and we are getting the benefits of it’.
Colette has said that there is also a great bond within the squad and that training is going well. ‘We have a good management team of Anne McNabb, Jimmy Mellon, Dypmna Duggan and Maura McCloy and the girls have been training really well. The girls are really focused and the morale in the squad is good. All the girls have come through the development squad system and play schools camogie together which has been a benefit when coming together. We are looking forward to the game’.
Armagh also goes into their Final with a path similar to Derry. Team manager Michael Murphy has said the Armagh girls are a tight knit bunch despite 10 clubs represented in the squad ‘Training has been good and the girls get on really well together. Many of the girls go to school together and that really helps the morale in the squad’.
On reflecting on their Semi-Final victory Michael reckons the hard fought victory will have prepared Armagh well. ‘We have had a tough game against Kerry in the Semi where we didn’t start the second half so well. Our backs were put under great pressure and our goalkeeper had a great game. We got through the tough patch and got some great goals from Aoibheann O’Hare to seal the victory. Westmeath had a big victory over Wicklow and they had a wide range of scorers and have a lot of good players so we will need to be prepared for the game’. Armagh v Westmeath throws in at 1.30pm
In line with the Camogie Associations underage development model, a focus of 2012 is the roll out of the under fifteen development programme. Full credit must be given to County Development Officer Victoria Donnelly for under taking the responsibility along with her many other duties.
With the Ards girls spending Friday night in Castlewellan to facilitate and early departure for the 11am throw in the squad and mentors set off on a great adventure.
The first game saw the girls take on the mighty Kilkenny Cats and we can consider ourselves to be very unlucky to lose by a single point. Our second game saw the Down girls really hit top form we every girl playing their part in a comfortable win over the Lily Whites from Kildare.
The final game was with the girls from the Banner County and our squad gave a really courageous and determined performance. Our girls lost by three goals to a very talented Clare side but a great time was had by all and it was great to see a Down squad take the field with the top counties in Ireland and record a win.
After the blitz it was off to Nowlan Park to watch the top camogie teams and players in Ireland contest the All Ireland Senior finals.
Reigning champions and favourites Wexford had a comfortable win over Offlay but the Cork Galway match was such a different affair. The game was tit for tat the whole way where the girls displayed the complete array of camogie skills, speed, fitness, team play, guts and determination with the Rebels coming out on top.
Niamh Brown from Clonduff commented ‘the girls are so fast and no one gets cross with the referee’, Beth Toner Ballygalget was amazed by ‘the way they can dummy and side step’ and Niamh McDowell Longstone ‘I love the way they pass the ball into space for their team mate to run on too’, were among the many positive observations made by the girls.
Derry Captain Gráinne McGoldrick is taking nothing for granted as the Oak Leaf girls face Tipperary this Sunday in the All-Ireland Intermediate Semi-Final Naomh Peregrine, Blakestown. Derry are the only undefeated team in the Intermediate Championship having won all three group games. Tipperary in contrast have drawn two games while emerging victorious twice in their five team group.
The two-time All-Ireland Club Intermediate winner with Eoghan Rua is however believes that as the Tipperary Senior team are out of their respective championship, this may boost their second string
‘With Tipperary Seniors out they can put their sole focus on the Intermediate team. Some of their Senior panel may be available for this game and we would also be cautious that some counties wouldn’t play their full teams in the group stages so we would need to be prepared. We are confident but not taking anything for granted’
Derry have actually been undefeated all year, winning both the National League Division II and also the NWP Recycling Ulster Championship and this bodes well as Derry aim to get over their Semi-Final hoodoo. Gráinne believes that Derry are better placed than ever to reach Croke Park on All-Ireland finals day.
‘We are happy with our performances this year, we have been undefeated all season but we have got to 5 consecutive Semi-Finals and never been more than a couple of points away. We seem to fall at the final hurdle and games have slipped out of our hands. We played Down earlier this year, they are a real good side and it was a real battle, they are a good side’.
We were 5 points behind at half time in extra time in the Ulster Semi-Final and the girls showed strength of character to keep plugging away and win the game. While the scoreline looked comfortable against Waterford it was a very tight game and we only pulled away in the last 10 minutes. We are confident going into the weekend and playing in All-Ireland Finals at Croke Park is something that all the girls are working towards’
While not looking past the Semi-Final, Gráinne believes that if Derry will be playing in Division I League then playing Senior Championship should also be there goal.
‘We want to reach the next level. If you are playing Division I league games then you want to be playing those teams in the Senior Championship. It would give camogie in Derry and Ulster a boost. It would mean a lot. Offaly beat us by 2 points in the Intermediate Semi-Final two years ago and are not in the Senior Semi so we take confidence from that, they are up there and competing and that’s what we should ultimately aim towards’.
Ulster Camogie wishes Derry all the best in their quest for All-Ireland glory
13 teams from 7 Ulster Counties took part in the Ulster U14 Blitz in Portaferry Co.Down on Saturday 11th August. The competition was held with four sections and graded to ensure that all Counties were competing at the appropriate level. Derry ran out winners in Sections A and B.
In Section C Tyrone emerged as winners defeating Cavan by one point and Monaghan were victorious in Section D with a one point victory over Cavan’s second selection. Congratulations to all counties who participated and thanks to hosts Portaferry and all the volunteers, coaches and players who ensured that the day was a success
Results below
Section A:
Antrim 1 v Derry 1 = 0.1 to 3.0
Down 1 v Antrim 1 = 0.4 to 1.1
Derry 1 v Down 1 = 2.5 to 0.0
Final
Derry 1 v Antrim 1 = 1.3 to 0.4
Section B:
Down 2 v Armagh 1 = 0.0 to 1.3
Antrim 2 v Derry 2 = 2.2 to 3.1
Down 2 v Antrim 2 = 3.1 to 2.1
Derry 2 v Armagh 1 = 0.0 to 2.2
Armagh 1 v Antrim 2 = 2.2 to 0.0
Down 2 v Derry 2 = 0.0 to 2.3
Final
Derry 2 v Armagh 1 = 0.3 to 0.2
Section C:
Tyrone 1 v Armagh 2 = 3.5 to 0.0
Armagh 2 v Cavan 1 = 1.0 to 3.5
Tyrone 1 v Cavan 1 = 0.3 to 1.3
Final
Tyrone 1 v Cavan 1 = 1.2 to 1.1
Section D:
Cavan 2 v Monaghan = 1.1 to 1.1
Tyrone 2 v Monaghan = 1.1 to 1.1
Tyrone 2 v Cavan 2 = 0.0 to 1.1
Final
Cavan 2 v Monaghan = 1.0 to 1.1
The Armagh girls made the long trip on Sunday to County Offaly to face their opponents Kerry in this All Ireland semi-final game. After the early start and long journey the girls arrived in O Connor Park in Tullamore and quickly got out to stretch their legs and get prepared for this their biggest game in their young camogie playing lives.
The Armagh management had worked extremely hard with this young bunch of girls and the county board made sure they got everything requested to aid them in their preparations. It was all down to the girls now. The match got started and it was clear from the throw in this was going to be a very physical game.
Kerry were first to score a point from play by Alana Maunsell in the opening minutes. There was many an attack and counter attack with both sides missing easy scores. This was very unsettling for the forwards, and scores that normally would have gone over were falling short, or going wide. Armagh’s Aoibheann O Hare blasted the sliothar over the bar to score Armagh’s 1st point in the 13th minute of play.. This set the ball in motion as fellow forward Emma McGuigan scored a brilliant point in the 14th minute. Aoibheann was back on target with a fantastic goal in the 23rd minute of the first half after she blasted through the Kerry defence and netted the ball in some style. She also scored a great free in the closing minute of the first half. This was a half of many wides in fact more wides than scores from both teams. With both having 5 wides each. It was getting very frustrating for the girls and their management. Nothing seemed to be going over for them. But thankfully Armagh were leading at half time by 1:3 to 1:0.
The second half started with the Kerry girls were determined to get ahead in this half. After tremendous pressure, they broke through the Armagh back line in the 4th minute and scored a gaol at point blank range. The Armagh keeper never stood a chance. Armagh still had plenty of fire in their bellies, and were taking nothing for granted. They dug deep, working hard together fending off the Kerry onslaught for over 15 minutes into the second half. It was them Armagh upped their game and after standing firm and handling everything the Kerry girls had thrown at them they decided it was their turn to attack and go for it. Once again Armagh were unlucky with many wides. But not to be put off the girls all cheered each other on and to keep trying and their lucky break came in the 22nd and 25th minutes of this half with super forward Aoibheann O Hare scoring two wonderful goals. What a time for this young girl to score a hat-trick, in an All-Ireland Semi-Final. It was touch and go for a long period before Aoibheann scored her two goals. And this match could have gone either way. But to their credit when their backs were against the wall these young Armagh camogs showed exactly what they were made off. Hanna Gray surged forward and brilliantly pointed the ball in the 28th minute to seal the win for Armagh booking them their place in this year’s final. Kerry try as they might just were not able to come back as Armagh were now in full flight protecting their lead at all costs. The final whistle blew and Armagh where ecstatic to have won this game.
Fulltime score line: Armagh 3:4 Kerry 2:0
Congratulations to every involved with this Armagh team. We wish you all the very best in your final against Westmeath on Sunday August 26th.
ULSTER MINOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP FINAL
DOWN 2-12 (18) ANTRIM 1-6 (9)
The Down Minor Camogie team are 2012 Ulster Champions after an emphatic win over Antrim in Ballygalget on Thursday 1st August. The conditions in Ballygalget were perfect for a fast flowing game of Camogie and both teams did not disappoint the supporters. Down did not waste any time exerting their authority on the pitch, and Niamh Mallon’s penetrating runs down the left wing put the Antrim defence under immense pressure. Niamh was rewarded with two frees which she duly converted, to put Down two points up. However Antrim full forward Orla Donnelly put the visitors in front with a well taken goal. Antrim’s left half forward, Orla O’Hara was also causing problems for Down, however after a few positional changes the Down defence began to find their shape and were quick to close down the Antrim attack.
The Down strategy of attacking down the wings was beginning to have an impact and it was their captain Niamh Mallon, who led the charge, scoring another three points from acute angles and also setting up Brid McGourty for a finely taken point. Antrim continued to run at the Down defence however, the experience of Down full back Eimer Dynes, ensured that the back line kept their composure. Orlagh McLogan provided a safe pair of hands in goal and this gave the team the confidence to push forward and keep the pressure on Antrim. Down were duly rewarded with a well taken goal from corner forward Aislinn MacFarlane, who was quick to pick up a breaking ball on the 20 and bury the ball in the back of the net. Four further points from Niamh Mallon, (three from frees) meant that Down lead at the interval by 1:10 to 1:03.
The second half started at a blistering pace and it was Antrim who were first to register a score with a finely taken point from Eimer Byrne, however the Down defence remained resolute and were very effective in quelling the Antrim attack. Caitlin MaCartan, who was marking Antrim’s star player Ursula McCotter, was outstanding, supported by Nicola O’Gorman and Eimer Dynes. Down’s half back line were kept very busy in the second half as Antrim brought on some of their u16 stars, Ainne Mullholland, and Niamh Adams to bolster their attack.
However the experience of senior county star Catherine Rocks, and work rate of Olivia Boyle, and Nuala Carville meant that Antrim were only able to score three points in the second half. Down’s midfield dynamo, Aoife Keown, who gave a player of the match performance partnered with Aiimee MacAleenan, continued to dominate possession and this provided the foundation for further scores from Niamh Mallon. Antrim continued to keep the pressure on however when Down forward Deirbhile Savage, rattled the back of the net with an outstanding goal, Antrim hearts sank as they conceded defeat. When the final whistle blew, there were ecstatic scenes in the Ards peninsula. This was a historic day for Down Camogie and the result of a lot of hard work. Down were worthy winners of the Ulster title and having disposed of Derry and Antrim. This victory comes on the back of an All-Ireland title earlier in the year, and means that the players join a very exclusive club, with honours at both provincial and all Ireland level, and bodes very well for the future of Camogie in Down.
Down
Orlagh McLogan, Clare Cleland, Eimear Dynes, Caitlin McCartan, Nicola O’Gorman, Olivia Boyle, Catherine Rocks, Aoife Keown, Aimee McAleenan, Monica McKay, Brid McGourty (0-1), Maria Higgins, Aislinn McFarland (1-0), Niamh Mallon (Capt) (0-11 6f), Deirbhile Savage (1-0)
Subs:
Amey Coulter (on for Nicola O’Gorman), Mary-Claire Grant, Shauna O’Neill, Anna Rogan (on for Monica McKay), Ciara Gibson, Clare McGilligan (on for Maria Higgins), Danielle McCourt, Deirdre McCabe, Elizabeth Wilson, Niamh Hazard, Niamh Rogers, Nuala Carvill (on for Clare Cleland) Rhea Smyth
ANTRIM-D. McMichael, C. Boyle, L. Elliot, S. Woulahan, C. Patterson (CAPT), K. Donnelly, E. McGarry, B. McCaughan, L. McNaughton, E. Byrne, S. Cosgrove, O. O’Hara, M. Lofthouse, O. Donnelly, U. McCotter.
Scorers: O. Donnelly 1-0 M. Lofthouse 0-01, U. McCotter 0-01, E. Byrne 0-01, O. O’Hara 0-01(f) K. Donnelly 0-01. S. Cosgrove 0-01
