Ulster GAA and Ulster Camogie have launched their respective Championships together at the new Queen’s Pavilion in Belfast.

Players and Managers from both codes were in high demand at the media launch which announced the fixtures and new reduced pricing structures for Ulster Championships 2012.

Speaking about the NWP Ulster Camogie Championship, Ulster Camogie Chairperson Kathleen Woods said, “The league this year has been an amazing window of opportunity for the Ulster ladies.  Derry have led the way by winning their section of the league and taking Ulster back to playing with the big girls.  We have our Ulster Division One side.  The Ulster Camogs are definitely making their way up through the ranks.

“I look forward to a very exciting and wonderful Ulster Championship with the finals to be held on June 17th at Casement Park. We thank NWP Recycling for their continued sponsorship for our Championships.

Speaking at the launch Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “The hurlers of Armagh and Derry will open the Ulster Hurling Championship on Sunday 17^th June at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, and it’s sure to be a game of passion and glory, and the start of an exciting Championship.

“None of us can deny that Antrim is the side to beat as they go for their 11-in-a-row Ulster title, however I am confident that the other three competing counties are up for causing an upset.

“Hurling in Ulster has been strengthened in recent times with the introduction to the Tain Club League, last weekend’s success of Ulster Counties in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.   And Donegal’s participation in this year’s Ulster Minor Hurling championship proves that Hurling is on the up in Ulster and we hope the Ulster Championship will inspire young people to take up the hurl.”

Photo 1 L-R Siobhan McKenna (Monaghan), Rosie Crowe (Cavan), Bernie Murray (Armagh) Caolan Woods (NWP Recycling), Kathleen Woods (Ulster Camogie Chair)  Sinead Cassidy, Grainne McGoldrick (Derry) Catherine McGourty (Down) Front- Aisling Corr (Tyrone), Rachael Merry (Armagh) Meabh Laverty (Antrim) Claire Garvey (Armagh), Aisling Jackson (Antrim)

Photo 2 L-R Joe Baldwin (Antrim), Tom Walsh (Cavan), Alastair McGilligan (Down) Chris Heaney (Tyrone) Front- John A Mullan (Derry) Benny Brunton (Armagh) Malachy Trainor (Monaghan)

]]> http://www.ulstercamogie.ie/2012/05/ulster-launch-camogie-hurling-championships/feed/ 0 http://www.ulstercamogie.ie/2012/05/impressive-derry-power-to-national-league-title/ http://www.ulstercamogie.ie/2012/05/impressive-derry-power-to-national-league-title/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 10:11:26 +0000 ciaran http://www.ulstercamogie.ie/?p=614 Derry confirmed their increasing profile on the camogie scene when annexing the Irish Daily Star League Division 2 title for only the second time in their history with a resounding 2-11 to 0-6 victory over Meath.

The Oak Leaf contingent’s previous success arrived in 1999 but they appear well placed to make a stronger bid to break into the top tier, with Eoghan Rua’s two All-Ireland intermediate club titles in a row proving that camogie is reaching a higher plane in the county.

Meath have made their own giant strides in recent years, reaching the Division 3 final in 2010 and coming back last year to snatch a one-point victory in the decider over Kildare.

In that context, appearing in the Division 2 final this time around with a 100% return from their four Group 2 outings was an outstanding achievement.

However, despite the excellence of Jane Dolan, who finished with five of their six points, they had no answer to the impressive firepower that propelled Derry to five-out-of-five wins in Group 1, and a plus 68-point point differential in the process.

Karen Kielt and Gráinne McGoldrick have been amongst the chief architects of that run and player of the match Kielt recorded 1-3, while McGoldrick notched up five points.

With Katie McCauley providing a significant contribution of 1-2, Meath were unable to stem the flow of scores from difference sources, while overly-reliant on Dolan at the other end.

An Edel Guy point did give the Royals a 0-3 to 0-2 lead and Lizzie Lynch had a goal chance soon afterwards but Derry goalkeeper, Claire O’Kane made a vital save.

With Gráinne McNicholl and Aileen McCusker getting on top at midfield, the supply to Derry’s big guns improved. Kielt struck for her goal but with 11 wides in the first half alone, the Ulster girls managed to keep Meath in the game at half time, with just five points between the teams.

McGoldrick, Kielt and Sinéad Cassidy did manage to raise more white flags in the second half but O’Kane was called upon again to make another excellent save from Sinéad Hackett.

McAuley pounced for Derry’s second goal late on to seal the verdict.

Scorers – Derry: K Kielt 1-3; G McGoldrick 0-5; K McCauley 1-2, S Cassidy 0-1

Meath: J Dolan 0-5, E Guy 0-1

The Munster champions were not short of opportunities themselves and might have rattled their conquerors had they been more clinical with the goal chances they created.

They failed to raise the green flag though and in truth, there could be no argument about the merit of Down’s success, as they held most of the aces throughout the hour.

Down got the scoring under way with a point from Brid McGourty but Kerry responded well with a couple of points from Sarah Murphy. Both sides had goal opportunities with Eirne Ní Dheasmhunaigh’s strong running causing particular problems to the Down defence.

Significantly though, it was the Mourne women that raised a green flag in the 19th minute courtesy of Deirbhile Savage and that strike gave her side a two-point lead. Both teams exchanged scores but it was Down that held the whip hand at half time, 1-6 to 0-5.

The winners cranked up the pressure after the resumption with points from Niamh Mallon and Aoife Keown inside the opening three minutes. Keown helped them establish a firm dominance of the midfield area and points from Aimee MacAleenan and McGourty resulted in Down stretching their advantage to eight points.

It was at this juncture that Kerry might have rescued the situation with Síomha Ní Dheasmhunaigh and Patrice Diggin skimming the post with efforts on goal.

Instead, MacAleenan stretched the Down advantage with points from MacAleenan and McGourty, and though Áine O’Connor,

Murphy, Diggin and Annmarie Leen did register points for Kerry, they just could not peg back the Ulster queenpins.

By Daragh Ó Conchúir

 With the final squad session completed and fine tuning done Down’s Minor captain took time out to share her thoughts on tomorrows All Ireland Under 18 C final and give an insight to her deep love of camogie.

 Down Camogie- Niamh congratulations on captaining Down to the All Ireland Final. In the last year Niamh you have announced yourself on the national camogie stage receiving college and Soaring Star awards for your great performances.Why do you love camogie so much?

Niamh Mallon- Well it has always a big part of my life. My earliest memories are being down in the Portaferry pitch playing with friends or watching camogie and hurling

DC- How much influence has your parents Marty and Mary Jo had in camogie development?

NM- Both mum and dad are very encouraging and supportive of me and camogie in the club. They never miss a match and attend most training sessions.

DC- Does Marty share his experiences from his days in the Down jersey’

NM- Dad has lots a great stories playing for Portaferry, Down and Ulster and he encourages me to have fun and give everything on the pitch.

DC- 2011 was a very special year for your club Portaferry.

NM- It was great we won our first senior league title. Everyone in the club joined in the celebrations’

DC- ‘Have you any special moments from the historic season?

NM- Beating Ballycran in McKenna Park.

DC- Do you remember by how much?

NM- No, just that we won.’

DC-Other than your parents, who else has helped you develop into a top flight camogie player?

NM- I been lucky because the club we always have had great coaches and in both St Columba and now at Assumption Grammar the teachers helped too.

DC- Lots of top sports people like to stick to a routine coming up to a big match and some are even superstitious. What about you Niamh?

NM- No I am not superstitious and I don’t have any special routine. Just get all my gear ready.

DC- In 2011 Niamh you played a major role in getting Down Seniors to the All Ireland Junior final. Is there any lessons or experiences you gained last year you will draw for Saturday.

NM- It is every camogie players dream to play in Croke Park and even though the result went against us it was a wonderful experience. Hopefully we will be back again this year. But Saturday’s game is our focus and we have worked very hard to be in the final. We will keep fighting to the final whistle.

DC- How would you describe the mood in the squad?

NM- The girls have prepared well and we are planning to bring the cup home on Saturday night.

DC- So the spirit is good in the camp?

NM- Yes both the players and our management can’t wait for Saturday.

DC- So finally Niamh in your dreams what do you see when the final whistle blows on Saturday?

NM- Lots of very happy Down girls.

Thank you Niamh for sharing your thoughts with us and on behalf of all Down Camogs I wish the management and girls the very best for Saturday.

Thanks.

Down Camogie are truly blessed to have such a talented balanced young lady flying the flag for us.  An Duin Abu.

If you want to welcome the team home on Saturday night in the Canal Courtyou can book your ticket by contacting the Assistantsecretary.down.camogie@gaa.ie before 10pm on Friday night. The main course and dessert and costs £16pp.  Kids menu inc dessert is £9.50.

Derry Senior Camogs will face Meath at Pairc Tailteann in the National League Division 2 Final at 2.45pm on Sunday

The Down Minor Team will also contest the Ulster Championship Final in June having beaten the newly crowned All Ireland Minor ‘B’ Champions, Derry, in the semi-final. They have been boosted by receiving a set of jerseys from from an anonymous donor with the Lifeline logo on the jersey

Down Minor Captain and Soaring Star Niamh Mallon receives a new set of  jerseys with the Lifeline logo

Lifeline’s Manager, Pauline O’Flynn, praised the Down Minor Camogie Team’s decision to wear the ‘Lifeline’ logo on their team jersey thanks to an anonymous donor.  She said,

“It’s really rewarding to know that people value the work that we do on behalf of Lifeline 0808 808 8000, the regional crisis counselling service.  We are delighted by the generosity of the donor and the commitment from the players and team management to help promote Lifeline.  From all at Lifeline, we wish the Down Minor girls all the best for their All Ireland Camogie Final against Kerry at the weekend.”

Derry Camogie has been boosted by the success of their minors in recent weeks and hope to bring more silverware back to the Oak Leaf county and to build on a positive league campaign. A robust defence and quality in attack  will hopefully see the well balanced Derry team come out victorious on Sunday

The Ulster Camogie Executive offer best wishes to Down and Derry this weekend

Eight teams will play in four finals which are being held at Armagh Harps from 11am.

Thursday’s Edition of the Gaelic Life previews the games, with team photo’s, squad lists and plenty more!

 Games will be 20 minutes each way with 5 minutes for half time

2pm Division 1- Slaughtneil (Derry) v Newbridge Sean O’Leary’s (Derry)

1pm Division 2- Watty Grahams Glen (Derry) v Dunloy (Antrim)

12pm Division 3- An Riocht (Down) v Liatroim Fontenoys (Down)

The Division 4 final between South Donegal v Kilrea (Derry) will be played at a later date

Directions to Armagh Harps can be found in the club section of this site.

The Down team received a major confidence boost going into the All Ireland contest against Laois after a hard fought four point extra time victory over Derry in the Ulster semi-final Championship. Down now wait for the outcome of the other semi final when Antrim and Armagh clash for a place in the Ulster Final.

Down Manager, Paul Boyle, has brought Down back into inter county Minor  competition after an absence of two years. This return follows an enormous amount of development work by many hard working coaches at U14 and U16 levels. The team has been training hard since Christmas and the journey to two finals is just reward for all those sessions on winter nights.

Paul and the team understand Kerry will present an extremely tough challenge in the Final. They have scored four goals in each of their last two victories over Kildare and Westmeath.

Paul says “ If we can counter this goal threat we will  be in with a great chance . Our  team will  channel all those long hard training sessions into the effort to bring the All Ireland title back to Down.

Team panel  – Nimah Mallon (Capt) Shauna O’Neill Elizabeth Wilson Nuala Carville Molly McMullan Deidre McCabe Niamh Hazzard Eimear Dynes Brid McGourty Aimee McAleenan Rhea Smyth Orlagh McLogan Aislinn McFarlan Olivia Boyle Jenna Boden Deirbhile Savage Monica McKay Catherine Rocks Amey Coulter Ciara Gibson Nicola O’Gorman Caitlin McCartan Danielle McCourt Anna Rogan Clare McGilligan Mary-Clare Grant Niamh Rogers Maria Higgins Aoife Keown

The event was the first initiative undertaken as a result of a unique collaboration of governing bodies of sport involving Ulster Hockey, Ulster Camogie, Ulster Ladies Gaelic, Ulster Rugby and the Irish Football Association.  These sporting bodies make up a forum that aims to increase opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport as well as raising the profile of women and girls sport within the local media.

Speaking at the event the Minister for Sport said “Initiatives such as this one actively provide opportunities for girls to take part in sports they may never have tried before.  I would encourage more women and girls to recognise there are many sports that they can and should be able to play and compete in.”

As well as participating in a variety of sports on the day the girls in attendance were also given the opportunity to get to know some of the stars of the various games from Ulster; Julie Nelson vice-captain of the Northern Ireland soccer team, Eilis Ní Chasaide Derry camogie player, Megan Frazer Ulster and Ireland hockey player, Gemma Begley Tyrone and All Star winning Ladies Gaelic player and Eliza Downey Ulster and Ireland rugby player.  The inspiring role models took part in the coaching sessions as well as participating in a question and answer session which was hosted by Lynette Fay.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast Niall O’Donnghaile concluded by saying “This is a wonderful initiative, which I am delighted that the council has been able to support, and I commend all those involved for not only taking the lead in encouraging more girls to take up sport but also in highlighting the high level of success enjoyed by many of our very talented female sports stars, all of whom are excellent ambassadors for our city and this part of the world.”

The group responsible for this event plan to work together to organise similar initiatives across the province in the future to give even more females the opportunity to have a go and get involved in sport!

Ulster Camogie would like to thank Sinéad O’Connor Ard Stiúrthóir, Mary O’Connor, Director of Camogie Development, Siobhan Poulter, Antrim Development Officer and Eílis Ní Chaiside for their assistance on the day along with Ulster Camogie Chairperson Kathleen Woods.

Follow this link to see footage of the event from the BBC Website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/northern-ireland/17863307

Pictured at the Girls Multi Sport Event in Queens Sports Complex are Minister for Sport Carál Ní Chuilín, Lord Mayor Niall O’Donnghaile and Vice President of Sport NI Alan Moneypenny with representatives from the participating schools St Dominic’s Grammar School, Aquinas Grammar, Victoria College, Dominican College and Grosvenor Grammar

A superb Derry side completely outplayed Wexford in Blakestown on Saturday afternoon last to claim the All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Camogie Championship crown.

It was a powerful performance, full of heart and panache from the northern girls who dominated all over the field against a disappointingly overawed opponent.

Good spells from Wexford were few and far between – despite starting promisingly with a two point lead inside ninety seconds – and for too long they were second best as Derry strolled impressively to the All-Ireland title.
Double scores probably doesn’t do justice to how much better Derry were on the day and the victory, over a side who boast double All-Ireland winners at adult level, is just desserts for the fantastic work done at underage level in Derry in recent year.

This Derry side, who won the Under-16 title in 2010, a year after Saturday’s opponents, had nine different scorers from play compared with Wexford’s two. However, the dominance didn’t stop there; the defence stifled a forward line that boasted a double-goalscorer in last month’s All-Ireland club final, in Oulart-The Ballagh’s Aideen Brennan. On top of that the midfield was simply majestic, with the Shauna Quinn/Rosanna McAleese combination running the show. Although it didn’t look like it would be all plain sailing in the opening two minutes.

Emma Walsh’s surging run up the right wing presented Jackie Quigley with the chance to fire over the opening point – which she took – and when the Rathnure forward was fouled attempting to add her second, Aideen Brennan fired over the resulting free. Yet that was the last Wexford score of the half and the final one from play for 43 minutes.

Bronagh McGillian pulled one back for Derry and by the seventh minute they were ahead as a long range Mairead McNicholl effort flew out of the sharp sun and into the roof of the net (1-1 to 0-2).

Wexford quickly started to lose their shape as points flew over, with McGillion, Shauna Quinn, Aoife Ni Chaiside, Rosanna McAleese, Mairead McNicholl and Aoife Quinn all picking off points (1-7 to 0-2) before Aideen Brennan almost gave her side a moments respite. The Oulart-The Ballagh forward powered a twenty metre free at the goal but Rachel Mulholland came to the aid of her keeper by stopping the goal bound shot on the line.

Just Áine Murray and official ‘Player of the Game’ McGillion raised white flags in the last thirteen minutes of the half as Wexford did a little better. Indeed, it could have been closer at the interval had Marie-Claire Morrissey’s pulled shot been a little more forceful and crossed the line rather than being stopped short. Nonetheless nothing short of a remarkable recovery would claw back the ten point deficit (1-9 to 0-2) in the second period as Derry looked set for victory.

Jemma Doyle scooped away Mary Hegarty’s shot two minutes after the interval to keep her sides faint chances alive, although McGillion did point from the resulting ’45. Moments later Shauna Sinnott’s goaled penalty, after Marie Morrissey was felled, gave Wexford even more hope.

Hegarty became the eight Derry player to notch in the 43rd minute but Wexford looked to have grabbed a real foothold when Hayley Cahill reacted quickest to Rebecca McKeefry fumbling a long Eimear Nolan punt forward for the Leinster sides second goal in ten minutes (1-12 to 2-3).

But just when it looked like their tails were up, and the large travelling crowd – which included the Wexford Senior county side travelling as a team in support – reached a crescendo of noise, Wexford again had a spell without a score and Derry clinically finished off their opponents with a quick-fire 1-3.

Rosanna McAleese capped a fine performance with her side’s second goal in the 50th minute, while Clare Tracey became scorer number nine. Jackie Quigley did clip over two lovely late points but it was very much in vain as the Ulster side deservedly claimed the trophy in style.

DERRY: Rebecca McKeefry; Rachel Mulholland, Maeve Quinn, Eilis McNamee; Áine McAllister, Aoife Ni Chaiside (0-1), Megan Kerr; Shauna Quinn (0-2, 1 free), Rosanna McAleese (1-2); Mairead McNicholl (1-2), Bronagh McGillion (0-5, 2 frees, 1 ’45), Mary Hegarty (0-1); Áine Murray (0-1), Sinead Donnelly, Aoife Quinn (0-1). Subs: Clare Tracey (0-1) for Donnolly, Catherine McColgan for A. Quinn, also, Bríd Corrigan, Noleen McBride, Emma Devlin, Emer McAteer, Clodagh Shaw, Aoife Shaw, Clare Burns, Ciara McNabb.

WEXFORD: Jemma Doyle; Pamela McCormick, Belynda Cahill, Nancy Dunphy; Emma Walsh, Shauna Sinnott (1-0, pen), Ciara Neville; Marie-Claire Morrissey, Louise Stafford; Hayley Cahill (1-0), Jackie Quigley (0-3), Eimear Nolan; Marie Morrissey, Áine Lacey, Aideen Brennan (0-2, frees) . Subs:  Mary Cummins for M. Morrissey, Lisa Firman for Cahill, Lisa Doran for Lacey, also, Katie Kenny, Shannon Byrne, Nicola Byrne, Áine Wright, Sarah O’Neill, Eileen Byrne, Catherine Kelly, Eimear Byrne, Anna Whitty, Niamh Doyle, Caoimhe Doyle, Denise McGrath.

REFEREE: Alan Lagrue (Kildare)

Thanks to Dean Goodison (Wexford PRO) for the report

Here is a report from Derry Captain  Shauna Quinn also completed this report on the bus journey home, congrats Shauna!

Saturday 21^st April saw the All-Ireland Minor B Final between Derry and  Wexford at Naomh Peregrine Blakestown. With the experience of players  from Derry’s U16 All Ireland campaign two years ago, the Oakleaf girls were more than determined to bring the silverware home once again.

In the opening 5 minutes seen the Derry girls taken by surprise as the scoring went in Wexford’s favour with two quick points by Jackie Quigley. This drove the Derry girls on and each ball was contested before they earned themselves a free which was finely placed between the posts by Bronagh McGillian to put the girls on the score board. Three fine points from the experienced Bronagh McGillian, Shauna Quinn and Aoife Ní Chaiside along with consistent defending of Maeve Quinn from full back helped carry the team as the senior youngsters provided support throughout.

Confidence was high throughout the field, Rebecca McKeefry making crucial saves along with fantastic clearances from Rachel Mulholland and Aine McAllister to the along with the Eoghan Rua stars Eilis McNamee, Megan Kerr and Roseanna McAleese who found the posts to push the Oakleaf girls further ahead. Mairead McNicholl bagged an exquisite goal from the 21 yard line and Aoife Quinn slotting over another point before corner forward Aine Murray and player of the match Bronagh McGillion confirmed Derry’s 1-09 to 0-02 lead at the interval.

It was Wexford who got first to the mark in the second half with a goal from Hayley Cahill to punish another slow start from Derry. Derry punished each mistake made by the Wexford girls as free taker McGillian stepped up easily add two more points to the scoreline. Wexford once again answered Derry’s replies with a penalty to the top left corner by Shauna Sinnott that left keeper McKeefry with no chance. As the margin was slowly decreasing, the fight for an All-Ireland medal became much

harder with a more determined Wexford side starting to take control. Derry took no fear as Mary Hegarty split the posts and moments later McAleese blasted to the net. Wexford took their

last score of the game with a point from Jackie Quigley before nippy Clare Tracey in corner forward took her point in the final stages of the game. Mairead McNicholl collected a lovely ball from McAllister and controlling it on her hurl she turned and fired it effortlessly over the bar before Captain Shauna Quinn stepped up to take the last point of the match to lift the well-deserved All Ireland Cup. Derry were deserving winners in the end showing admirable skill from each and every player.