Graham stars as Slaughtneil land a special treble

WHEN Shannon Graham decided to go travelling last year, she missed much of Slaughtneil’s surge to what was their second successive Ulster senior club camogie title.

But yesterday the dynamic Graham not only turned in a powerhouse performance to help the Derry champions claim their third provincial accolade but helped to provide further evidence that a further All-Ireland title could become a reality.

In overcoming Loughgiel by 0-11 to 0-8, Slaughtneil were forced to dig deep and Graham set a splendid example.

She landed a stunning firsthalf point that was to cushion her side when the going was tough and after the break, in tandem with the energetic Tina Hannon and the industrious Ni Chaisidh sisters Brona, Aoife and Eilis, she helped to defuse the Loughgiel challenge.

It was no surprise to see Graham named player of the match.

The club is keen to remain as All-Ireland champions but are aware that major challenges lurk on the horizon.

It was to be a week-end of double disappointment for Loughgiel as they also lost the Ulster junior championship final to Cavan’s rosserlough.

The Breffni outfit staged a dramatic finish to pip Loughgiel in a tingling contest that ended 1-10 to 2-6.

Crosserlough have now gained fresh status in the camogie sphere and the indications are that they can build on their triumph. Meanwhile, in the Ulster club intermediate final Clonduff, inspired by Paula O’Hagan, beat Tyrone side Eglish by 1-13 ro 2-8.

O’Hagan imposed her presence on the game to such an extent that Eglish had no answer to her powerful play.