Kiltegan kill the Cats in Féile final
KILTEGAN 2-03 DANESFORT 1-02
A fearless Kiltegan under-14 camogie team were rightly hailed heroes after defeating the mighty Danesfort from Kilkenny in a heart-wrenching All-Ireland Division 5 Féile Shield final after extra-time.
This final was played in extremely high temperatures on Sunday in Fenagh, Co. Carlow, and was the sixth match for the Kiltegan girls over three days.
Taking to the field for the final there were nerves to be calmed, dreams to be achieved and muscle pains to be overcome to make this happen.
The whistle blew for the throwin and the final began with 15 minutes aside and the Kiltegan girls were up against it in the first 10 minutes.
Danesfort were off to a good start with a goal and a point in quick succession.
Kiltegan answered with two points and the half-time score was 1-1 to 0-2.
The Kiltegan girls regrouped, got water on-board, injuries checked, encouraged each other and took to the field for the second half with belief in their hearts with one job to do.
A tough dogged 15 minutes ensued with 30 girls giving their all, but Kiltegan were the stronger and the fight back began.
A goal led the path to the come back by Kiltegan with Danesfort scoring only one point in the second half – it was 1-2 to 1-2.
Kiltegan held most of the possession in the second half but struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard.
Danesfort had some breaks upfield but a rock-solid defense would not let them through.
The whistle went and it was a draw. Extra-time was to be five minutes a side, with a two-minute break in between.
With hearts racing and belief booming the Kiltegan girls re-took to the field to finish the battle.
Kiltegan owned this game in extra-time and with Danesfort throwing everything they had at Kiltegan, there was no way through for them.
Kiltegan scored a further 1-1 making the final score 2-3 to 1-2.
When the final whistle blew unbelievable scenes ensued, 22 girls from a small rural village in Wicklow called Kiltegan had defeated Danesfort from Co. Kilkenny and the dream was real.
Jubilant scenes of happiness erupted on the field, tears were shed and these young girls had completed a gigantic mission.
Parents and supporters ran onto the field to meet their heroic daughter, grand-daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend.
Joint captains Hope Tallon and Sophie Bermingham accepted the trophy on behalf of the team.
A home-coming reception was held for the girls in Kiltegan on Sunday evening.
The girls paraded down through Kiltegan village to the pitch led by a piper with rapturous applause from all the supporters.
The team stood proudly on their team trailer whilst Lorcan Byrne (Chairperson Kiltegan Camogie Club) welcomed everyone and thanked all involved who helped this dream become a reality.
Paula Boland and Tom Cremin introduced each player with pride.
Presentations were made by Bernie Mallin and Ursula Donegan on behalf of the parents and players to the coaching team. A great evening was had by all.
Panel: Rebecca Donegan Katie Boland, Hope Tallon, Emma Byrne, Miriam O’Keefe, Moya Cremin (0-1), Lauren Kavanagh, Amber House, Faye Corrigan, Ciara Boland, Sophie Bermingham (2-2), Emma Daly, Roisin Timmins, Robyn Twyford Troy, Kristan Malln, Leah Donegan, Sorcha Gartland, Leah Furlong, Clare Corcoran, Martyna Mielnik, Sarah Keane, Sarah-Mai Fitzgerald.
Coaches: Paula Boland, Tom Cremin, Gerry Boland.