Exceptional Horeswood prove far too powerful
THE TWO top teams in the Under-14 Roinn 2 twelve-a-side camogie championship came face-to-face in the final when an exceptional Horeswood side proved too strong for Rapparees in Killurin.
It was a tough week for the south county side, getting over the loss in the Division 1 football final, but they were intent on not losing again. They put in a fantastic performance all over the field, and were superior to a gallant Rapparees side.
It was always going to be difficult for the Bellefield girls as Horeswood have an extremely strong team, with just the lack of numbers keeping them from competing at a much higher level. They have been comfortable in all their group games this season but the Rapps gave them a good fight.
The victors had quality performers in all areas of the field. In defence they conceded few scores and marked their opponents well, while Kathryn Dempsey was struggling with injury and started in goal but was excellent in an unfamiliar position.
In midfield they were strong, as Kate Foley did the scorer and creator job, ably assisted by the impressive Michelle Kinsella and reliable Ciara Walsh. All the forwards scored, showing an attacking side at the top of their form.
Horeswood, who lost last year’s final but had several of this side in the winning Rackard League sevens team, started brightly with goals from Eadaoin Kent and Yvonne Murphy-Walsh allowing them to settle into their natural game. With Foley and Kinsella on target the lead began to grow.
However, Rapparees have been excellent all year and they didn’t make this final by chance. With the midfield creating chances, they picked off a few nice frees from Eadba Farrell, saw Shauna Doyle score a classy point, and had Anna Kavanagh pull a breaking ball to the net.
Despite registering 1-3, Rapparees still trailed at the break. Their defence was under pressure in the second-half too but did well to repel multiple attacks, while Ria Murphy in goal made several saves to keep the score down.
However, Kathryn Dempsey came out to point, Amy Ennis was on the scoreboard, and Jade Cleere hit the target as Horeswood kept their opponents at arm’s length. While it was Horeswood’s day, Rapparees did themselves and their management proud and fought right until the full-time whistle.
Horeswood: Kathryn Dempsey (0-1); Katie Kehoe (capt.), Annie Rose Lyng; Sinéad Clancy, Emma Hunt; Kate Foley (2-3), Ciara Walsh, Michelle Kinsella (1-4); Amy Ennis (0-2), Jade Cleere (0-2); Eadaoin Kent (2-0), Yvonne Murphy-Walsh (2-0). Subs. - Hannah Chapman, Mai Dempsey (used), also Amy Cummins, Sarah Foley.
Rapparees: Ria Murphy; Megan O’Connor, Méadhbh Foley; Ciara O’Connor, Eadba Farrell (0-2 frees); Aine Murphy, Leah Kidd, Ciara Boland; Anna Kavanagh (1-0), Shauna Doyle (0-1); Rachael Murphy-Buckley, Erin Peoples. Subs. - Ailbhe Harrington for Doyle, Erin Cahill for Murphy-Buckley, Anna Foley for Peoples, also Kasey Owens, Shanise O’Reilly, Bronagh Murphy-Buckley.
Ref: Aidan Foley (Shelmaliers).