Marshalstown give an exhibition of camogie
MARSHALSTOWN GAVE an exhibition of camogie to win the Under-14 Roinn 2 twelve-a-side shield final against a gallant Ballinastragh Gaels in Monageer recently.
The victors were in sensational form, with scorers shared right across the forwards.
The midfield worked tirelessly and their rearguard was rock solid, with Ciara Bolger, Lorraine Vardy and Jemma Roche shining across the defence.
With their whole squad peaking for this game it was always going to be difficult for their opponents from Ballinastragh.
To their credit, their work ethic was incredible, they never gave up and showed immense heart in battle.
This was the Kilanerin/Tara Rocks combination’s first year at fielding a team in this grade and their improvement throughout the season has been nothing short of superb, with manager Paddy Bol- ger excited about his side’s future.
Right from goalkeeper Olive Curtis - who made a string of fantastic saves - forward, the Gaels had impressive performers. Hannah Noctor and Elsa Hughes were excellent in defence, Shauna Owley was full of energy, while Orlaith Bolger was strong in the tackle.
However, arguably most impressive was Katelyn O’Connor. She scored a super goal from a free, added points, and was generally a thorn in Marshalstown’s side. Yet the Farmleigh girls were on fire in the first-half.
Jemma Roche, Eimear Doyle, Clodagh Roche and Ciara Doyle all had points on the board but it was the goals that did the damage.
Chloe McGrath hit the net, Clodagh Roche and Niamh Lambert also goaled, and Ciara Doyle’s double left her side in a strong position at the interval.
Marshalstown led by 5-4 to 1-3 at the changearound and set about adding to it. Yet Ballinastragh were fighters and refused to fold.
The eventual winners did add goals from Kerri Doyle and Clodagh Roche, while Ciara Doyle completed her hat-trick, but they were made to work for them.
In the end Marshalstown took the win, and it gave captains Ciara Bolger and Lorraine Vardy the opportunity to collect the shield from county Vice-Chairperson Melanie Ní Dhuinn, a nice reward for a strong season of development.
Marshalstown: Amy McDonald; Ciara Bolger (joint capt.); Lorraine Vardy (joint capt.), Jemma Roche (0-1), Kelsey Ryan; Eimear Doyle (0-1), Leah Jordan, Kerri Doyle (1-0); Chloe McGrath (1-0), Clodagh Roche (2-4 frees), Ciara Doyle (3-1); Niamh Lambert (1-0). Subs. - Mollie Kearns for Lambert, Zoe Lett for Ryan, Kathleen Kenny for E. Doyle, also Orlaith Kehoe, Lettie Hassett.
Ballinastragh Gaels: Olive Curtis; Hannah Noctor; Elsa Hughes (capt.), Tara O’Connor, Róisín Hughes; Aoife McGonigle, Katelyn O’Connor (capt.), Shauna Owley; Emer Dooley, Orlagh Bolger, Laura Ivors; Aisling Fitzpatrick. Subs. - Saoirse McDonald, Sarah Kielthy, Niamh Murphy (used), also Caoimhe Fleming, Alison Bushe, Keeva Kinsella, Catherine D’Arcy.
Referee: John O’Rourke (Shamrocks).