Kilmore’s first-ever title
KILMORE 4-8 OYLEGATE-GLENBRIEN 1-5 JUST FIVE years after forming, Kilmore achieved an extraordinary success when claiming the Junior ‘C’ camogie championship title against a spirited Oylegate-Glenbrien side in Boolabawn recently.
When the club was founded in 2011 few would have foresaw the team pushing on to claim their first county title just a few years later, but there is no lack of determination and talent in the south county club.
Many of the Kilmore players are used to success, playing with the footballers, so to see them winning a final once they got there is probably not as big a shock as the speed with which they built a successful side.
Both teams came into the tie unbeaten in the championship so something had to give. Kilmore overcame a tough test against Kilrush in the semi-final and were primed to complete that perfect season.
Yvonne Doyle, between the Oylegate-Glenbrien sticks, was under pressure from the off as Kilmore went about building a lead that they could hold on to. Aoife and Emma Cousins were the scorers-in-chief in the opening half as their side did just that.
Aoife Cousins, who ended the contest with an impressive haul of 1-4, nabbed the early goal to see her side into a 1-5 to 0-3 lead at the change-around. Some sterling defending, and classy scores from Laura Kelly, ensured Oylegate-Glenbrien were within touching distance.
Buoyed by their position and just 30 minutes from glory, Kilmore drove on in the second-half. Cathy O’Connor nabbed a pair of majors while her sister, Ellie, also got on the scoresheet for the champions.
Sophie Tierney might be better known for her boxing prowess, but she’s no mug with a hurl and she netted too as Kilmore pushed their way clear.
Caroline Doyle did reply with a major at the other end but there was no denying the seasiders their maiden title.
Kilmore: Johanna Cousins, Orla Fortune, Marion Cousins, Leanne White, Nicola Kelly, Sharon Kehoe, Ellie O’Connor (capt., 0-1), Emma Cousins (0-2), Aoife Cousins (1-4), Cathy O’Connor (2-1), Niamh Berry, Sophie Tierney (1-0). Subs. - Mary Anne Sheehan, Emer Crosby, Mag Owens, Ann Marie Lacey.
Oylegate-Glenbrien: Yvonne Doyle, Paula Lambert, Karleigh Kinsella, Róisín Barlow, Polly Maher, Leanne Cullen, Caroline Doyle (1-0), Aine Fortune, Sinéad Reck, Eimear Nolan, Megan Storey (capt., 0-1), Laura Kelly (0-4). Subs. - Tina Farrell, Carol Heffernan, Hannah Kehoe, Ciara Moulton, Shannan Murphy.