Spirited performance from Pres as they fall short to SMI

Pres Mitchelstown 3-6 SMI Newcastle West 5-9

After a spirited display, Pres Mitchelstown came up narrowly short against a strong SMI Newcastle West outfit at University of Limerick on Wednesday. Played on the all-weather surface, the match managed to survive the weather conditions and a very even contest took place. It marks the end of the camogie season for Pres’ senior side, but there is no doubt that the team bowed out with their heads held high.

After an outstanding extra-time win over Carraig na bhFear in the last round, the semi-final pitted Pres against Limerick opponents. Pres continued to punch above their weight as they were minus some big name starters, but those present gave absolutely everything and pushed the Newcastle West outfit right to the limit.

Pres put in a very positive firsthalf performance which gave them a five-point lead at half-time. They were forced to withhold many attacks from SMI and some excellent defending kept the opposition at bay. Early points from Sarah English and Emma O’Dea had Pres in a good position. And as the half progressed, Pres struck two quick goals through Rachel Mulqueen and Ciara Ryan. This gave Pres a lead that they would see through to half-time, where they led 2-3 to 0-4.

SMI brought in a number of strong substitutes at half-time and caused Pres problems from the off.

Pres refused to be knocked back and kept going with SMI right until the final whistle. The first ten minutes of the second half saw both sides battle and create good scoring opportunities. Pres would remain in the lead with points added from Sarah English and Aoife Moriarty.

The turning point came midway through the second half when the Limerick side scored two goals in quick succession. Both goals were very well taken and there was little Pres could do to prevent either green flag from being raised. All of a sudden, a four-point lead became a two-point deficit but Pres still had time to come back.

The tight contest commenced and with five minutes remaining, it was a three-point game. A goal from Emma O’Dea gave Pres a chance of a late comeback. And with momentum behind them, Pres prepared to launch an attack. Unfortunately, a free for steps prevented Pres from completing their attack. And such are the fine margins, within a matter of moments the ball was in the back of the opposing net.

As Pres pushed up in pursuit of a comeback, gaps opened up in the defence and SMI scored two late goals to pull away on the scoreboard and secure the win. But, Pres could not be faulted for their efforts. They gave their all and come up short in the end. Attention now turns to the 1st years who will have games coming up before the end of the school year.

Pres: Ali O’Donnell, Lauren Hickey, Ellie O’Connor, Dearbhla Kearney, Joanne Casey, Anna French, Rachael Mullins, Erinn Brennan, Aoife Moriarty (0-2), Shelly Ryan, Sarah English (0-3), Emily McGrath, Rachel Mulqueen (1-0), Emma O’Dea (1-1) and Ciara Ryan (1-0). Subs: Isabella McLoughlin for Joanne Casey and Meghan McSweeney for Rachel Mulqueen.