Knockananna run riot against visiting Bray Emmets

at Knockananna 5-14 0-1

enior ranks would appear to be a daunting task for them. At no stage in this game, played in Knockananna on Wednesday night last, August 1, did the visiting side appear to be able to trouble the current holders of the Senior camogie title.

Knockananna played with the help of a stiff breeze blowing into the goal at the village end in the first half and quickly established a dominance that would overwhelm the Intermediate champions.

Midfielders Amy Maher and Jessie Byrne, half forwards Sinead Byrne and Derbhla Byrne and a lively inside line of Loretta Mutton, Sarah Byrne and Niamh Mutton ensured that the Bray Emmets rearguard was continually under pressure. Despite the best efforts of Sarah Davis, Emma Davis, Rachel Rice, Emily Stephenson, Bronagh Murphy and midfielders Jane Butler and Niamh McCormack, Knockananna built up an unassailable lead by the interval. Goals from Niamh Mutton, Sinead Byrne and Derbhla Byrne, plus points from Sarah Byrne, Claire Byrne, Sinead Byrne and Jessie Byrne left the home side leading by 3-7 to no score at the interval.

Bray were now turning over to play with the help of the breeze for the second half but it made little difference.

Knockananna continued their dominance and went on to add a further 2-7 to bring their final tally to 5-14.

The Emmets did put some pressure on the Knockananna defence but Niamh Byrne, Aine O’Keeffe, Emily O’Reilly and the half back line were not to be beaten.

The only score for Bray came from the stick of the long-striking Rachel Rice who never gave up the struggle.

Indeed, Bray had a number of players who could get distance into their deliveries from the hand.

Unfortunately, they seldom had the clear possession necessary to make these deliveries count.

Based on this display, Knockananna seem determined to hold on to their Senior camogie championship title.

- Knockananna: Loretta Mutton 1-1, Niamh Mutton 1-0, Derbhla Byrne 1-1, Sinead Byrne 1-3, Ciara Byrne 1-7, Sarah Byrne 0-2.

Bray Emmets: Rachel Rice 0-1.

Mikela Murphy;

Scorers Knockananna:

Niamh Byrne, Aine O’Keeffe, Emily O’Reilly; Sarah Tallan, Sheadan Grathan, Claire Byrne; Amy Maher, Jessie Byrne; Sinead Byrne, Ciara Byrne, Derbhla Byrne; Loretta Mutton, Sarah Byrne, Niamh Mutton.

Sarah Davis; Vicky Crimmins, Emma Davis, Lauren Sweeney; Emily Stephenson, Rachel Rice, Bronagh Murphy; Jane Butler, Niamh McCormack; Nicola Ryan, Sarah Haydn, Erica Bellamy; Roisin Murphy, Eleanor Carroll Hayes, L Connaught. Subs: Roisin Quigley, Shauna Ryan.

Brian Deering (Rathvilly)

Bray Emmets: Referee: