Erins Own win first Adult Title

Erins Own 2-10

James Stephens 2-8

By Erins Own reporter

On a cold, foggy December morning in Ballyragget the large crowd of Camogie supporters present were treated to a fantastic Junior C final between Erins Own and James Stephens. A game that had an abundance of skill, commitment and excitement finished on a score line of Erins Own 2-10 James Stephens 2-8.

The cold conditions did not in any way effect either team as the game started in a fast and ferocious pace. It was the energetic James Stephens ladies that moved into an early 2 point lead and seemed like a team that might just take complete control of this game. However, the Castlecomer girls are nothing if not tenacious and they managed their way into the game and at half time had established a 4 point lead.

James Stephens were never going to give up without a fight and the signs towards the end of the first half with the Village girls hitting the cross bar and missing narrowly from an angled shot suggested that the second period of the game was going to be a battle.

The ebb and flow of the game changed throughout the second half with spectators never sure what would happen next. The city team became dominant in the last quarter of the game and turned the four-point half time  deficit into a one-point advantage in their favor. James Stephens were dominating possession and territory and it seemed as if the title would be going to the team in red and green, however this group of Erin’s Own girls have shown a steely determination throughout the year and a five minute period before the final whistle saw them score 3 points without reply and get over the wonderful winning line with 2 points to spare.

In what were difficult conditions it would be unfair to single out any one player. The James Stephen’s girls can justifiably feel disappointed to lose, especially after a terrific second half performance and the efforts of center back, Sophie Meagher and corner forward, Rosin Leahy deserve to be noted. For Erin’s Own it was fitting that their last 3 scores were scored by the youthful Ruby Roche and the experienced Georgina Kelly . Ruby’s effort and commitment typified everything that is great about sport and the talented Georgina’s calmness under pressure to land the last 2 frees was truly admirable.

For the Castlecomer Club this is a landmark achievement, as the club is still in its infancy and this was the club’s first adult team. On accepting the cup, team captain Georgina Kelly spoke optimistically and ambitiously for the clubs future and concluded by wishing all a Happy Christmas.

Erins Own – Cathy Roche, Kyara Dunny, Fran Brennan, Grainne Fogarty, Denise Love, Niamh Meagher, Shauna Doyle, Ruby Roche, Grace Buggy, Annie O’Connor, Georgina O’Callaghan, Sorcha Delaney, Cora Delaney, Lorraine Kennedy, Eimear Phelan

Subs – Deirdre Buggy, Fran Farrell, Orlaith Cahill, Lynn McEvoy, Cliona Wright, Anna Boland, Marion Kennedy, Ciara Brennan, Aisling Donovan, Susan Boland, Emma Lawlor, Siobhan Farrell inj, Orla O’Neill inj, Aoife Dowling inj, Ciara O’Connor inj

James Stephens – Lucy McGrath, Roisin O’Sullivan, Keri Hennessy, Ciara McDonald, Niamh Leahy, Sophie Meagher, Kate Larkin, Anna Bergin, Tara McGuire, Emma O’Brien, Cady Boyle, Niamh O’Hara, Roisin Leahy, Elizabeth O’Shea, Yoma Etaferi

Subs – Fiona McKee, Jenna Larkin, Hannah Joyce, Ciara Adams, Ciara Heffernan, Aine White, Eimear Gladney, Lucy Drennan, Gemma Lawlor, Aine Behan, Ava Larkin, Sarah Kenny, Millie Molloy