Intermediate Camogie Secure Victory over Neighbours

Nenagh Éire Óg qualified for the intermediate camogie league final today following a great 4-7 to 1-9 victory over neighbours Silvermines.

In fact, it was Silvermines who started brightest creating three scoring opportunities in the opening few minutes, hitting two wides and forcing Sarah Quigley into making the first of many fine saves in the second minute from a ground shot however it was Éire Óg who made the first dent on the scoreboard with a pointed free from Ciara McGrath. The ‘Mines responded with a pointed effort of their own before a Ciara McGrath delivery into the penalty box created panic in the ‘Mines defense. The ball eventually broke to Maeve Coffey who blasted home the opening goal in the 8^th minute.



Silvermines responded with a point soon after however in the 11^th minute Alanna Morris gathered the sliothar on the ’45 and her effort at a point dropped short and with strong pressure from full forward Louise Hickey the ball ended up in the goal for a welcome but fortuitous goal for Nenagh. The Silvermines were plying their trade in the senior grade up to two years ago and they were not about to lie down to last years county Junior-A league and championship winners and pointed five times on the trot between the 20^th and 27^th minute.

On the stroke of half time Alicia Hallinan forced the ‘Mines keeper into making a superb point blank save but moments later Hallinan pointed to leave the score at Nenagh Éire Óg 2-2 Silvermines 0-7 at the break.

Nenagh started the second half brightly and after Sarah Quigley collected a high ball the sliothar was brilliantly worked up the field to Caroline Browne who pointed from a tight angle to extend Nenagh’s lead. Alanna Morris traded points with Silvermines and midway through the second half Zoey Gratton won possession and found Maeve Coffey with a great pass. Coffey in turn fed Browne who shot home Nenagh’s third goal.



Ciara McGrath pointed soon after which in turn was cancelled out by a fine Silvermines effort. With ten minutes to play Coffey showed her class when she superbly found Caroline Browne who once again goaled for the Blues’. Nenagh were on top at this stage and captain Louise Hickey played in Rachel O Connor who pointed herself and substitute Leah Sheedy got in on the scoring act, pointing in the 57^th minute.

Silvermines bravely never gave up and it took two outstanding moments of brilliance from Sarah Quigley to deny them a goal in the 59^th minute when she made a great double save. From the resultant 45 Silvermines worked a great goal but it was too late and soon after referee John Lillis sounded full time to leave it Nenagh Éire Óg 4-7 Silvermines 1-9.

The final is expected to take place on Saturday April 30^th.

Nenagh Éire Óg: Sarah Quigley, Amy Heffernan, Rachel Maher, Kate O Connor, Ruth Hassett, Aileen Duggan, Zoey Gratton, Alanna Morris, Rachel O Connor, Emer Ryan, Ciara McGrath, Alicia Hallinan, Caroline Browne, Maeve Coffey, Louise Hickey (captain).

Substitutes: Holly O Brien for Maher, Leah Sheedy for Hickey, Sarah Kennedy for Hallinan.

Referee: John Lillis (Drom & Inch)