Photos by Paul Beecher
Words by Gary Beagan
Its the last blitz of the season and you would know by the quality of the teams that everyone wants to finish the Intercounty season with a victory. It was great to welcome teams from Down and Antrim as well as the old guard Teams Kilkenny, Limerick, Galway & Clare. Dublin as always had a strong team and were hopeful of a good performance. The venue was Craobh Chiaráin and as always the pitches were in great condition. The wind was always going to be a factor as hurriance Katia reaches our shores, but it did not stop the girls from displaying some fine skills throughout the field. The blitz was divided into 3 sections for the day with Dublin, Kilkenny, Galway and Limerick contesting the division 1 section. Clare, Kilkenny 2 & Dublin 2 were in section 2 and Dublin, Galway, Down & Antrim contested the U14 section.
We will follow the progress of the U15s: First up in the round robin was Kilkenny. Always good close matches and this was no different. Playing with the breeze, Kilkenny were first to register a score with a point followed quickly with a goal which gave new Dubs goalkeeper Jenny Ryan no chance. Defenders Chloe Rochford, Niamh Byrne and Blaithin McQuillan were all very busy in this half, keeping scores to a minimum. Close to half time the outstanding Doireann Mullany scored a well taken free from 45 metres to leave the half time score at Kilkenny 1-1 Dublin 0-1.
The second half was a totally different affair, as Dublin upped their game right from the start. Leah Mullins and Doireann completly controlled mid field and kept a steady stream of ball into the forwards. Eve Keogh was first to convert an opportunity with a goal after nice solo, followed quickly with Laura Morrissey striking the net. Orla Beagan traded points wth Kilkenny, and Kilkenny never say die spirit seen them also score a fine goal. The important score came from Tara O’Flaherty several minutes from time with another Dublin goal giving Dublin victory on a scoreline of 3-2 to 2-3.
After a 30 minute break, another warm up needed, on this very blustery day. The parents and supporters could probably have done with the same warm up. Suggestion for another day! Next up were Limerick, and it proved to be an even tighter game. Limerick also decided to play with the wind and in a tight first half where the Dublin half back line of Anne Marie Courtney, Sarah Nagle and Sophie Lyons were on top, the scoreline was really low at Limerick 0-1 to Dublin 0-0. The second half as per previous match was more open, with Amber O Connor and Laura Mulvey showing well. Laura Morrissey was on hand again to find the net and a point before Limerick also found the net. Tara O’Flaherty finished a fine move with a point from a hand pass from Eve Keogh, but unfortunately for Dublin,Limerick equalised in the dying minutes. Dublin 1-2 Limerick 1-2.
Its Lunch time and I think the supporters were happier than the players to head indoors for tea and refreshments. Thanks to all the parents for helping out on the day, providing sandwiches and refreshments and of course working tirelessly during the lunch periods. 30 minutes and another warm up., this time opposition was Galway. Another low scoring game with the windy conditions providing difficult for finely tuned forwards. Quality of play was very good though. Stormbirds were on top early, thanks to an Orla Beagan points from play and a free. Martha O Donohue and Aoife Clancy worked hard throughout, as did Aoife McKenna who ran tirelessly, and blocked and hooked all day. A second half point from Tara sealed the win putting Dublin into the final with ease.
In the final the opposition fittingly was Limerick. ZenDubs ouska Murphy was called up from U14 team and played extremely well. One to watch!. Amber O Connor at corner forward looked like she played there forever in scoring 2 fine points from play. Vanessa Boland & Aoife McKenna competed well at midfield. Unfortunately Dublin lost Leah Mullins to injury and having lost Doireann earlier, it was always going to be a tough task to win the trophy. Despite another point from Orla, late scores won the day for Limerick. Well done to Limerick.
Division 2 was won by Clare who had a point win over Kilkenny 2 and Galway took the U14 Cup.
A great days entertainment with thrilling displays of camogie shown by all teams. We all look forward to 2012 for another great year for the stormbirds. A big Thanks to Craobh Chiarain and the lads up and well done as always to Paul Beecher, who continues to improve juvenile Camogie in the county.