Lucan add Minor A title to their list of 2011 successes.
Lucan claimed the Minor A Championship title in a thrilling final played in perfect conditions in floodlit Parnell Park last night, Tuesday. You’d never think it was mid November! The result was in doubt right up to the final whistle. 2 great teams. Final score Lucan Sarsfields 1-9 Na Fianna 2-4.
This was a very competitive and compelling final with great skill in evidence from these young Lucan and Na Fianna players. Lucan opened the scoring on 5 minutes with a classy point from Alison Twomey who had a superb game throughout. There were some great attacking movements but both sets of backs were excellent in their defensive duties limiting scoring opportunities. Na Fianna were playing the better Camogie at this stage with Lucy Collins and Khloe Dillon Coote outstanding in the middle of the field. Lucy Collins scored 3 points during this period. On 22 minutes Lucan's keeper Kate White made a great save from a free only to see the sliotar fall into the path of Kloe Dillon Coote who lashed it into the back of the net. Na Fianna were now 1-3 to 0-1 ahead. Sarah Courtney and Lucy Collins exchanged points with 5 minutes remaining. But Lucan regained the initiative and fought back with 3 great points from Alsion Twomey. The last point on the stroke of half-time was the best score of the game coming from a sweeping movement from the goal line up along the left wing in front of the main stand before being tapped over the bar. Score at half time Na Fianna 1-4 Lucan 0-5
As expected the second half was a thriller. Lucan opened the scoring when Orla Beagan pointed from a 45. There followed some great attacking from both sides. Both keepers, Kate Whyte (Lucan) and Lisa Kelly (Na Fianna) made a series of great saves. Alison Twomey pointed from play on 10 minutes to bring the sides level 0-7 to 1-4. On 15 minutes Lucan went ahead when Michelle Kelly took her goal chance with great assurance. Na Fianna responded, battled back and three minutes later they were rewarded with a Kloe Dillon Coote goal. Sides level again. 2-4 to 1-7. What excitement! Orla Beagan and Sarah Courtney added on 2 more points for Lucan to put them 2 points clear with 8 minutes remaining. 2 points is a dangerous lead in hurling or camogie! Great excitement in the last few minutes when Na Fianna threw everything into attack but Lucan’s defence, led by centre back Claire Rigney, held firm and they emerged as worthy champions on a final score line of 1-9 to 2-4.
Congratulations to all the players from both sides for a marvellous final. Players and officials enjoyed a get-to-gether and a meal back at Moibhi Road. We hope to see many of these fine young players grace the intercounty scene next season and lining out in the Dublin jersey.
Our thanks to John Costello and the Dublin GAA Co. Board for the use of Parnell Park. Playing under lights added a new deminsion to the game.
Scorers:
Lucan Sarsfields: Alison Twomey 0-5 (2 frees, 3 play), Michelle Kelly (1-0 from play) Sarah Courtney 0-2 (from play), Orla Beagan 0-2 ( 45 and play)
Na Fianna: Lucy Collins 0-4 (2 frees, 45 and play)
Player of the Final: Khloe Dillon Coote (Na Fianna)
Some photos from Minor final.