Dublin won this superb competitive sporting game of Camogie 2-13 to 3-6 over Kilkenny in the group stage of the under 16A All Ireland series played at O’Toole Park in perfect conditions today. Credit to both teams on providing their loyal supporters with a game of high skill and quality.
Alex Griffin opened Dublin’s account with a well taken point after 5 minutes. Danielle Morrisson replied with a pointed free for Kilkenny. Ciara Glynn and Danielle Morrisson (both top scorers for their respective teams) exchanged points to leave the scores level after 10 minutes. Dublin were playing great Camogie and hit 1-03 without reply before Helen Hoynes tapped over a point for Kilkenny to give Dublin a deserved 1-06 to 0-03 lead at half time.
Immediately after the restart Kilkenny added a quick point by Danielle Morrisson but Dublin’s reply was swift with 2 good points from Ciara Glynn. Michelle Teehan struck a good goal for Kilkenny on 6 minutes to leave just 4 points between the teams. How would the young Dubs react? They renewed their efforts and had 1-01 on the board within minutes. But Kilkenny realising they were in trouble redoubled their efforts. Kilkenny again scored a goal - this time Sophia Dwyer put the ball in the net. Dublin responded immediately with 2 well taken frees from Ciara Glynn and Ciara Murray. Dublin came under severe pressure as the game edged towards the final whistle. But their backs were defended brilliantly, especially the half back line of Megan Lewis, Ciara Griffin and Roisin McLoughlan who worked tirelessly for the cause. Kilkenny were awarded a 20 metre free in front of goals which Danielle Morrisson dispatched to the net. But nerves were settled when Niamh Skehan pointed from a free and a 45. Dublin were deservedly 2-13 to 3-6 ahead when referee Owen Elliott (Antrim) sounded the final whistle.
This was a superb team and panel effort from the Dublin girls. This win should stand to the girls when they travel west of the Shannon to take on Clare in their final group game on Sunday, 20 July.
Dublin:
Starting 15: Nicole Burnett, Emma O’Flynn, Mo;lie O’Neill, Sinead Murphy, Megan Lewis, Ciara Griffin, Roisin McLoughlin, Alex Griffin, Ellen McGovern, Orlaith Murphy, Julia Buckley, Jessica Fay, Grace O’Shea, Claire Muray, Ciara Glynn.
Subs used: Sophie Quinn, Nianh Skehan, Eleanor Aherne, Caoimhe O’Gorman, Aoife Stack.
Subs not used: Nadine Murphy, Saoirse Devlin, Clodagh Sheehan, Niamh Rock, Eimear O’Leary, Kerri Finnegan, Ciara Sweeney.
Scorers: Ciara Glynn 1-05, Ellen McGovern 1-0, Grace O’Shea and Niamh Skehan 0-02 each, Julia Buckley, Alex Griffin, Claire Murray, Orlaith Murphy 0-01 each.
Photos from this game