The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
St Joseph’s, Tulla 10-7
Lucan Community School 1-7
St Joseph’s Tulla qualified for the All-Ireland final of the O’Neill’s Senior D Post Primary Camogie Championship with this easy victory over Lucan Community School at Feakle on Saturday.
St Joseph’s, Tulla 10-7
Lucan Community School 1-7
St Joseph’s Tulla qualified for the All-Ireland final of the O’Neill’s Senior D Post Primary Camogie Championship with this easy victory over Lucan Community School at Feakle on Saturday.
The Tulla girls got off to a dream start, scoring their opening goal in the first minute to settle any nerves. They played with the aid of a very strong breeze in the first half and in spite of the best efforts of the visitors, St Joseph’s led by 6-5 to no score at the break.
Their first goal was scored by Niamh Mulqueen when she capitalised on a blockdown by the Lucan keeper, Courtney Clarke.
Kate O’Gorman added a point from a free two minutes later and in the fifth minute, Aisling McNamara finished a move to the net having received a pass from Kate O’Gorman. By this time, the Tulla girls were well on top and further goals by Kate O’Gorman (2), Áine McInerney and Aoife Dillon in addition to points from Kate O’Gorman (3) and Aoife Dillon meant they went in at half-time leading by 6-5 to no score. The Lucan girls had some chances in that first half but even when they found a way through the St Joseph’s defence, Pauline McNamara brought off a couple of great saves.
Lucan made a good start to the second half and scored 1-4 in the opening 10 minutes, the goal coming from a penalty when one of their forwards was brought down in the square. Kate Whyte struck the free, which the Joseph’s keeper got her hurley to but the sliothar skidded into the top corner. It was probably just reward for the endeavours of the Lucan girls in those opening minutes.
By the 10th minute, St Joseph’s had mastered playing against the wind and when a long, speculative shot from Kate O’Gorman ended up in the Lucan net, the writing was on the wall for the visitors. Niamh Mulqueen added another goal in the 11th minute and Regan Conway also found the net in the 21st and 22nd minutes to put the game well beyond the reach of the visitors.
Points from Mary Kate Moloney and Aoife Dillon completed the scoring for St Joseph’s on the day. They can expect tougher opposition in the final but on this performance, they won’t fear whomever they face. Lucan tried hard all through but they came up against a more balanced and focused side in Joseph’s.
All the Joseph’s girls played very well, including the girls who came on but Pauline McNamara must be singled out, she had an outstanding game between the posts and dealt with every ball, whether it came low or high as if she had all the time in the world.
St Joseph’s now await the winners of the other semi-final between Trim Community College and Loretto College, Cavan, due to be played in Trim this Saturday to learn who they will play in the All-Ireland final on Saturday, March 9.
St Joseph’s, Tulla: Pauline McNamara; Siobhán Tuohy, Aoife Tuohy, Collette Purcell; Kathy Halpin, Shauna Fleming (capt), Vivian Peek; Mary Kate Moloney (0-1), Regan Conway (2-0); Clodagh O’Halloran, Aoife Dillon (1-1), Aisling McNamara (1-1); Áine McInerney (2-0), Kate O’Gorman (2-3), Niamh Mulqueen (2-1).
Subs: Lisa McGrath for Kathy Halpin, Evelyn Duggan for Clodagh O’Halloran, Edel McNamara for Vivian Peek, Ellen Culloo for Niamh Mulqueen and Samantha O’Connor for Collette Purcell.
Lucan Community College: Courtney Clarke; Ashling McHugh, Kate Whyte (capt, 1-2), Deirdre Stapleton; Jane Doran, Sinéad O’Keeffe, Clodagh Flanagan; Claire Rigney (0-2), Elaine McClelland; Siobhán Grimes, Laura Connelly, Rachel O’Neill; Áine Keher, Orla Beagan (0-3), Catherine Carron.
Subs: Sophie Flanagan for Áine Keher, Holly Doran for Catherine Carron, Danielle Murray for Rachel O’Neill.
Referee: Philip Kelly.
