Minogue’s goals crucial as Newmarket retain title

Newmarket    3-8
Kilmaley         1-10
A BRACE of goals from Erica Minogue early in the second half laid the foundations for Newmarket’s win over Kilmaley in the final of the Clare Senior Camogie Championship, at Clarecastle on Sunday.
While Kilmaley fought back strongly in the last quarter, they were unable to get back on terms and the title holders held on for a merited win. These sides have met in the final for the past four years and the score stands at two wins each.
A powerful opening quarter by Newmarket-on-Fergus suggested a one-sided final was on the cards, as they raced six points clear after 13 minutes with Nikki Kaiser (2), Erica Minogue (2), Iris Kaiser and Deirdre Cassidy on target.
Kilmaley improved after this but still managed only two points in the remaining 15 minutes of the first half. Claire McMahon struck over two 45s and went close for a goal after Aisling O’Halloran’s close-range effort went across the face of Carol Toomey’s goal.
Having played against the elements in the first half and managing to be only four points in arrears, hopes were high in the Kilmaley camp that they could sustain a meaningful challenge in the second half. Aisling Darcy started the Kilmaley fight-back with a well-taken score in the 35th minute. However, two goals in two attacks from Erica Minogue left Newmarket comfortable 2-6 to 0-3 leaders.
It was feared after this that Kilmaley’s challenge would collapse but the opposite was the case. They took the game to Newmarket and scored five in a row from the 41st to 49th minutes. Claire McMahon (3), Helen McMahon and Shónagh Enright were on target to narrow the Newmarket lead to four points with 13 minutes to play.
Niki Kaiser, one of four sisters in the Newmarket starting line-up, ended the Kilmaley rally with a great point in the 55th minute. Shónagh Enright responded for Kilmaley, who needed a goal. However, Newmarket hit back with a point to seal the title as Ruth Kaiser applies the finish after great teamwork. Kilmaley, to their credit, struck back for a late consolation goal, which they deserved for their efforts, as Emma O’Driscoll scored from close range.
Best for the champions were Erica Minogue, the Kaiser sisters, Carol O’Leary, and Jane O’Leary. Kilmaley will regret the lapse in concentration that allowed the concession of the two goals that forced them to do too much. They had solid displays from Claire McMahon, Shónagh Enright, Helen McMahon, Katie Cahill, Edel Griffey, Eimear Considine and Emma O’Driscoll.
Newmarket will represent Clare in the Munster intermediate club championship on October 29.
Newmarket: Carol Toomey, Aoife Griffin, Jane O’Leary, Carol O’Leary, Aimee McInerney, Róisín McMahon, Carol Kaiser, Ruth Kaiser (0-1), Joanne Walsh, Sharon McMahon, Erica Minogue (2-2), Áine O’Brien, Deirdre Cassidy (0-1), Iris Kaiser (1-1) and Niki Kaiser (0-3).
Kilmaley: Edel Griffey, Niamh Cahill, Sarah Reidy, Sinéad O’Halloran, Helen McMahon (0-1), Katie Cahill, Eimear Considine, Aida Griffey, Eimear O’Connor, Shónagh Enright (0-2), Claire McMahon (0-6), Aisling O’Halloran, Aisling Darcy (0-1), Denise Lynch, Emma O’Driscoll (1-0).
Sub: Sinéad O’Keeffe for A O’Halloran.
Referee: Fintan McNamara (Killanena).
After the game the County Camogie Championship Cup was presented to Newmarket Captain Carol Toomey.