Third time lucky for Truagh- Clonlara

Truagh-Clonlara 1-6   Scariff-Ogonnelloe 1-5

In a very tense and exciting intermediate final at Clarecastle on Sunday, Truagh-Clonlara were victorious by the narrowest of margins over Scariff-Ogonnelloe. This was Truagh-Clonlara’s third final in a row and the excitement and relief at the full-time whistle was evident for all to see.

Truagh-Clonlara set down their mark early when, in the first minute, Ellen Horgan was fouled and Aileen O’Sullivan hit over the resultant free. Scariff-Ogonnelloe were quick to respond when a long delivery by Mairead Scanlon was held up by Sarah O’Donnell and expertly finished to the net by Róisín O’Brien.

The experience gained by Truagh-Clonlara at this level over the last number of years was evident when, following this goal, they dominated proceedings for the next 15 minutes and hit three unanswered points.

Aileen O’Sullivan hit over a superb point from a 45’ and this was followed by an equally morale-boosting point from play by midfielder Michelle Caulfield. Aileen O’Sullivan then scored her first point from play which left Truagh-Clonlara one point ahead with twenty minutes gone. Truagh-Clonlara continued to dominate and there was a let off for Scariff-Ogonnelloe when Aisling Craughan had two good goal scoring opportunities but both were missed.

With half time looming, Scariff/Ogonnolloe had a goal disallowed when Sarah O’Donnell was adjudged to be in the square. However, Mairead Scanlon made amends and had the final score of the half when she sent over a free to leave the teams level at half time.

Both sides made changes at the break with Mairead Vaughan being introduced for Scariff-Ogonnelloe and Caroline Lynch for Truagh-Clonlara. Scariff-Ogonnelloe started the second half well but were finding it difficult to break down a very solid Truagh-Clonlara defence.

Susan Vaughan had the first score of the second half when her long-range effort from midfield sailed over the bar to give Scariff-Ogonnelloe a one point lead with 10 minutes gone. Niamh Power then had a shot on goal that was well saved by Aisling Corbett in the Scariff-Ogonnelloe goal and put out for a 45’. Aileen O’Sullivan converted the 45’ to bring the teams level again. A long free delivered by Aisling Corbett resulted in Sarah O’Donnell being fouled and Mairead Scanlon hit over to put Scariff-Ogonnelloe one ahead again.

Mairead Scanlon and Sarah O’Donnell both hit the post from the same passage of play before substitute Marie Begley scored a point for Truagh-Clonlara to leave the teams on level terms again. Then the crucial score of the match came for Truagh-Clonlara. A long delivery from captain Helen Guinnane was sent to the net by Ashling Craughan to leave them three points ahead with eight minutes remaining.

Scariff-Ogonnelloe, to their credit, fought to the very end and were rewarded with two pointed 45s from Mairead Scanlon. The second 45’ came after a match winning save from Caroline Craughan in the Truagh-Clonlara goal. Truagh-Clonlara defended valiantly with great clearances from Helen Guinnane and Caroline Lynch, who went back to defend their lead and ensure there was no equalising score from Scariff-Ogonnelloe.

Scenes of joy and elation were evident from the victorious team and management as Seanie McMahon blew the final whistle.

Truagh-Clonlara had great performances from Teresa Nihill, who was awarded player of the match; Cathy Hally, Helen Guinnane; Michelle Caulfield, Aileen O’Sullivan, Sarah Sherlock and Caroline Lynch. Best for Scariff-Ogonnelloe were Aisling Corbett, Gina O’Brien, Marian O’Brien, Susan Vaughan, Mairead Scanlon, Róisín O’Brien and Sarah O’Donnell.

After the game, Orla Considine, chairperson of Clare Camogie, presented the Fr. Liam Murray Cup to the jubilant winning captain Helen Guinnane.

Truagh-Clonlara: Caroline Craughan; Teresa Nihill, Cathy Hally, Patricia Nihill; Aideen Hogg, Helen Guinnane (C), Sarah Hastings; Michelle Caulfield, Kathleen Horgan; Aileen O’Sullivan, Sarah Sherlock, Ellen Horgan; Ashling Craughan, Niamh Power, Yvonne Woods.
Subs: Caroline Lynch for Yvonne Woods; Maira Begley for Niamh Power; Christine Meskell, Eimear Kelly, Siobhain Fahy, Emma Hastings, Tara Kirwan, Sarah Koyce, Aileen Ryan, Eileen Gleeson, Lisa Moloney, Josephine Clancy, Róisín Rynne and Theresa Hartley.
Scorers: Aisling Craughan (1-0); Aileen O’Sullivan (0-2, 45’, 0-1f); Michelle Caulfield, Marie Begley (0-1 each).
Scariff-Ogonnelloe: Aisling Corbett; Gina O’Brien (J/C), Grainne Gunning, Maria Brody (J/C); Leanne Horan, Marian O’Brien, Sarah Madden; Helen Mooney, Susan Vaughan; Aileen Thornton, Áine O’Brien, Ellen Collins; Róisín O’Brien, Mairead Scanlon, Sarah O’Donnell.
Subs: Mairead Vaughan for Helen Mooney; Rachel Moloney for Ellen Collins; Danielle Sheedy, Geraldine O’Brien, Ashley Minogue, Sarah McMahon, Robin McGonigle, Sarah Daly, Sarah Wood, Shannon McNamara, Keli Nugent, Eleanor Minogue and Dervla Nash.
Scorers: Mairead Scanlon (0-2, 45’, 0-2f); Róisín O’Brien (1-0); Susan Vaughan (0-1).
Referee: Seanie McMahon, Newmarket.