Drama, late winners and big statements as Tipperary Senior Camogie knockout picture takes shape

FBD Insurance Senior Camogie Championship - Group 1 - Round 4

Moycarkey Borris 0-18

Burgess Duharra 1-12

The official scoreline was 0-18 to 1-12 to Moycarkey, although Moycarkey seemed to score 19 points in the game, as they secured the win that puts them into the FBD Insurance Tipperary Senior Camogie Quarter-Final.

A strong opening fifteen minutes, where they outscored Burgess by nine points to three, was the foundation for the victory. Burgess, to their credit, played their part in what was a very entertaining game and can take a lot from this game ahead of their relegation semi-final.

Moycarkey came flying out of the traps and two scores from Emma O’Sullivan, a free and a 45, had them two up after three minutes, and then two excellent scores from play from the stick of Joan O’Keeffe doubled the lead by the sixth minute.

Burgess opened their account in the seventh minute when Tipperary All-Ireland Junior winner Jenny Grace pointed from a dead ball, but straight from the puckout the West Tipp outfit hit their fifth score through Alisha Kearney, and Joan O’Keeffe hit her third of the game in the tenth minute as Burgess were struggling to come to terms with the Moycarkey attack.

Two minutes later, former Tipperary minor-winning captain Sarah Corcoran extended the lead with a brilliant catch and finish, before Burgess struck back with two scores of their own from Danielle Nealon and Tara Kennedy to leave the gap at four points.

An Emma O’Sullivan free and another Sarah Corcoran effort left the score at 0-9 to 0-3 after 16 minutes, but Moycarkey would only score two more points in the half as Burgess shored things up defensively, with Kaitlin Halloran in particular very impressive.

Neither team would get on the scoresheet again until the 23rd minute, when Jenny Grace added a free, before Emma O’Sullivan added another free to her tally in the 27th minute, with both Grace and O’Sullivan exchanging frees in added time to leave Moycarkey ahead at the break by 0-11 to 0-5.

The lead was out to seven within a minute of the restart when Kate Ralph pointed, but Burgess would then hit a purple patch with points from Tara Kennedy, Jenny Grace from a free and a fine finish from Katie Grace to leave the gap at four with 35 minutes gone.

Four minutes later, following a fine team move, Kate Ralph found the target again, before Burgess went straight up the other end and responded with a Tara Kennedy effort, with Moycarkey doing likewise and Kate Ralph hitting her third as the action really heated up.

Jenny Grace would then hit two in a row, first from a 45, then a monstrous effort from all of 65 metres from the sideline, her first effort from play, to leave three in it with fifteen minutes to play.

But just when it looked like Burgess might mount a comeback, Moycarkey showed their quality and retook control of proceedings, first Sarah Corcoran with a brilliant finish and then Joan O’Keeffe following a strong run and neat finish.

It was then Alisha Kearney who added her side’s 17th score in the 49th minute and two minutes later Emma O’Sullivan added another free, which never went up on the scoreboard at the venue.

This would be the last score until added time, when Burgess were awarded a free 30 metres out and, despite Moycarkey lining the goal, Jenny Grace’s low effort managed to find its way into the back of the net. The same player added another point a minute later, her side’s last score of the game, but Moycarkey weren’t finished and an Alisha Kearney effort in the fourth minute of added time finished the scoring as Moycarkey held on for a huge victory by either three or four points, depending on what scoreboard you were going by.

Moycarkey Borris: Molly O’Dwyer, Caoimhe Fitzgibbon, Amy McGovern, Caitlin Shelly, Kate Dowling, Amy Callanan, Eva Ralph, Kate Ralph (0-3), Sarah Corcoran (0-3), Lucy Callanan, Ciara Shelly, Joan O’Keeffe (0-4), Sophie Coughlan, Emma O’Sullivan (0-6, 0-5f, 0-1 45), Alisha Kearney (0-3).

Subs used: Kate O’Keeffe for S Coughlan (54), Rebecca Hogan for A McGovern (60).

Burgess Duharra: Ciara Holihan; Lucy Slattery, Ruby Power, Ella Slattery; Malwina Dziewiatka, Katie Grace (0-1), Kara O’Carroll; Kaitlin Halloran, Roisin Duffy; Lily Duffy, Jenny Grace (1-7, 1-6f, 0-1 45), Tara Kennedy (0-3); Danielle Nealon (0-1), Caoilfhionn Maher, Amy Kennedy.

Referee: PJ Nolan (Killea)

Cashel King Cormacs 1-14

Thurles Sarsfields 1-13

Cashel King Cormacs inflicted a first championship defeat on reigning county champions Thurles Sarsfields with an incredible late smash-and-grab victory, which confirmed their place in the knockout stages in dramatic fashion in Rosegreen on Saturday.

This was a ding-dong battle throughout, physical and fiercely contested, with Cashel’s greater energy and liveliness giving them the upper hand for long periods. Yet, for all their good work, it looked as though the experience and know-how of the champions would ultimately prove decisive.

Sarsfields had struggled to hit top gear for much of the contest, but when the opportunity presented itself late on, they appeared to have finally broken Cashel’s resistance.

Trailing 0-11 to 0-10 after 48 minutes, Sarsfields suddenly clicked into gear and reeled off 1-3 without reply. Their goal - scored by Maria Ralph - arrived in the 58th minute, while Caoimhe Stakelum also made important contributions from placed balls as the champions surged into a 1-13 to 0-11 lead.

Having largely been outplayed, Sarsfields suddenly had one foot across the finishing line. But Cashel simply refused to accept defeat.

Anna Fahie, who was excellent from placed balls and open play throughout, started the revival before Aine O’Dwyer followed with another point on the stroke of the 60th minute, reducing the deficit to three, 1-13 to 0-13. Then came an extraordinary injury-time finish.

Young Aisling Cully was picked out with a good delivery inside and, despite initially being halted by a defensive tackle, managed to regain her footing as goalkeeper Siobhan Hennessy advanced.

Cully flicked the ball goalwards and, although several Sarsfields defenders converged near the line, the ball broke back into her path. Showing tremendous composure amid the chaos, she gathered again and forced the ball into the net to level the game.

A draw would have been enough to send Cashel through, but they went searching for more.

Anna Fahie brilliantly dug possession out from a throw-in around midfield before delivering towards Cully. The youngster produced an excellent first touch and moved the ball into the path of substitute Eve Moloney, who surged forward before calmly firing over what proved to be the winning score.

It sparked jubilant scenes among the Cashel contingent after a victory which showcased the character and never-say-die attitude within their ranks.

The achievement was made even more impressive by the absence of county star Karin Blair, although Sarsfields were also without Tipperary stalwart Karen Kennedy.

The result had little bearing on Sarsfields’ championship progression, but the champions will be disappointed with the manner of the performance and defeat heading into the knockout stages.

For Cashel, however, this was a huge statement and a dramatic way to seal their own place in the knockout rounds.

Cashel King Cormacs: Aoife O’Brien; Ella O’Dwyer, Joanne Crosse, Meabh Elle Ryan; Lisa Blair, Lily Fahie, Katelyn Downey; Anna Fahie (0-9, 0-8f), Eadaoin Bonnar; Grace Moloney (0-2), Rebecca Delahunty, Aine O’Dwyer (0-1); Aisling Cully (1-0), Emma Bonnar (0-1), Anna O’Brien.

Subs used: Eve Moloney (0-1) for E Bonnar (42).

Thurles Sarsfields: Siobhan Hennessy; Leanna Coppinger, Niamh McCormack, Robyn Fanning; Ciara Cummins, Emer Kennedy, Emma Carey; Roisin McCann, Aoife Dwyer (0-1); Andrea Loughnane, Sarah Stakelum (0-2), Marie Creedon; Laura Loughnane, Caoimhe Stakelum (0-10, 0-9f), Lucy Purcell.

Subs used: Maria Ralph (1-0) for Cummins (HT).

Referee: Joe Kearney

FBD Insurance Senior Championship - Group 2 - Round 4

Drom & Inch 0-15

Clonoulty Rossmore 0-12

Drom & Inch and Clonoulty Rossmore played out a fantastic game of camogie on Saturday evening in the Drom & Inch grounds, in front of a large and appreciative crowd.

This was a game played with tremendous intensity and physicality throughout. In the end, it was Drom & Inch who held their nerve to secure a hard-earned three-point victory.

Drom & Inch set the tempo from the opening whistle and got off to the better start, with Ciara Cahill opening the scoring from play. Mary Burke added a second point as the home side dominated the early exchanges and could have had a goal in the sixth minute when Miriam Campion’s effort just cleared the crossbar.

Cahill added another point to put Drom & Inch four points clear before Clonoulty Rossmore settled into the contest. Róisín Ferncombe got them off the mark before Sarah Fryday, who was outstanding throughout and finished with five points from play, added another.

Eimear McGrath pointed to leave Drom & Inch three ahead, but Clonoulty Rossmore finished the opening half strongly. Eimear Loughman and Casey Hennessy both found the target after runs from the half-back line before Fryday added another to leave the sides level at 0-5 apiece at half-time.

Drom & Inch’s half-back line had impressed during the opening half, with Mairead Eviston excellent at centre-back and Michelle Woodlock and Eimear McGrath providing plenty of drive from the wings. Niamh Treacy was also influential around midfield, winning a lot of possession and delivering quality ball into the Drom & Inch attack.

Eimear Cahill was a tower of strength in the Drom-Inch full-back line, making a number of crucial interceptions and producing a composed performance throughout.

Clonoulty Rossmore started the second half brightly, with Cait Devane opening the scoring with a beautifully struck point. Drom & Inch responded in style, however, hitting three points without reply. Two Eimear McGrath frees were followed by a point from Ciara Cahill, who had now moved into midfield and was continuing to influence proceedings.

Fryday responded for Clonoulty Rossmore before Mary Burke, who enjoyed an excellent game at centre-forward, struck two points in succession to put Drom-Inch back in control.

Once again, Clonoulty Rossmore refused to let the gap develop. Sarah Fryday and Cait Devane, from a free, reduced the deficit before McGrath converted another free for Drom & Inch. Again, the ever-reliable Devane replied with another free to keep the visitors firmly in contention.

Drom & Inch then produced what looked to be the decisive spell, scoring three points in a row through McGrath, Niamh Treacy and McGrath again to move 0-14 to 0-10 ahead.

Yet, in keeping with the nature of the contest, Clonoulty Rossmore came again. Cait Devane converted another free before Fryday added her fifth point from play to bring it back to just two points.

Niamh Long got the final score of the game from play, capping another tireless performance and putting Drom & Inch three points clear at 0-15 to 0-12.

However, Clonoulty Rossmore refused to give up and continued to press right to the final whistle. With the last play of the game, Cait Devane was awarded a free and opted to go for goal, but the Drom & Inch defence held firm to keep the effort out and secure a hard-earned three-point victory in a thrilling contest.

It was an impressive response from Drom & Inch following their defeat to Éire Óg Annacarty in the previous round, while Clonoulty Rossmore suffered their first defeat of the group campaign after an excellent series of performances.

The result leaves Clonoulty Rossmore, Éire Óg Annacarty and Drom & Inch level on points at the top of the group, with Clonoulty Rossmore topping the table on score difference, followed by Éire Óg Annacarty and Drom & Inch.

Clonoulty Rossmore now progress directly to the county semi-final, while Drom & Inch must negotiate a quarter-final against Moycarkey Borris.

In the other quarter-final, Éire Óg Annacarty will face Cashel King Cormacs, with the winners progressing to the county semi-finals.

Drom & Inch: Caoimhe Bourke; Eimear Cahill, Christina Brennan, Maureen Ryan; Michelle Woodlock, Mairead Eviston, Aoife McGrath; Niamh Long (0-1), Niamh Treacy; Caroline Shanahan, Mary Burke (0-3), Ciara Cahill (0-3); Miriam Campion (0-1), Tara Hoare, Eimear McGrath (0-6, 0-3f, 0-2 45s).

Subs used: Sara Jayne Ormonde; Laurie Mullens.

Clonoulty Rossmore: Eva Ryan; Moira Kinane, Clodagh Quirke, Julie Murphy; Casey Hennessy (0-1), Kate Ryan, Eimear Loughman (0-1); Sinead Ryan, Bernadette Ryan; Cait Devane (0-4, 0-3 frees), Kellie Quirke, Moira Kinane; Sophie Maher, Sarah Fryday (0-5), Róisín Ferncombe (0-1).

Subs used: Eimear Bourke.

Referee: Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels)

Éire Óg Annacarty 2-21

Knockavilla Kickhams 0-4

Éire Óg Annacarty comfortably booked their passage to the knockout stages of the FBD Insurance Senior Camogie Championship after proving far too strong for an injury-ravaged Knockavilla Kickhams on Sunday.

Kickhams arrived with a massive injury list and only the bare 15 players available, including key players in the form of Caoimhe McCarthy, Ereena Fryday, and Sinead Furlong, but battled gamely in what always threatened to be a David versus Goliath encounter.

They managed to frustrate Éire Óg during a relatively tight opening ten minutes, with county star Eimear Heffernan deployed as a sweeper in an attempt to stem the waves of Annacarty attacks.

That worked for a period, with Kickhams trailing by just 0-6 to 0-0 after 20 minutes, but the pressure eventually told.

Danielle Ryan, Leah Heffernan and Eva O’Dwyer were prominent as Éire Óg began to find increasing space, and by half-time they had opened up a commanding 0-14 to 0-1 advantage.

The deployment of Eimear Heffernan in a defensive role helped Kickhams contain the damage, but inevitably robbed them of their biggest attacking threat at the other end.

Indeed, all four of Kickhams’ points came from Heffernan placed balls, with the depleted side struggling to manufacture opportunities from open play.

Any lingering doubt over the outcome was quickly removed after the restart, with Jean Kelly and Lucy Heffernan finding the net as Éire Óg continued to dominate.

Kelly and Lucy Heffernan both finished with 1-1, while Eva O’Dwyer struck seven points and Danielle Ryan added six in an impressive spread of scoring for the winners.

Kickhams can take some credit from battling to the finish despite the scale of their injury problems, but Éire Óg were operating at a different level and move into the knockout stages with confidence.

Éire Óg: Danielle Butler; Laura Heffernan, Caoimhe Brady, Anne O’Dwyer; Shauna Heffernan, Ciannait Walsh, Rachel Heffernan; Mary O’Dwyer (0-1), Danielle Ryan (0-6); Rachel O’Dwyer, Eva O’Dwyer (0-7, 0-4f), Ciara Slattery; Leah Heffernan (0-5), Jean Kelly (1-1), Lucy Heffernan (1-1).

Knockavilla Kickhams: Orla Gleeson; Niamh Hayes, Emma Kingston, Emma Ryan; Sinead Hayes, Emma O’Meara, Therese Ryan; Anna Butler, Mary Ellen Holmes; Ellen Brown, Sarah Ryan, Eimear Heffernan (0-4f); Aoife White, Ruby Kelly, Emma Daly.

Referee: Tommy Ryan (Kiladangan)