Rockwell Rovers make amends for last year's heartbreak with Junior C camogie triumph

FBD Insurance Junior C Camogie Championship Final

Rockwell Rovers 1-7

Boherlahan Dualla 1-5

Rockwell Rovers were crowned FBD Insurance Junior C champions on Saturday following a hard-fought victory over Boherlahan Dualla in difficult weather conditions.

Both teams battled right to the final whistle, but it was Rockwell who held on to secure the county title, making up for last year’s disappointment in the final. There were jubilant scenes among the Rockwell supporters as the final whistle confirmed their long-awaited success.

Having played with the aid of a strong wind in the first half, Rockwell led by three points at the break, 0-6 to 0-3. Clionadh Farrell was accurate from frees, while Annie Flynn delivered an excellent first-half performance at centre forward. Boherlahan’s opening scores came from Mya Hickey and Sophie Moynihan.

Rockwell made a dream start to the second half when captain Clodagh O’Gorman struck for goal, opening up a 1-6 to 0-3 lead and giving her side some valuable breathing space.

However, Boherlahan Dualla, now playing with the wind at their backs, refused to give in. Molly Gilmartin’s switch from goal to midfield had a positive impact, while Clare Canny found the net to reduce the deficit to three points.

Boherlahan Dualla continued to battle, with Leah Hickey getting on the scoresheet and Sarah Murphy converting a free. However, a point from Clionadh Farrell ensured Rockwell maintained a two-point advantage.

Boherlahan Dualla tried to swing the contest in their favour, but Rockwell showed tremendous determination and composure to see out the game and claim the silverware.

There were excellent performances throughout the Rockwell team, with Emily McGrath particularly impressive at centre back in the second half and Addison Ryan solid at corner back. Annie Flynn was lively throughout at centre forward, while Clodagh O’Gorman’s goal proved a decisive moment. Clionadh Farrell was named Player of the Match after an excellent and consistent performance over the hour.

Boherlahan Dualla also produced some excellent individual displays. Claire Delaney was excellent at full back, while Saoirse Maher impressed at wing back. Lucie Gilmartin worked tirelessly, with Leah and Mya Hickey contributing strongly in the half-forward line, and Sarah Rose Meehan also put in a great shift.

Despite a determined effort from Boherlahan Dualla, Rockwell Rovers’ hunger and resilience ultimately proved decisive. Having come so close in recent years, they can now celebrate a deserved county title.

Rockwell Rovers: Lucy Quinn; April Purcell, Bernie Bergin, Addison Ryan; Ella O’Donnell, Emily McGrath, Emma Durkan; Clionadh Farrell (0-5, 0-4f), Margaret McGrath; Maeve Moloney, Annie Flynn (0-2), Catherine Fitzgerald; Sophie Lonergan, Stephanie Kelly, Clodagh O’Gorman (1-0).

Subs used: Grace O’Dwyer for Stephanie Kelly.

Boherlahan Dualla: Molly Gilmartin; Clodagh O’Dwyer, Claire Delaney, Siobhan O’Brien; Saoirse Maher, Lucie Gilmartin, Brid Quirke; Maria Murphy, Amy Moloughney; Leah Hickey (0-1), Mya Hickey (0-2), Sarah Rose Meehan; Claire Canny (1-0), Sophie Moynihan (0-1), Sarah Murphy (0-1f).

Subs used: Anna Ryan for Claire Canny, Grace Power for Amy Moloughney.

Referee: PJ Nolan (Killea)