Clooney-Quin 2 camogie team scored a narrow victory over Kilkishen/Bodyke 2 in an U12 Div 3 final last Saturday.
Both teams served up a really exciting game, with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle. Clooney started brightly with a well taken goal from Saoirse Brennan after roughly 5 minutes play. Clooney really dominated the early exchanges, with Jane Collins on a huge amount of ball at mid field and Sarah Slattery and Bebhinn Gallagher dominating the half back line. Up front, forwards Sophie O’Donnell and Fiona McCarthy were causing problems for the Kilkishen/Bodyke defence and were unlucky not to score on several occasions.
In an attempt to add to Clooneys tally, captain Maeve Wall came out of goals and into the forward line and was unlucky to see an excellent pick, turn and strike go narrowly wide.
However, Kilkishen/Bodyke were beginning to settle and scored an equalising goal shortly before half time.
The second half was hugely entertaining for all in attendance as both teams put everything into the game. Ciara O’Dwyer, Jane Collins and Kate Senton really took over in midfield and their workrate up and down the pitch was a massive factor in the tide turning in Clooneys favour. As with many tight games, the sides were separated by a touch of class as Saoirse Brennan made an excellent run through the middle to score an excellent point. Keelin Clune and Amber O’Brien worked tirelessly in the forward division to try and add to Clooneys tally but
Kilkishen/Bodyke were not for giving up and several attacks near the Clooney goal were dealt with most capably by the full back line of Aoife Togher and Aoife McHugh,Maeve Wall made several excellent interventions and her puckouts were a great source of relief when the backs were under pressure. Eimear McNamara went close for Clooney-Quin late on with an excellent effort but Kilkishen/Bodyke defence kept her out.
The final few minutes were frantic but Clooney-Quin held out to claim victory by the narrowest of margins against a gallant and sporting Kilkishen/Bodyke side. Congrats to all the girls who have displayed great skill and determination.
Due to holidays and Fleadh commitments, some very dedicated panel members were unavailable on the night. Doireann Egan, Caoimhe McDonnell, Sive Timmons, Rachel Conneely, Lily McDonnell and Aoife Hynes were unfortunate to miss out on the final but have displayed fantastic skill and commitment throughout the previous games. This group will take a break for two 2 weeks and will be back to the pitch on Wed August15th to take part in an internal 7-a-side competition.
Clooney Quin Panel: Maeve Wall, Aoife Togher, Aoife McHugh, Amber O’Brien, Sarah Slattery, Beibhinn Gallagher, Kate Senton, Ciara O’Dwyer, Jane Collins, Saoirse Brennan, Fiona McCarthy, Eimear McNamara, Sophie O’Donnell , Keelin Clune, Sive Timmons, Caoimhe McDonnell, Aoife Hynes, Doireann Egan, Rachel Conneely, Lily McDonnell