Camogie Finals Day A Huge Success.

Monday 27.08.2012

Club

The finals of the senior camogie championships were held in Killyman on Sunday past. The first match was a repeat of last year’s final with Doiretreasc and Derrylaughan competing for the crown of the intermediate champions. Doiretreasc started the game at a blistering pace and were able to score freely. Derrylaughan looked to be out of sorts and were unable to find their rhythm in many areas around the field. In sharp contrast Doiretreasc were fluent in their free taking and passing and looked dominant in all areas of the field. The tackles were firm but fair as Derrylaughan tried to find a way to break down a well drilled Doiretreasc side, however the scores kept coming. Both sides were littered with county players and the level of the skill was very high indeed. When the half time whistle blew Doiretreasc held a strong lead.
The large and expectant crowd of spectators were entertained during the half time break by a very exciting and skilful under 10 match. The young players participating had been chosen from all clubs in the county.

Derrylaughan took to the field for the restart a completely different side than they had the first. Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly had an impact and Derrylaughan were now in championship mode. ‘A game of two halves’ is a real cliche but it was true of this match. The scores came thick and fast and all the supporters were wondering if a comeback was on the cards. It was thrilling, exciting and a joy to watch as the game edged towards what we had all hoped for – an epic encounter.

The game was drawing to a close with Derrylaughan applying pressure from every direction. However Doiretreasc managed to settle their nerves with a few scores of their own. The game ended with a scoreline of Doiretreasc 3:12 to Derrylaughan’s 2:8. Congratulations to both teams for putting on such an excellent game that was played in great spirit. Doiretreasc are now rewarded with an Ulster tie in the senior C section of the competition to be played on 23rd September against a Cavan side. The proud joint captains of Aisling Corr and Emma Fitzgerald were presented with the Intermediate cup by Ursula Jordan from the county board. Catherine Hanna from Derrylaughan was presented with a crested Tyrone camogie sports bag for the outstanding player of the final.

In the junior section of the finals Éire Óg and Father Shields were hoping to win the title for the first time. Éire Óg were last year beaten finalists and were hungry for success. Father Shields were the ‘new kids on the block’ and looking to show that they had what it took.

An earlier match in the season had seen Éire Óg triumph but Father Shield knew they were in with a shout and this was a championship match after all. Both teams started well and you could see that this would be a very close match. Father Shields held a lead for a lot of the first half with long range efforts having the desired effect.. Éire Óg were always potent in attack and they never allowed their opponents to totally dominate. Father Shields had lots of goal mouth action but the defence of the Carrickmore side was outstanding with clearances going half the length of the field. The half time lead was held by Éire Óg and everyone knew the second half would be just as tight.

The second half was every bit as competitive and committed as the first as both teams went in hard and fought for every ball. There were long periods without any scoring but when the opportunity arose Éire Óg were more clinical. In the end the final score went the way of Carrickmore with a scoreline of 3:6 to 2:2. A lot of positives can be taken from this final in that Father Shields have improved immensely from last year and with their youth going strong they will surely be pushing for a title next year. Éire Óg have held onto a lot of their younger players and they are now becoming a very skilful team and a force to be reckoned with for next year. A jubilant captain Margaret Kerr lifted the cup and was gracious in her praise of the Father Shields side.

Eire Og will now play an Antrim side in the Ulster competition on 23rd September. Shannon Kelly from Éire Óg was presented with a Tyrone camogie bag for the outstanding player of the final.
Eglish were the senior champions and they will play in the final of the Ulster tie on 14th October. Kelley Anne Fay was presented with the senior cup by Deidre Fitzgerald.

In other camogie news the Tyrone under 14 squad continued ther training ahead of an Ulster championship semi final against Donegal on Saturday. Fionnuala McGrath had over 30 young camogs at her training session in Edendork and everyone is looking forward to next weekend’s fixture. The bus will leave Centra on the Quarry Lane at 10:30am as the match will be at 2:00pm. It is hoped that the young team will be too strong for Donegal and that they will progress without injury.