Assumption girls can’t hold out against Limerick’s class

Assumption girls can’t hold out against Limerick’s class

19 February 2014

THE brave girls of Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, lost out in their bid to reach the All-Ireland final when they were beaten by Limerick queens St. Joseph’s, Doon, at St. Colman’s High School, Newry, on Saturday.

The Munster champions were a very strong and well organised Limerick side who showed their intent in their very first attack with a great solo goal.

The Ballynahinch girls worked really hard and created a few opportunities, but they faced a well-drilled side with a very direct style and accurate forwards.

Assumption captain Colleen Clarke led her side by example and she finished a great team move with a well taken goal just on half-time.

Playing into the breeze in the second half, the Munster girls continued to dominate with their very effective and eye catching camogie.

To their credit, Assumption worked tirelessly to get into the game and despite a couple of goals and a point in the second half, St. Joseph’s were worthy winners.

Our Lady’s Grammar, Newry, also found themselves in the same circumstances as they met a very skilful Cork side in their semi-final.

They started well and also created a few chances, but the Clanmire girls were too strong in every position and too ran out winners.

Meanwhile, Down senior camogs travel to Armoy on Sunday determined to get their season off to a flying start.

Both counties have been under performing in recent seasons and the Mourne girls under the new management team of Mickey McCullough, Alastair McGilligan and Pauline Green will be looking closely at the squad and the progress made so far in training with one eye on the main goal, All-Ireland success, but mostly winning the local derby.

It also will be the first time all players will be available to the management with Liatroim and university girls tied up in their competitions.

The great news is the return of Portaferry’s Niamh Mallon to the side having to sit out 2013 season with an injury. She was in great form for UUJ at the weekend scoring freely from play and the placed ball.

Unfortunately, she was on the losing side in the Ashbourne Shield final to UCD where another Down sharp shooter, Clonduff’s Sarah Louise Carr, scored a crucial goal to help her side to victory.

In defence and midfield there are familiar names of Grainne O’Higgins, Fionnuala Carr, Karen McMullan and Catherine McGourty will play key roles.

This is a difficult game to call, but it just might be a Red and Black day. Throw in 1pm

• Attical will host the Doon v Antrim game in the All-Ireland Minor B Championship on Saturday.

The visitors had the upper hand in the corresponding fixture last season when they edged the game by a few points.

Down’s management team of Paul O’Boyle, Noreen Keown and Sean Rogers have put a lot of effort into preparing the team for this campaign and are optimistic that they get off to a winning start.

Down are fortunate to have a very talented and healthy squad of players available to them.

They are fully aware of how strong Antrim are and expect a very tight game with only the puck of the ball between them, but a home win is expected.

• The U-16 county trials will take place in An Riocht on Sunday.