Down camogs set for Croke success

Down camogs set for Croke success

12 September 2012

IT’S the final countdown for Down camogs who face Meath in the All-Ireland Junior Camogie final at Croke Park on Sunday.

This is the second time the teams will have met in the last two months with Meath edging a very close game by a single point in Downpatrick.

Meath had a convincing win over Kildare in the All-Ireland semi-final whereas Down struggled with the underfoot conditions to beat an enthusiastic Laois side.

Every successful team has a strong and organised defence. With Ciara McGovern anchoring the full back line, Down have a proven leader.

Grainne O’Higgins also has fitted well into the defence along with the industrious Emma McCormick. Both players show great pace and tackling abilities combined with accurate ball distribution and vision.

Last year’s captain Lisa McCrickard can be relied upon for a steady performance and Karen Tinnelly, or KT as she is known, has the ability to turn any game as she proved in last year’s final.

Catriona McCrickard has made the goalkeeping position her own. She is a good shot stopper and her distance when pucking the ball out will come in very handy in the wide open spaces of Croke Park.

In the centre of the park Down have a number of options with Maria McNally, Lisa McPolin and Paula Gribben. All three have shown they have fitness and skills to link the defensive and attacking units.

The forward line is full off potential with each player more than capable of taking their points from play. The main target is Sara Louise Carr who is a dominating player with the complete set of skills. Her striking left and right has chalked up points or set up scores for her side all season.

The team vice-captain Catherine McGourty is a match winner. She too possesses a full range of skills and is arguably the purest ball striker on the team and she shares the responsibilities from frees.

Catherine’s sister Brid has played her way into contention for a starting birth having impressed in the County’s Minor All-Ireland win this season and her competent performances for the junior side.

Player of the County Championship final last week, Laura Hughes, has shown that she has both the skill and desire to come and win clean ball possession.

Captain Fionnuala Carr has played in defence, midfield and in the last game in the forward line. She has recovered well from injury and has shown a burning desire to lead this squad to glory on Sunday.

In every team that makes it to the summit there is always a really outstanding and special talent.

In this Down squad it is the unassuming Niamh Mallon. The Portaferry girl has already lead her county to All-Ireland Minor and Ulster titles this year. Her hard work, determination, pride and love of the game oozes out off every pore on the pitch.

She continues to develop her potential and her work rate during a game, along with her array of skills is a delight to behold. Niamh has been the thorn in every defence since she arrived on the adult county scene last season. Her two goals and a point in the semi-final secured the final spot for Down.