Down’s camogie queens

Down’s camogie queens

27 April 2016

DOWN’S minor camogs were crowned All-Ireland champions after a tense, nailbiting showdown with Roscommon at Stradone in County Cavan on Saturday.

Playing against a strong wind, Down opened the scoring line with a goal from Ballygalget’s Erin O’Hagan in the second minute of the game.

Both teams hit two wides from easy positions before Down’s Neisha McCullough scored a point, but this was quickly followed by Roscommon’s Leah Rowes, who scored two points from frees.

Down were awarded a penalty, but Neisha McCullough’s effort flew inches over the bar as Roscommon breathed a sigh of relief.

Another point from Liatroim’s Kate McAleenan stretched Down’s lead and just before half-time a point from Ballyholland’s Eimear Rushe put Down five points ahead. 

However, Roscommon fought back strongly to be within a point of Down at the break on a score of 1-4 to 0-6.

The respective defences were on top of their game throughout the second half, and neither set of forwards could break through to score. 

It was 15 minutes before Down registered another score when Eimear Rushe broke through to score a great point.

With seven minutes remaining Ballycran’s Neisha McCullough scored Down’s second point of the half to put them three points clear and well on their way to victory.

Roscommon kept fighting to the last whistle, but Down’s defence held firm to see out a great win.  

There was  spectacular performances all over the pitch from both teams, but it was Castlewellan’s Catriona Caldwell who was deservedly named player of the match.

Down’s management team of Declan Napier, Eileen Hamill and  Francie McGrath were thrilled with the victory as Neisha McCullough was presented with the cup, while players and other officials celebrated with family and friends.    

Down: Lauren Clarke (An Riocht), Maebh O’Hare (Ballyholland), Caoimhe Byrne (Ballyholland),  Katie McGilligan (Carryduff), Catriona Caldwell (Castlewellan), Amanda Woods (Kilcoo), Sophie Clarke (Liatroim), Ann Marie Smyth (Ballygalget), Neisha McCullough (captain, Ballycran, 0-3), Frances Toner (Portaferry), Ellis Ennis (Ballycran), Kate McAleenan (Liatroim, 0-1), Eimear Rushe (Ballyholland, 0-2), Nicola McCabe (Castlewellan), Erin Hagan (Ballygalget, 1-0). Subs: Orla Crozier (Bredagh), Maeve Devlin (Bredagh), Blanaid Savage (Ballygalget), Ciara Finnegan (Portaferry), Katie Canniford (Balella), Andrea McKillop (Bredagh).