Ulster Camogie Championship
Drumgoon 3-09 Kilclief Ben Dearg, Co. Down 3-13
Drumgoon senior camogie had their first outing in the Ulster Championship on Sunday last in a chilly but sunny Boyle Park against Kilclief from Co. Down. The visitors had the better start with a point from a free within two minutes. Michelle Dolan levelled the score with a very well taken point. Kilclief retaliated with another point from play. After some hard tackling from both teams Kilclief settled again and found the back of the net. Some great link-up play from Drumgoon ended with another point for Michelle Dolan. Kilclief launched another attack resulting in another goal quickly followed by a point to leave the halftime score 0-2 to 2-3.
Drumgoon came out fighting in the second half and their efforts were rewarded by goal from Joanne Halpin, followed by two points from Ciara Fitzpatrick. Kilclief responded with two further points from frees before Joanne Halpin put the ball in the net for Drumgoon after a goal-mouth scramble. The end-to-end play continued with a point for Kilclief and a great point from Áine Corcoran. The visitors then scored two further points and a goal. A very exciting last ten minutes brought more points for Ciara Fitzpatrick and Áine Corcoran. An excellent free from the hard-working Caoimhe Clarke was tapped into the net by Tara Fitzpatrick to leave three points between the teams with a few minutes to go. But Kilclief were to have the last say and ended the game with a point to win by 4.
This was a thoroughly entertaining and hard-fought game with both sides giving their all in a very sporting encounter. We are very proud of our girls who put up a great fight and showed why they are the County champions. We wish Kilclief every success in the next round.
Drumgoon: Rebecca Brady, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Tara Fitzpatrick (1.0), Rachel Tierney, Helen Lynch ©, Caoimhe Clarke (1.0), Laura Bannon, Áine Corcoran (0.2), Rachel Fleming, Ellen Maguire, Ciara Fitzpatrick (0.5 (3.f.), Holly Halpin, Alannah Clarke, Michelle Dolan (0.2), Joanne Halpin (1.0). Subs: Ellen Clegg for Ellen Maguire, Laura Fox for Niamh Fitzpatrick; Eva O’Grady, Lisa Reynolds, Orlaith Markey, Sophia Halpin, Emma Carroll.
Unfortunately the game didn’t go our way in the end on Sunday. But we are extremely proud of this great team who despite being down by 9pts at half-time came out fighting in the second half and put on a fantastic display of skill and teamwork. We would like to wish Kilclief Ben Dearg GAC the very best of luck in the next round and thank them for a great, sporting game. We would also like to thank everyone who braved the cold to cheer us on Boyle Park on Sunday, your continued support is greatly appreciated. Also we were honoured that the President of Camogie Association of Ireland, Hilda Breslin attended the game today.
Finally a big thank you to all who helped with parking and catering and Jimmy, Damien and Tony for having the pitch in such excellent condition. The future is bright for Drumgoon Camogie – it’s been a great year…Well done to everyone.
Team was Rebecca Brady, Tara Fitzpatrick 1-0, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Caoimhe Clarke 1-0, Rachel Fleming, Helen Lynch, Laura Bannon,, Aine Corcoran 0-2, Rachel Tierney, Michelle Dolan 0-2, Holly Halpin, Ellen Maguire, Ciara Fitzpatrick 0-5, Joanne Halpin 1-0, Allanah Clarke, Ellen Clegg, Laura Fox
