Maghera take 14th Senior Camogie title
Corn Uan Uladh final:
St Patrick’s Maghera collected their 14th Ulster Colleges’ Senior camogie title on Saturday, winning the south Derry derby in Ballymena with something to spare.
It was far from a classic game of open camogie, but the intensity of the exchanges, the tackling and the commitment of all the players were enjoyed by those who brave the elements to attend.
St Mary’s defence worked very hard with Bronagh McGillian and captain Rachel Mulholland outstanding particularly during the first half, but their attack didn’t have as much bite as their opponents with Mairead McNicholl, Shannon Kearney and Shauna Quinn forcing mistakes.
The winners’ defence was also excellent, restricting St Mary’s to a single score – and that from a 36th minute free.
St Mary’s looked the stronger team during the opening exchanges against the breeze, but gradually Maghera picked off scores – 3 points from Mairead McNicholl and a fine drive forward by Shauna O’Neill.
The key score though arrived 90 seconds before the break. Mairead McNicholl played Shannon Kearney in near the end line, but the full-forward under pressure from 3 defenders cut in, and her half-blocked shot made it past Aimee McGuckin for a 1-4 to 0-0 interval lead.
Shauna Quinn and Bronagh McGillian exchanged points on the re-start, but Maghera stood up to the pressure during the third quarter and tagged on extra scores during the fourth to complete their three-in-a-row of titles.
St Patrick’s: Claire Burns, Shaunine O’Kane, Maeve Quinn, Charlotte Burke, Aoife Shaw, Aoife Ní Chasaide, Rebecca Ferguson capt, Shauna O’Neill 0-1, Brónagh Ní Chasaide, Claire Graham, Shauna Quinn 0-2, Adrienne Gorman, Mairead McNicholl 0-4, 0-2 frees, Shannon Kearney 1-1, Eimhear McNicholl. Sub: Cáitlín Ní Cheallaigh for C Graham (55).
St Mary’s: Aimee McGuckin, Aine Mulholland, Rachel Mulholland capt., Roisin Cassidy, Mary McCuallagh, Bronagh McGillian 0-1 free, Niamh McGuigan, Sinéad Donnelly, Aine McAllister, Catherine McColgan, Ruby-Marie Rice, Fiona Maguire, Brid Corrigan, Nicole Clerkin, Sarah Reid. Subs: Kirsty McLeod for S Reid (41), Sinéad Comer for N Clerkin (52).
Referee: Colm Cunning (Dunloy)
Submitted by: Seamus McAleenan
