Ulster Gael Linn team narrowly pipped by Munster

On Sunday 20th May, the Ulster Senior Gael Linn squad travelled to Trim, Co. Meath in a confident mood in causing a bit of an upset against Munster. The team which was being managed by Joe Passmore of double All-Ireland Intermediate Club Champions Eoghan Rua and captained by Derry’s Graínne McGoldrick made the journey down with a strong squad hoped to secure a final place later that day.

From the start of the game it was going to be tough battle. Munster made the early scores and went ahead however the full forward line of Jane Adams, Karen Kielt and Niamh Mallon were starting receive some great supply to bring Ulster back into the game. Ulster were starting to dominate all sectors of the pitch with Jane Carey, Fionnuala Carr and the superb Aoife Ni Chasaide sweeping up the Munster attacks and went in at half time a couple of points to the good.

Ulster appeared a bit nervous in the second half as Munster came out to attack. The game was soon level and the intensity of the game was  as high as the level of players competing, however points from Catherine McGourty, Graínne McGoldrick, Sinead Cassidy and Jane Adams from free’s saw Ulster edge back in front with only minutes to spare. In a cruel twist Munster hit a late goal to put them into a one point lead and they managed to hold out to play Leinster in the final. The level of disappointment from the Ulster players was evident and this showed how much they were putting into representing their province. Leinster who had an easier game v Connacht in the Semi-Final and a greater rest period between games defeated Munster to be crowned Gael Linn Champions for 2012

Manager Joe Passmore after the game was proud of the players and reflected on what might have been ‘It was perhaps a game we should have won. The players were magnificent throughout, it was compelling end to end stuff  and they kept at it to the bitter end. It was the best game of the competition for sure. It shows that Camogie players from Ulster are as good as those anywhere else, if evidence is needed. Although the players are disappointed they should take great pride in their performance’.

Pictured- Sinead Cassidy,Katrina O’Kane and Jane Carey show their disappointment at the final whistle