Ulster girls strike well at M. Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada 2015

 

Ulster competitors Catherine McGourty and Ann-Marie Smyth both performed well in the M.Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada 2015 on the slopes of Annaverna mountain in Cooley. In the Under 16 section Ann-Marie pucked well and was one of the runners up while in the Senior competition Catherine McGourty was partnered with reigning champion Patricia Jackman.

 

 

 

 

Ann-Marie Smyth and Catherine McGourty

 

From the start Jackman’s experience was apparent as she got of to a fantastic start and Catherine McGourty will be  first to admit that it took her a few pucks to get into a rhythm. At the halfway stage Patricia Jackman had a two shot lead over McGourty but couldn’t pull any further away as the pair were shot for shot the whole way home.

Patricia Jackman has now won the All Ireland Poc Fada title for the last 7 years.

 

 

All the Camogie competitors with Kathleen Woods

Ann-Marie and Kathleen Woods

In the end Patricia Jackman took the title, beating Catriona Daly (Galway) by two metres and finished two shots ahead of Catherine McGourty who came an impressive third. With an impressive finish to the competition Catherine McGourty will be keen to try again next year and perhaps come a few days early like the other competitors to get used to the course and get a bit of practice in. Well done to Catherine and Ann-Marie as they have done their clubs, county and Province proud.

Ann-Marie Smyth (Ballygalget) and Catherine McGourty (Ballycran) in their club colours