Juvenile Camogie Round-up

Posted April 29, 2015

U15s and U16s do the double!

Our U15s and U16s provided the juvenile camogie action last weekend.

U15: Naomh Jude 5-6 Naomh Mearnóg 7-9

On Sunday, the u15 girls made the long trip to Templeogue to take on the league leaders St Judes.

In perfect conditions for Camogie, the Mearnóg girls were quickly out of the traps with Ciara Holland and Claire McGowan establishing early dominance at centrefield and raced into a 2-3 to no score lead. Excellent defending from the two Amys (Kavanagh and Keegan), kept the Judes team at bay and restricted their scoring to a couple of opportunistic goals and a few frees which meant that the teams entered the halftime break with Naomh Mearnóg leading by six points.

Some excellent predatory goal taking by Ellen Daly and Roise D’Arcy meant that Mearnong were able to maintain a healthy lead and with Ciara Holland in imperious free taking form, the end result was never really in doubt and Naomh Mearnog ran out nine point winners.

There were excellent performances throughout the team but special mention must be given to Leah Forde, Aoife McLoughrey and Grainne Skelton from our u13 team who all contributed handsomely to this victory.

U16: Naomh Mearnóg 5-10 Whitehall Colmcilles 0-2

Naomh Mearnóg achieved their 3^rd straight win in the league against Whitehall last Saturday. Thankfully the early rain cleared to leave ideal conditions for camogie. Despite the final scoreline this was a tough no nonsense game with great skill and sportsmanship shown by both sides. However, the home team were stronger on the and displayed great team work in moving the ball out of trouble whenever the visitors threatened Emma Ford’s goal.

Most of the scores came in the first half where the main difference between the sides was the superior finishing of the Mearnóg forward line. Credit must also be given to the Whitehall keeper who made several point blank saves on the day and was an inspiration to her defence. The second half was much more even with scores harder to come by. However, some brilliant passing moves often involving Ciara Egan, Ciara Holland, Aoibhe Dillon, Aoife Dalton and Sarah Brennan brought the much needed scores to keep the home team on top. While in the past scores were often only shared by a few, the last couple of games have involved more team play and a greater share of scores among all the forwards.

The Mearnóg midfield of Dearbhla Murphy and Orlaith Freaney battled hard throughout, helping out the defence when needed and keeping a constant supply of ball flowing to the forwards.   Full credit also to the uncompromising back line of Alanna Egan, Lauren Waters, Amy Kavanagh, Megan O’Connor and Aoife Whyte who managed to stem many a Whitehall attack despite being under heavy pressure particularly in the second half.  Credit also to Claire McGowan as wing forward who got some stylish scores before having to leave the field in the first half.