August 27^th ‘13

 

Clontibret  deny ‘Blayney back to back Title

Clontibret           2 – 8

Castleblayney    0 – 4

A classy Clontibret side cantered their way to glory by reclaiming the Senior Championship title when they defeated last years winners  Castleblayney in Drumhowan  GAA  grounds on Sunday evening last.

County Blitz and League holders Castleblayney had no answer to the duo of Shauna Finnegan and Marie Greenan as they hammered home  a brace of scores  in the first half of this one sided affair. Greenan converted a ’45 in the first minute with Karen Boyle saving a Niamh Brennan attempt at goal minutes later. ‘Blayney wasted several scoring chances in the opening 10 minutes before Finnegan  delivered to Greenan who split the posts on three occasions between the 11^th and 15^th minute.

Finnegan who received a yellow card for an offence on ‘Blayney’s Louise O Connell shot one over from play in the 21^st minute with Catherine Tomany and Sinead Mohan doing likewise minutes later, a killer goal from Marie Greenan in the 25^th minute put paid to ‘Blayney’s chances of survival. However Blayney reprieved 3 points  in quick succession with converted frees  from Amber Lam,  and Eileen Mc. Elroy to leave them trailing  1 – 7 to 0 -4 at the break.

The second half did nothing to raise the hopes of the large contingent of spectators which were treated to a low scoring affair when ‘Blayney tightened up their defence and yet again Greenan pillaged a second goal half way through the second half and converted a free, minutes later.

‘Blayney got their only score from play when on the 16^th minute, Lam connected with a side line ball to place one over the bar and shortly afterwards Emma Mc. Kenna got her marching orders for a second yellow offence. They wasted scorable frees when they went for goal on numerous occasions and goals were hard to come by, when in the closing stages of the game Amber Lam was denied a penalty.

Castleblayney Manager Paul Forde when asked what he thought went wrong for ‘Blayney said “ They didn’t perform on the day,  it was the first game that we had played with a full squad this season, only a couple of girls stepped up to the mark on the day and  we missed early scores”.He said” the final nail in the coffin was the sending off of Emma Mc. Kenna half way through the second half for a second yellow. Clontibret took their chances and it paid dividends”

Clontibret team  manager,Geraldine Clarke commented on their victory by saying: “ ‘Bitter-sweet’ are the words that best sum up the feelings of the Clontibret panel and management following their 11^th senior championship win  Until 2 weeks ago the mood in the camp had been buoyant and up -beat with everyone relishing the prospect of another encounter with Castleblayney in a senior final. Ned (McCann) was pushing the girls to the limit to ensure there would be nothing left to chance in the preparations and the players were injury free. “

“But all that changed dramatically when Karl (Moen) lost his life so tragically on August 12th. Because the Moen/McElvaney family are such an integral part of the team and club, a numbness set in, and overnight the championship and camogie seemed so irrelevant. Ironically though, it was words that Karl’s Mum, Geraldine, spoke to a number of us in the days after his death that proved a motivating factor beyond just the pride in the jersey and club. The players closed rank around Donna, Amy, Shauna, Tara and Aisling, determined that this championship was going to be won for them, for Karl, and for the contribution that they have made, and continue to make, to the club. After that there was no turning back and losing on Sunday simply was not an option! In fact it was the first time I ever witnessed players bursting out of the dressing room and on to the pitch with tears streaming down their faces. “

“Great credit must go to the players who have worked so solidly and consistently since the start of the year.  For Ned, this was a ‘baptism of fire’ as he initially came on board to ‘lend a hand’ in May, but was so impressed with the determination and work rate of the girls that he was soon fully committed to taking over the training. His contribution in terms of raising the standard of their game has been immeasurable and this was evidenced by the fact that we conceded only 4 points in each game and not a single goal in the competition!”

“Mention must also be made of the terrific support the team, and indeed all our underage teams, has garnered all year, especially in the championship, and this has helped boost the girl’s confidence. “

“For now though it’s back to the drawing board as we prepare to face the Derry champions (not yet decided) on Sun September 22^nd in Clontibret.   Sunday’s victory is the ideal platform to work off so it’s a case of onwards and upwards!”

 

Marie Greenan was awarded “Player of the Match “

Gary Carville, Chairperson of the County Board then invited Susie Mc. Kenna of Auto McK the main sponsors of the Championship to present the”Player of the Match “ trophy to Marie Greenan  and thanked Ross Corbett from Ulster Council who selected it. Gary congratulated both teams on a fine display and on their hard work leading up to the Championship also their  Management who  put in so much effort.”Both of these sides have a fine record and a proud Camogie tradition.”

“A special word of thanks to Auto McK, sponsors of this year’s championship, for their generosity and  commitment., Monaghan Boot Company, Mc. Elroy Trophies, Royal Jade Castleblayney, Westenra Hotel, Kieran Mc. Kenna, Staircases,and Super Value Aughnacloy. Their financial support enables us to run the championship and I urge all Gaels to support them in any way possible.”

“Thanks to CLG Druim Shamhain for the use of their grounds and excellent facilities this evening. To the referee Pat Walshe for an excellent job, umpires and match officials. Thanks too to all of the officers at county and club level, I say thanks for what you do to make the playing and enjoyment of this great game possible”

“Camogie is a great game which should be played and enjoyed by more young women in our county. Over the coming months and in the period ahead we will be focusing our attention on the development and promotion of the playing of the game. In this respect we look forward to working with clubs, schools, the media, and with other units of the GAA so as to make Camogie known and appreciated in today’s world”

Gary then invited Shauna Finnegan, Captain of the Clontibret team to accept the Senior Championship Cup.

Clontibret team :  Karen Boyle, Orla Boyle, Aisling Greenan, Joanne Mc. Skane, Tara Mc. Elvaney, Muireann Atkinson, Shauna Mc. Elvaney, Michelle Morgan, Aisling Mc. Elvaney,Shauna Finnegan,Capt.(0-1). Marie Greenan(2-5) Nicola Morgan,Catherine Tomany(0-1) Karen Kieran, Sinead Mohan(0-1)Subs. Ailbhe Boyle, Laura Mc. Ginn, Shauna Mc. Keever,Michaela Mc. Ginn.

Castleblayney team:  Roisin Mc. Kenna, Karen Markey, Orla Wills, Lisa O Connell,Kelly Fisher, Orla Mc. Carthy,(Capt), Emma Heavin, Amber Lam(0-2) Regan Lynch, Mary Mc. Elroy, Kelsey Lam, Eileen Mc. Elroy(0-2) Elaine Mc. Kernan,  Niamh Brennan, Kate Deasy. Subs. Emma Mc. Kenna, Emma Forde, Rachael Markey, Louise O Connell, Siobhan Mc. Bennett.

Referee: Pat Walshe, Armagh

Prior to the commencement of the match a minutes silence was observed for the late Karl Moen R.I.P. Brother of Donna and Amy Moen. Ar Dheis De go raibh a ainm.