Blayney Stun Clontibret to regain the County Championship Title!

The 30^th of August was a historic day for the club as our Senior team won the County Championship in Pearse Park, Ballybay.

Sunday last provided an action packed, fast moving and entertaining game for the supporters of Castleblayney. A game of sheer talent, determination and courage from the young Blayney side saw them outplay Clontibret and take the County Title.

The stakes were set high for Clontibret who were the current Bridie McMenamin Shield holders (Ulster) as well as defending County Champions and with only one defeat to their name all year. This provided Castleblayney with motivation and galvanised them in their determination to succeed and to take the cup home, having not beaten Clontibret in a County Championship Final since 2004.

This was an absorbing contest between two well matched opponents with Castleblayney starting strongly scoring four points without reply in the first quarter from Amber Lam, (0-2) Niamh Brennan and Eileen McElroy, in quick succession. Clontibret eventually replied by hitting a point, making the game 0-04 to 0-01 fifteen minutes in. Blayney found Clontibret goalkeeper hard to beat a couple of times, but Amber Lam sent a long range free to the back of the net giving Blayney a 1-05 to 0-01 lead after 20 minutes. Clontibret got their second point from play in the 30th minute. Blayney finished the half with a well worked score from Kate Deasy to leave Blayney leading 1-08 to 0-02.

Clontibret started the second half strong with the opening score, Blayney, however were quick to respond with scores from Elaine McKernan and Eileen McElroy. Some of the high fielding by the Blayney players was an eye-catching feature of the contest. Clontibret found it hard to break through Blayney’s strong defence and drove hard to score a goal but the staunch defensive and a point blank save from Roisin McKenna saved the day and ensured that Blayney clinched the title. After a thriller of a match Blayney have now booked a semi-final meeting with Cavan Champions on the 11^th of October in the Ulster Junior Competition.

Castleblayney Managers Francie Markey and Hugh Cullen spoke about how the girls knew that this match was going to be one of the toughest they faced all year and knew the girls were determined to win the Gael Linn Cup, which they last won in 2012. The two managers were extremely happy with how the girls performed and felt that the girls got the reward they deserved after their work rate in training all year. They now look forward to representing Monaghan in competing for the Ulster Junior Title.

A special word of thanks to Pearse Park, Ballybay for their excellent facilities, the referee Louise OReilly and the Match Officals.

A huge thank you to our sponsors; The Royal Jade, Watters Restaurant, McCaughey Funeral Directors, Ivan Honeyman, McElroys Trophies and The Spinning Wheel.

A special mention goes to Eileen McElroy who raided the silverware cabinet in the space of 24 hours. On Saturday night, Eileen captained the Donaghmoyne Football Ladies to victory over Emyvale. Then on Sunday she also led Blayney camogie to victory and received player of the match for her outstanding performance. The club felt player welfare wasn’t taken into consideration as this is the second consecutive year this has occurred. This should not have been allowed and in future consideration needs to be shown for the welfare of our dual players in our county.

Finally, we say goodbye to one of players, Ciara Gormley, who is departing for America next week. The club would like to thank Ciara for all her work and involvement with camogie and we wish her and Kevin every success as they go stateside.

Castleblayney Panel: Roisin McKenna, Kelsey Lam, Rebecca Treanor, Louise O’Connell, Karen Markey, Emma Heavin, Sheena McKenna, Amber Lam(Captain), (1-07) Laura McQuillian, Rachael Markey, Eileen McElroy, Niamh Brennan, (0-01) Kate Deasy, (0-01) Elaine McKernan, (0-01) Mary McElroy, Orlaith Maguire, (0-02) Siobhan McBennett, Clodagh Duffy, Eileen Cullen, Jessica Cullen, Donna McKenna, Ciara Gormley, Emma McKenna, Nicola Quinn, Arlene Leonard, Ciara Kelly, Lisa O’Connell,