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Camogie Championship 2002 hang on to title Irish Examiner Cloughduv 4-7 A tremendous display by the youthful Breege Corkery, who won an All-Ireland Minor medal with Cork last Sunday, helped Cloughduv to retain their Punch Shoe Care Cork Senior Camogie title with a hard earned win over St. Finbarr's at Pairc Ui Rinn last night (9th August 2002). The winners, who were the better side in the opening half, played with the wind but were given little scope from a very solid Barrs defence in which Deirdre Clarke at fullback, Karen Buckley at right halfback and captain Lynda O'Connell were excellent, and it was not unitl the final ten minutes that the winners finally pulled away to lead 1-7 to 0-5 at the break. The goal came in the 25th minute when goalkeeper Ellen Clifford, who brought off some excellent saves, caught a ball when facing into the sun and dropped it when tackled by the ever vigilant Una O'Donoghue. With the wind in their favour in the second half, the Barrs set out their stall, scoring four unanswered points in the opening eight minutes to leave only a point between the sides 1-7 to 0-9. But in their first foray upfield, Cloughduv had a goal. Aoife Buckley's shot for a point was blocked down but she swung one-handed and the ball landed in the back of the net in the 39th minute. Five minutes later the ball fell kindly for Ciara Cronin to add a further major to leave it 3-7 to 0-9 in favour of the Mid Cork side. Although the Barrs fought back to cut the deficit with two points from play, Ciara Cronin was on hand to squeeze the ball home for another major for Cloughduv in the 48th minute. Although the Barrs dominated the final 12 minutes and scored four points, they could not get the scores that would have given them victory. Scorers: Cloughduv: St. Finbarr's: E Clifford, C Harrington, D Clarke, M McCarthy, K Buckley, L O'Connell, Colette Kirby, Claire Kirby, G O'Connor, J Duffy, B Maher, R Myers, V Maher, O O'Sullivan, C O'Mahony. Referee: P Downey (Inniscara) Cloughduv bid to retain crown County Sport, Irish Exmainer Cork County Senior Camogie Final: Cork's premier camogie competition reaches its conclusion on Friday evening next (9th August 2002) when county champions Cloughduv take on St Finbarr's as they endeavour to put titles back to back. Last season was a glorious one for the Mid Cork club who took their first senior county crown. For the Barr's it's a dream come true as only last year they were crowned Senior B champions after eight years down. This year they made the step up to A and have shown their worth by making it to the county final. It's the first time the sides have met in a final with the only final appearance being back in 1992 when they lost out to Glen Rovers. Now ten years on one player, Colette O'Mahony, is the sole survivor from that clash. Cloughduv got their campaign off to a shaky start and had to withstand a storming Carbery challenge before making it with just one goal to spare, Barryroe provided their quarter-final opposition, and again it was a close one with just two points between the sides at the finish. For their meeting with Fr O'Neills, Cloughduv looked very sharp and had comfortable 1-11 to 1-6 victory to qualify for their second county final. St. Finbarrs had a very comfortable opening round victories defeating Eire Og and Muskerry before facing the challenge of one of the competitions pre championship favourites Carrigdhoun. In that semi-final the divisional side got a dream start with two early goals from Sarah O'Donovan, but with the Barrs defence tightening they finally wore down the Carrigdhoun challenge to make it through. Selector Marion McCarthy is looking forward to Friday night's final and taking time out from training on Friday last gave me her views. "We are looking forward to the final and are thrilled to be in it. We won the B title last year and the girls were determined to give a good account of themselves in the A grade, reaching the final in our first season back senior is very pleasing and we will give it our best shot. Cloughduv are the champions and are there on merit, they looked very sharp in all their games and we will have to perform to our best if we hope to take our first senior county title". Indeed the Barrs are more than capable of taking their first title and are in with an equal chance of success as their opponents. They have impressed with their first time hurling and their ability to notch up points in all their games in the campaign to date has been a notable feature of their game plan. Their backroom team are not slow to make changes if required, which was very evident in their quarter and semi-final outings. Coach to the side is former St Finbarr's hurling and football star Jerry Murphy who has given trojan service both as a player and nowadays camogie coach to the club. The holder of four county senior championship medals in the famous blue jersey, Murphy is under no illusions as to the task facing his charges. "Cloughduv looked very impressive in their semi-final against Fr O'Neills, they never panicked and worked away at O'Neills lead and eventually wore them down. We will need to be at our very best if we are to be victorious. It's a big game for the club and it won't be easy, it's a great experience and I have told the girls to enjoy it, to play in a county final is a dream, and it should be a memory to cherish. As a player the tension is not as bad. Once the game gets under way on Friday I will be a bundle of nerves, but we will do our best to stay calm and hopefully things will work out for us." For one of the Cloughduv selectors Friday night's final will bring mixed emotions. Paudie Murray recently lined out in the blue of St Finbarrs as they went down to county champions Blackrock in the senior county hurling championship. On Friday night next his thoughts are firmly focused on his Cloughduv side retaining their title. "I don't think that there will be much between us at the final whistle. We met earlier in the year in a league game and we grabbed a late goal to get a draw. Coming off the field that night I said to Barr's selectors, Seanie Fitzpatrick, we will meet again in the county final."
St. Finbarr's 0-18 Carrigdhoun 2-9 Thursday 25th July 2002 @ Ballincollig Cloughduv 1-11 Fr O'Neills 1-6 Wednesday 24th July 2002 @ Ballinlough O'Sullivan shines as Barrs win place in final Friday 26th July 2002 St. Finbarr's 0-18 A spirited performance from St. Finbarr's saw them qualify for the Cork County Senior Camogie Championship final, helped in no small way by their tremendous second half display and the excellence of Orla O'Sullivan who contributed 11 points. The divisional side got the dream start with two goals inside the opening five minutes from Sarah O'Donovan. Points from O'Donovan and Catriona Kelly had Carrigdhoun 2-2 to 0-2 ahead at the midway stage. Holding their nerve, the Barrs, settled and five points, four from O'Sullivan and one from Valerie Maher had them back within a point. It was 2-5 to 0-8 in favour of Carrigdhoun at the break but from the restart it was all St. Finbarr's. O'Sullivan's accuracy was telling as she pointed a free within 10 minutes remaining and with Valerie Maher doing likewise from play two minutes later Barrs were again in control. Elaine Burke and O'Sullivan exchanged points from play and there followed sustained Carraigdhoun pressure as they sought an equaliser. But the Barrs defence, with Claire Harrington, Linda O'Connell and Deirdre Clarke superb, weathered the storm to deservingly qualify for a county final meeting with Clougduv. Scorers St. Finbarr's: E Clifford, C Harrington, D Clarke, BA
Corcoran, K Buckley, L O'Connell, C Kirby, C Kirby, G O'Connor, J
Duffy, B Maher, R Myers, V Maher, O O'Sullivan, C
O'Mahony Carrigdhoun: A Kiely(Carrigaline), M Hurley(Valley
Rovers), J Browne(Ballygarvan), D Fleming(Ballinhassig), A
O'Neill(Ballygarvan), E Burke(Valley Rovers), S A
O'Halloran(Ballygarvan), E Dillon(Ballygarvan), M
Holland(Ballinhassig), E Bulger(Ballygarvan), C Kelly(Ballygarvan),
A Murphy(Ballygarvan), S O'Donovan(Ballygarvan), M Jaego(Tracton), D
Daly(Ballygarvan) Referee: K Creedon (Clyda Rovers) Can the Barrs keep run going? Wednesday 24th July 2002 The pairing of St. Finbarr's and Carrigdhoun in tomorrow evening's (Thurs 25th, 2002) Cork County Senior Camogie Championship semi-final at Ballincollig is unique - remarkable for the fact that the Barrs are contesting the penultimate stage in their first year back up at the highest grade writes Therese O'Callaghan So, can they continue on their winning ways - according to selector Marion McCarthy they will give it one hell of a go: "We are delighted to be doing so well seeing as it is our first time in a while in the A championship. "The girls are flying and are very relaxed about the game. We know we have performed very well so far in the championship but also realise that the competition is getting stronger. "Having done well to date, we are dying to have a crack at this game. We do realise, though, that we are up against it. "Carrigdhoun are strong in all sectors, but with a bit of luck, things might swing our way." Whatever the outcome, St. Finbarr's can be assured that they have flown the Blues flagh high this year and have established themselves up there with the best. Meanwhile, down in the south east, are Carrigdhoun on the count down to something big? They certainly have the goods - whatever they deliver is entirely up to how they react to the challenge. They too will be aware that this is where they departed the scene 12 months ago - selector Jack McGrath is optimisitc: "The four teams left at this stage are the best in the county and have to be given high regard. "We have had three hard games which should stand to us. The Barrs, despite weak opposition still look impressive and are a confident side. They have worked hard to get wher e they are in the A competition. "As for us, I would still like to think that we are strong enough to progress. "We bowed out at this stage last year, hopefully we can go a step
further - and then maybe another step further!" he said.
Dunlea's accuracy telling
factor Thursday 25th July 2002 Cloughduv 1-11 Cork County Camogie Champions Cloughduv had to battle against a tenacious Fr O'Neills side before advancing. The accuracy of superb centre-back Stephanie Dunlea, who notched up six points of her side's score, was a telling factor. O'Neills got the better start, with Frances Flavin goaling in the first minute. With Flaving and Fiona O'Driscoll adding points, O'Neills had opening up a five-point gap before Dunlea and Breege Corkery got the Cloughduv challenge off the ground. Playing with confidence, O'Neills continued to stretch their advantage, with more points from Flavin and O'Driscoll, but the accuracy of Dunlea kept Cloughduv in touch as she produce a pointed '45. Four minutes from the interval, Cloughduv got the break they so desperately sought when Una O'Donoghue outpaced the O'Neills defence and finished superbly to the net. This left just a point separating the sides at the break, 1-4 to 1-3 Corkery had it level again inside a minute of the restart, but O'Neills held their advantage with a Sinead Cahalane point three minutes later. Cloughduve, with their midfielders beginning to get a firm grip and their defence tightening up, began to enjoy their best spell. Five points without reply from Dunlea, O'Donoghue and Catherine Corkery saw them open up a 1-9 to 1-5 advantage, but O'Neills fought back with an O'Driscoll free to cut it back to three. Dunlea replied with a pointed free for Cloughduv, then in the closing five minutes, O'Neills applied the pressure. Aoife Murray was forced to bring off two superb saves in the Cloughduv goal as they weathered the onslaught, and fittingly, it was Dunlea with a pointed free who again stretched Cloughduv's advantage to see them safely through. Scorers: Cloughduv: A Murray, C Cronin, O O'Callaghan, S Corkery, J
O'Callaghan, S Dunlea, C Corkery, J O'Callaghan, S Dunlea, C
Corkery, O McCarthy, M Corkery, G Lucey, B Corkery, S Buckley, A
Buckley, U O'Donoghue, J Lynch Fr O'Neills: M Kennefick, A O'Neill, M Finn, L Sweetnam, A
Corcoran, N Aherne, S Kearney, R Corcoran, V O'Sullivan, C Flavin, F
O'Driscoll, S Cahalane, M O'Brien, F Flavin, G Kearney Referee: P Downey (Inniscarra) O'Neills out for revenge Wednesday 24th July 2002 It's all systems go this evening (Wed 24th July) in Ballinlough as Fr O'Neills and Cloughduv come face to face in the Cork County Senior Camogie Championship semi-final. Nothing too unusual about this tie you might say, but for O'Neills it is the clahs they have been waiting for since lasy year's final defeat at the hands of the same opposition. Yes, for the Ballymacoda side it is payback time and, with an impressive championship trail to look back on so far this season, they will certainly be fired up for this one. Fiona O'Driscoll has soldiered with the club through thick and think and one can almost sense her caution when speaking about the game: "any championship game is an opportunity to show what you can do. As far as we are concerned last year is history and we are concentrating totally on the job we have to do tonight. Pressure, no we don't feel pressure, if anything Cloughduv will feel the strain." "They are the favourites and have their title to defend. As far as we are concerned, we are raring to go and are looking forward to the game." O'Neills despite what they must say, will be under a certain amount of pressure. They have come out on the wrong side each time these sides have met over the last few years. But, they have regrouped sufficiently and with Ger Manley taking over the coaching job, appear to be ready for another tilt at the title. Meanwhile, defending champions Cloughduv make no secret of the fact that they are not motoring well and have barely pulled through their two games. Paudie Murray, joint trainer with Tim Barry Murphy, acknowledges the fact that his side will have to improve considerably if they are to hold on to the pot of gold: "Struggling is the only word for it," he says when speaking of their current form. We are missing our whole full forward line from last year - Emer Murray, Clare O'Donoghue and Lynn Dunlea, so we are very stretched when it comes to picking a team. "We had very little done for the Carbery game and then we upped a gear for Barryroe - both times just scraping through. "Fr O'Neills will definetly feel they owe us one and will be
pretty determined opposition. They will also be anxious to prove
themselves this year, as for us I think we will be quite relaxed."
Catriona's point ensures her team a place in the semi-final Tuesday 23rd July 2002 Carrigdhoun 2-11 Inniscara led 2-6 to 1-6 at the interval in the county quarter final on Tuesday night after Irene O'Keeffe and Margaret McCarthy had opening half goals. Carrigdhoun kept in touch, thanks to excellent goal-keeping from Ann Kiely and a Sarah O'Donovan goal in the 12th minute. On the turn over Inniscarra stretched their advantage with three points without reply before Catriona Kelly, with two points, cut the deficit. Carrigdhoun introduced substitute Muireann Conlon and she made an instant impact when she finished Catriona Kelly's goal attempt to the net. A pointed Catriona Kelly free, with the game in injury time, levelled matters, but when Catriona Kelly stood over the ball on the halfway line it looked an impossible task for the young Ballygarvan player. However, she slotted confidently over the bar to give her division a place in the semi-final. Tuesday 23rd July 2002 Fr. O'Neills 1-11 There was a solid display from Fr. O'Neills in Ballinlough. O'Neills held a 1-5 to 0-3 advantage at the break after Marie Noonan, Niamh O'Connell and Linda Dorgan pointed for Muskerry. O'Neills maintained their dominance, thanks to further scores
from Fiona O'Driscoll, Frances Flavin and Roisin Corcoran.
Barrs show credentials as Cloughduv conquer Barryroe Thursday 18th July 2002 St. Finbarrs 3-12 St Finbarr's booked a Cork Senior camogie championship semi-final date with Carrigdhoun and signified their championship intentions by recording a good victory over Imokilly at Carrignavar last evening. The divisional side opened the scoring with a Mary O'Connor point but the victors settled quickly with three points from Jenny Duffy, Rachel Myers and Orla O'Sullivan. Denise Twomey and O'Sullivan had exchanged points before the Barrs increased their lead with a Gemma O'Connor goal midway through. Now hurling well, Barrs put the divisional side under pressure and when Orla O'Sullivan finished to the net it helped them enjoy a 2-5 to 0-4 interval lead. Barrs got the second half off to a perfect start when Orla O'Sullivan finished Jenny Duffy's shot for goal to the net. Denise Twomey and O'Sullivan again exchanged points as the divisional side worked hard to stay with their opponents. Ellen Clifford in the Barr's goal was called upon on three occasions to keep them at bay. With Claire Kirby and Rachel Myers working hard, Barrs maintained the upper hand. Mary O'Connor and Annette Fitzgerald worked tirelessly for Imokilly but they lacked strength up front. St. Finbarr's continuing to dominate finished strong with points from Orla O'Sullivan (0-3), Bernadine Maher and Gemma O'Connor to book their semi-final spot. Scorers: St. Finbarrs: E Clifford, C Harrington, D Clarke, BA Corcoran, K Buckley, L O'Connell, C Kirby, C Kirby, G O'Connor, J Duffy, B Maher, R Myers, V Maher, O O'Sullivan, C O'Mahony Imokilly: S Kenneally (St. Catherine's), D Twomey (St.
Catherine's), N Mulcahy (St. Catherine's), E Power (St.
Catherine's), M O'Connor (Killeagh), M Mulcahy (St. Catherine's), A
Walsh (Killeagh), M O'Neill (Watergrasshill), T Byrne (Youghal), A
O'Connell (Youghal), M Lynch (Watergrasshill), L Higgins (St.
Catherine's), E O'Farrell (Sarsfields), A Fitzgerald (St
Catherine's), C Treacy (Killeagh). Thursday 18th July 2002 Cloughduv 0-11 A thrilling contest in Ballineen saw champions Cloughduv advance at the expense of Barryroe. Una O'Donoghue and Stephanie Dunlea gave the holders an early lead with two points before Barryroe struck for two goals from Rosemary Dineen and Elaine McCarthy inside the opening quarter, Cloughduv held their nerve and battled back with two points from Una O'Donoghue and Dunle to keep in touch. Ger Collins helped Barryroe maintain their advantage with two well-struck points before Una O'Donoghue with two and Catherine Corkery with one had Cloughduv back on level terms by the break 0-8 to 0-2. With both defences superb and Cora Keohane and Aoife Murray busy in either goal, neither side raised a flag in the opening quarter of the second half. With the pace upping considerably, Stephanie Dunlea with a 45 and Brid Corkery with a free, edged Cloughduv two points ahead, but Jenny O'Leary cut the deficit with a pointed free. Once again the champions responded and answered the call, a Catherine Corkery point three minutes from full time was enough to steer them through after an enthralling contest. Scorers: Barryroe: C Keohane, E Carroll, M Sheehy, P Moloney, AM Fleming, R Holland, E O'Regan, K McCarthy, I Dineen, G Collins, J O'Leary, M Moloney, E McCarthy, R Dineen Cloughduv: A Murray, C Cronin, O O'Callaghan, S Corkery, J O'Callaghan, S Dunlea, C Corkery, O McCarthy, M Corkery, J Lucey, B Corkery, S Buckley, A Buckley, U O'Donoghue, N Nolan Referee: J Desmond (Bandon) Lively Barryroe ready for tilt at champions Tuesday 16th July 2002 With all the Senior County Championship Opening Rounds completed, thoughts now turn to this weeks quarter-finals. Cloughduv clash with Barryroe on Wednesday 17th July 2002, in an attractive game for the fans. Cloughduv were lucky to survive their opening round clash with divisional side Carbery. They know they will have to improve on that performance if they are to make it to the semi-final. Barryroe are a lively outfit who showed great composure under pressure in both games against Glen rovers. Rosarie Holland, Marie Mooney, Isla Dineen and Karen McCarthy all impressed and they will have no fear of taking on the champions. Last season, Cloughduv captured the title for the first time, and though Lynn Dunlea has since retired, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Aoife Murray guards the goal, while defender Stephanie Dunlea is hurling confidently both with club and county. Hard-working Marie Corkery, Una O'Donoghue and the lively Breege Corkery will prove a handful for the Barryroe defence. Last season the sides met at the same stage with Cloughduve advancing comfortably, this time it should be a lot closer. Inniscara recorded a convincing victory over Bishopstown but a sterner test now awaits as they face Carrighdhoun tonight, Tuesday 16th July 2002. Boosted by an extra game under their belts, the divisional side will be confident of advancing. Inniscara are nicely balanced with youth and experience. Irene O'Keeffe and Paula Goggins are ex inter-county players while Criona Harte, Ger Casey and Margaret McCarthy are all match-winners. Carrighdhoun have plenty of strength in Elaine Burke, Emer Dillon and Catriona Kelly and it should be a keen contest. Fr O' Neills advanced comfortably against a young Newtownshandrum side on Saturday last, 13th July 2002, and tonight (Wed, 17th July 2002) they take on Muskerry who defeated Seandun. O'Neills have contested and lost the last four county finals but this year they have a new enthusiasm. Sinead Cahalan has returned after two years away from the game and she is a huge asset, Fiona O'Driscoll is playing some of her best camogie, while Mags Finn and Nora Ahern continue to play huge roles in defence. Muskerry brushed aside the challenge of Seandun but Fr. O'Neills will be a different affair. Michael Healy has instilled confidence in the side and they could trouble O'Neills. St. Finbarr's installed themselves as title contenders with a superb performance against Eire Og with Orla O'Sullivan bagging 2-10 out of their tally of 5-14. As it's the divisional side's first game it's hard to gauge their strength however Mary O'Connor has returned to Killeagh and her inclusion will be a huge boost to Imokilly. | ||
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