Danesfort 2-1
Windgap 0-0
DANESFORT, powered by a magnificent defence, deservedly landed their first Feile-na-nGael (under-14) camogie title when they defeated Windgap in a low scoring final iat showery Bennetsbridge on Saturday.
All three o
f the game’s scores came during the opening-half (20 minutes each-half). The victors defence was like an unmovable brick wall that Windgap were able to break down.
The hard-working Jenny O’Neill opened the scoring with a point after 53 seconds. Defences largely dominated and fans had to wait until the 15th minute for the next score.
Strong pressure from the Danesfort full-forward line ended Ali Carthy dispossess the Windgap defender before setting up full-forward Cliodna Mullins for a goal, shooting a ground shot past the goalkeeper (1-1 to 0-0).
The match was effectively put beyond Windgap in the 19th minute when Ali Carthy struck a low ground short to the bottom right-hand corner, 2-1 to 0-0. The second-half was generally a non-event. The Danesfort defence completely dominated and worked diligently to the finish. Their sense of positioning was first class, and they closed down the opposing attack at every opportunity as their blocking, hooking and exceptional work-rate denied Windgap a clear route on goal.
Carol Manning was the pick of the bunch of the Danesfort defensive sextet. She produced a swashbuckling display. The full-back line of Amy McEvoy, Maggie Byrne and Aoife Farrell were superb as they applied a blanket defence and never at any stage allowed their opponents space to shoot.
Team captain Roisin Walsh was a class act at centre-back, while the industrious midfield duo of Rachel Phelan and Megan Walsh worked diligently.
Under-14 inter-county member Michaela Kenneally tried her utmost for the losers but despite the attacks best attempts they met with no luck.
Mooncoin’s Deirdre Walsh won the Feile skills competition which was held immediately after the final.Along with the Danesfort girls she qualifies for the national Feile final in Clare on the weekend of June 18 to 20.
Scorers: Danesfort - Cliodhna Mullins, Ali Carthy (1-0 each); Jenny O’Neill (0-1).
Danesfort – Sarah Kent, Amy McEvoy, Maggie Byrne, Aoife Farrell, Carol Manning, Roisin Walsh (capt), Shauna Donoghue, Megan Walsh, Rachel Phelan, Jenny O’Neill, Aoife Jones, Orla Lynch, Lydia Cody, Cliodhna Mullins, Ali Carthy,
Subs: Lauren Thomas, Emma Condon.
Windgap - Claire Kirwan, Aisling Fahey, Sarah Grace, Clare Power, Alison Bergin, Katie Dunphy, Jane Walker, Michaela Kenneally (capt), Laura Cuddihy, Caoimhe O’Shea, Nicole Shelley, Deirdre Purcell, Emily Murphy, Roisin Byrne.
Referee - J. Walsh (Rower-Inistioge).
