Emeralds sparkle to success in Junior Camogie Final

Twenty-one years after they last won the title, the Emeralds (Urlingford) got their hands on the junior county camogie crown after they beat John Lockes (Callan) in Canon Kearns Park, Castlecomer on Sunday.

The experience of former county stars Anne Dalton and Davina Tobin paid off as the North Kilkenny side’s experience told.

They showed strength in defence and attack and used it to good effect, holding off their young opponents when the going got tough.

The winners were first out of the blocks, Dalton opening the scoring with a point from play in the first minute. Things got even better when Ruth Ryan latched on to a blocked Dalton shot and rattled the Callan net.

John Lockes took time to find their feet, but opened their account in good fashion. Rachel Phelan scored their opening point in the 14th minute after she burst past three Emerald defenders and split the posts.

It looked like John Lockes were starting to settle into the match, as they began to put some good moves together. However, they were caught when a clearance fell kindly for the hardworking Anne Dalton. Looking up, she found an unmarked Laura Kavanagh, who lashed an unstoppable shot to the net.

Both sides tried to add to their tallies over the remainder of the half, but both defences stood strong. At half-time the scoreboard read 2-1 to 0-1 in favour of Emeralds.

Sensing they needed a strong start, the Lockes came out with all guns blazing for the second half. They were quickly into gear, Aisling O’Sullivan converting a 20m free after Caoimhe Kelly was fouled. They kicked on, Lockes midfielder Laura Phelan adding another point, but Anne Dalton stopped their run when she slotted over a free to put the Emeralds five points ahead again.

Back came Callan. With 45 minutes on the clock Caoimhe Kelly hit the sliotar towards the Emeralds posts. Aisling O’Sullivan fielded it, turned and rattled the back of the net. When Laura Phelan followed that up with a great point out near the sideline there was just a point between the sides - it was game on!

Surging with confidence, the young Lockes side kicked on and, with their next attack, stunned their rivals. Awarded a 30m free with seven minutes of normal time left, Aisling O’Sullivan stood over the sliotar and unleashed a bullet-like strike. It flew past a sea of Emeralds defenders and scorched into the back of the net, putting John Lockes two points ahead (2-4 to 2-2).

Reeling after conceding a goal and now two points down, Emeralds cleared their heads and hit back. They went straight on the attack from the puckout, with two of the Kavanaghs (Aoife and Emily) combining to find a way through the Lockes defence.

Aoife Kavanagh applied the finish, slotting the sliotar past the advancing goalkeeper to shoot her side back in front.

It was a lead they wouldn’t lose, as Anne Dalton sent over a great point to double their advantage and send her side on their way to the title.

Teams and scorers

Emeralds – Ruth Ryan, Laura Kavanagh, Aoife Kavanagh (1-0 each); Anne Dalton (0-3, 0-1 free).

John Lockes – Aisling O’Sullivan (2-1, 1-1 frees), Laura Phelan (0-2), Rachel Phelan (0-1).

Emeralds – Siobhan O’Hara (captain); Jessie Newman, Niamh Leahy, Saoirse Bourke; Eimear Leahy, Davina Tobin, Lucy Kavanagh; Aoife Kavanagh, Mary Cussen; Ruth Ryan, Emily Kavanagh, Anne Dalton; Emma Kenny, Laura Kavanagh, Roisin Ahern.

Subs: Lily Cleere for Laura Kavanagh, Rachel Phelan for Emma Kenny, Louise Hickey for Roisin Ahern.

John Lockes – Maria Ryan; Sal Ryan, Rachel Hartley, Farrah Ryan; Erin Morrissey, Meg Ryan (captain), Sarah Keher; Lizzy Keher, Laura Phelan; Chloe Donovan, Rachel Phelan, Aisling O’Sullivan; Emily Phelan, Sarah Roche, Caoimhe Kelly.

Subs: Aine Dowling for Erin Morrissey, Leah O’Donovan for Sarah Roche.