James Stephens run out dominant winners over Mooncoin in Junior Camogie Final

James Stephens gave an impressive performance of teamwork, pace and skill to emerge as comfortable winners in the end against a gallant Mooncoin side in a very competitive Junior C league final in Mooncoin on Friday, August 8.

The winners had a more youthful lineup in this grade which has grown in prominence in Kilkenny Camogie in recent years and this helped them pull clear of Mooncoin in the closing minutes when they reeled off the last five points of the contest.

Both sides now go forward to the Junior C Cup competition which will be run alongside the adult championships in the coming weeks.

On a sunny evening in Mooncoin, James Stephens opened playing against the wind elements but they quickly settled into their stride with scores from Emily Lauhoff, Mia Dunne and the accurate Roisin Leahy to open up a three point advantage by the fifth minute.

Play was halted moments later after an accidental collision between the Mooncoin full forward Sarah Hayes and the village goalkeeper Lucy McGrath which necessitated Jenna Larkin taking over in goal for James Stephens.

Mooncoin did open their account in the 19th minute through Eibhlin Holden and two further scores from Eibhin reduced the deficit to 0-5 to 0-3 by the 23rd minute.

The action heated up at this stage –James Stephens initially looked to have taken control with a run of points (Roisin Leahy (2), Hannah Joyce) stretched their lead and indeed, a double save from Jean O’Hanlon kept Mooncoin in the contest at this time.

Mooncoin then thundered into the contest with a fine goal from play by Sarah Hayes and another goal two minutes later from Eibhlin Holden after a smart crossfield pass from Katelyn Phelan drew them level by the 30th minute.

The closing minutes of the half saw Katelyn Phelan unlucky not to add a further Mooncoin gal before Roisin Leahy added a smart point to leave the halftime score at Mooncoin 2-3 James Stephens 0-10.

The opening stages of the second half were keenly fought with both sides battling to regain control of the contest.

James Stephens received a timely boost in the 33rd minute when a Roisin Leahy free from the sideline ended up in the Mooncoin net and a follow up point by Roisin Leahy stretched the lead out to five points.

Mooncoin were still competing hard against the wind elements and when a mix up in the village defence allowed Eibhlin Holden in for a third Mooncoin goal, the match was again back in the melting pot.

James Stephens however drove on from here to the finish line with an impressive running game opening up space for their forwards and scores arrived through substitute Laura Leahy (who ended up with four points), and Lucy Coomey and Roisin Leahy (2).

Mooncoin did keep going to the end with Aine Hogan, captain Kate Kearns and goalkeeper Jean O’Hanlon (who pulled off a fine penalty save) offering stern resistance but they did find it had to penetrate the James Stephens backline as the game wore on.
Overall a very enjoyable contest between two very committed sides.

Teams and Scorers

Mooncoin: Jean O’Hanlon, Aine Hogan, Lisa Hayes, Aimee Kearns, Hannah Walsh, Kate Kearns, Catriona Bowe, Sorcha Kinsella, Ella Brennan, Eva Alyward, Aine Alyward, Orna Henebry, Katelyn Phelan, Sarah Hayes (1-1), Eibhlin Holden (2-3).

Subs: Eibhlin Thompson, Caoimhe Mackey, Maggie Curran, Katie Tolin, Ellen O’Keeffe, Leah Kearns, Aoife Hayes, Grace Murphy, Nicola Grace, Beth Dunphy, Kate McGrath, Eimear Fleming, Niamh Hogan, Doireann Vereker, Ava Sutton, Lily Mackey.

James Stephens: Lucy McGrath, Ciara McDonald, Kerri Hennessy, Sarah Kenny, Roisin O’Sullivan, Tara McGuire, Niamh Leahy, Anna Bergin (Captain), Molly Burke, Mia Dunne (0-1), Hannah Joyce (0-1), Cady Boyle (0-1), Roisin Leahy (1-9, 1-3F), Jenna Larkin, Lucy Coomey (0-2).

Subs: Emily Lauhoff (0-1), Niamh O’Hara, Yoma Etefari, Laura Leahy (0-4), Maeve White.

Referee: Gavin Quilty