Kavanagh treble lands Emeralds intermediate camogie league title

Three goals from Lucy Kavanagh paved the way to success as the Emeralds (Urlingford) got the better of Barrow Rangers (Goresbridge Paulstown) and claimed the intermediate league title.

The winners were quick off the mark in Pairc Lachtain, taking just 46 seconds to open their account via a pointed free from Anne Dalton.

Barrow Rangers were just as sharp, levelling matters through Noa Bambrick after an initial shot from a Roisin Breen free had been saved. Breen then converted a 45m free after she had been fouled, before Anne Dalton equalised from another placed ball.

Over the next 14 minutes, both teams tried to add to their tallies, but both defences stood strong until Anne Dalton slotted over a 21m free for Emeralds. Rebecca Holden equalised to leave the score 0-3 apiece after 23 minutes.

Roisin Breen converted two frees for Barrow Rangers before Anne Dalton closed out the scoring for the first half with a free for Emeralds. After a tight battle, there was little between the sides at the break (Barrow Rangers 0-5, Emeralds 0-4).

The sides were all square again on the resumption of play as Anne Dalton slotted over another free for Emeralds to equalise the match. Miriam Bambrick scored another point to edge Barrow Rangers ahead again - but then the floodgates opened.

With 35 minutes on the clock Emeralds took a shot on goal. The strike was stopped by Barrow Rangers goalkeeper Niamh Doyle, but Lucy Kavanagh was in like a flash and kicked the sliotar to the back of the net. She repeated the feat a few minutes later, scoring her second goal to put Emeralds five points ahead.

Rhianna Scott hit back with a point for Barrow Rangers, but Emeralds hit 1-3 without reply. The points came courtesy of Anne Dalton, Leyla Ahern and Louise Hickey. The goal was scored by Kavanagh, who reacted quickest to pull on a loose ball after Dalton’s shot had dropped short.

Roisin Breen converted a free for Barrow Rangers, but Anne Dalton (45) & Emily Kavanagh hit back with a brace for the winners. Miriam Bambrick pulled a late point back, but there was no denying the winners the title.

In the championship quarter-finals Emeralds play Dicksboro while Barrow Rangers will play Glenmore next weekend.

Emeralds: Lucy Kavanagh (3-0); Anne Dalton (0-7, 0-6 frees); Louise Hickey, Leyla Ahern, Emily Kavanagh (0-1 each).

Barrow Rangers: Roisin Breen (0-4, frees); Miriam Bambrick (0-2); Noa Bambrick, Rebecca Holden, Rhianna Scott (0-1 each).

Emeralds: Siobhan O’Hara, Alanna Russell, Niamh Leahy, Saoirse Bourke, Eimear Bourke, Eimear Leahy, Emma Dunphy, Ruth Ryan, Davina Tobin, Emma Kenny, Emily Kavanagh, Lucy Kavanagh, Anne Dalton (captain), Aoibhe Bourke, Louise Hickey, Roisin Gibbons.

Subs: Leyla Ahern for Emma Kenny, Jessie Newman for Roisin Gibbons, Niamh Cleere for Alanna Russell, Molly Kavanagh for Lucy Kavanagh.

Barrow Rangers: Niamh Doyle, Jess Smith, Aideen O’Connor, Mary Wall, Ellen Purcell, Shauna Treacy (captain), Aimee Morrissey, Rebecca Smith, Anna Purcell, Miriam Bambrick, Roisin Breen, Rhianna Scott, Rebecca Holden, Ella Maher, Noa Bambrick.

Subs: Ellie Fenlon for Rebecca Holden, Patrice Mullins for Mary Wall, Paige Foley for Ella Maher, Alice Maher for Aimee Morrissey (inj), Chloe Brennan for Ellen Purcell (inj).

Referee: Julian O’Dwyer.