Oulart the Ballagh take SE Systems Sevens Camogie honours

By Cóilín Duffy

Oulart the Ballagh had to work hard, before claiming the 42nd SE Systems Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Camogie Sevens title this evening.

The Wexford outfit edged Clonoulty/Rossmore by just a point on a 1-14 to 2-10 score-line in the final at Glenalbyn.

Both teams had their periods of dominance in this contest with Oulart firing the first three points, but an Ireena Fryday goal provided Clonoulty’s first score, and levelled the contest.

Clonoulty went on to take a 1-04 to 0-03 lead, but Oulart fought back with an Ursula Jacob goal helping them to a 1-07 to 1-05 interval lead.

A second Fryday goal saw Clonoulty take a 2-06 to 1-08 advantage on the restart, but Oulart dug deep for victory.

After the game Oulart the Ballagh captain Ciara Storey received the Prionsias Ó Crónáin Cup from Kilmacud Crokes Camogie Chairperson Patricia Lloyd.

Ciara, also won the Poc Fada competition on the day, with Clonoulty-Rossmore’s Cáit Devane taking the Player of the Tournament award.

Inagh Kilnamona made it a day to remember, with the Clare club capturing Shield honours thanks to a 4-07 to 0-03 win over Oranmore of Galway.

In their debut in the competition, and with eight of their 10-strong panel all under the age of 17; they showed great leadership and maturity to take honours.

Goals were key in the decider, with Theresa O’Keefe (2), Jane Fitzgerald and Helen Hehir all finding the back of the net.

Eimear O’Donovan tried hard to Oranmore, and registered all of her sides scores from placed balls.

Clare player Fiona Lafferty was also in strong form, scoring four points.

The plate final provided a nail biting encounter, before Cargin from Antrim captured honours, thanks to a slender 4-03 to 4-02 win over Inniskeen from Monaghan.

Both sides had their periods of dominance in this contest, with Cargin opening brightly thanks to a Katie McAnenly goal.

But just a point separated the sides at the break, after Tina Quigley netted the first of four goals for her side, to ensure a 1-02 to 1-01 interval score-line.

Antrim Poc Fada Champion Eleanor Mallon netted for Cargin on the restart, but Inniskeen never gave up, with Quigley netting three successful goals.

4-01 to 2-02 ahead, Inniskeen looked like taking honours, but Cargin dug deep, outscoring their opponents by 2-01 to 0-01 in the closing minutes, including a decisive goal from McAnenly late on.

Oulart the Ballagh captain Ciara Storey receives the Prionsias Ó Crónáin Cup from Kilmacud Crokes Camogie Chairperson Patricia Lloyd.