Castlelyons win Junior League Title

The Castlelyons Junior girls have been known to have had many memorable days over the past few years yet few successes. On an absolutely glorious evening for camogie we took to the field to take on Ballinora in the Junior C league final on Tuesday evening last. With both teams, undefeated in the league, this match was set to be a cracker. Castle Rd. Mahon, Cork Camogie grounds, was the venue, with brilliant goals, some excellent passages of play and fantastic saves between the sticks the order of the day. Ballinora set the ball rolling with the opening score and followed soon after with a second point. The first half, in particular, was excellent. There was a high tempo and intensity to everything that was done. The half back line of Billie Shanahan, Niamh Barry and Louise McGann were subject to wave after wave of attack. Our mid field pairing of firstly Melissa O Sullivan and Clodagh O Flynn and then Aibhin O Suliivan and Clodagh O Flynn tackled and harried all over the pitch, forcing numerous turnovers and restricted Ballinora’s possession. Our half forward line of Marie Therese Murphy, Aibhin O Sullivan and Theresa Connor worked tirelessly winning possession and giving Ballinora plenty to think about. There was some fine shooting on display from our forward line of Isabel Fenton, Aisling Hartnett and Emily Sexton and we took a 2-05 to 0-4 interval lead.

A seven -point deficit leading into the second half had to be reduced by Ballinora and they opened the scoring in the second half with a point. Not to be outdone we followed up with a well taken goal. Ballinora’s hopes of a miraculous comeback was on the cards as within quick succession Ballinora scored two points and a goal. Kate Dooley from Ballinora wearing number 10 was always a scoring threat. Ballinora had finally found critical momentum and clawed the deficit back to level.

The cruelty of sport was almost apparent from a Castlelyons perspective when Ballinora levelled at 2-08 a piece. One could not have thought our chance was gone. However our girls, have being down this road before, held resolute and brought all their experience to the fore. We were quick to respond and all changed when Aisling Hartnett superbly executed a goal and another chapter in the rich and storied history of Castlelyons junior camogie looked a distinct possibility.

A goal chance by Ballinora, denied by our defenders, could well have changed the complexion of the game if converted. That the team's first league silverware in almost a decade remained a distinct possibility with little over ten minutes remaining was down to incredible character. A comeback against Na Piarsaigh in the semi-final infused us with the belief that no deficit was insurmountable and once again the girls refused to throw in the towel. The Abbeysiders closed out the game with a point and a goal sealed a hard fought victory at 4-09 to 2-10.

While there were many heroes for us in attack, Shannon O Sullivan, Áine O Brien and Rachel Murphy, none shone brighter than Nicole Barry. Her goal keeping skills on the night were impeccable.

Aside from a nervy start, Castlelyons looked dominant, controlled and a great team performance overall. The panel have put in so much effort, starting back in January in the cold and the rain it's great to see them getting their reward! Joe and Ger made a couple of alterations throughout the match which undoubtedly turned the tide in our favour and was the catalyst for the match. The introduction of Gráinne McCarthy, Megan McNulty and Anna Greaney, fresh legs at a time when everyone was a bit tired, added zip to the play. Based on the performance from everyone in a Castlelyons jersey, it is difficult to single out individuals as everyone more than played their part in the victory. Credit must go to our forwards who scored 3-08 from play. Aisling Hartnett a formidable force scored 2-03 alone. Melissa o Sullivan contributed 1-03 and once again displayed her excellent free taking skills.

There was a great atmosphere at the match with both sets of supporters in fine voice, the cacophony of supporters cheering was quite unbelievable. Despite their revival midway through the second half, Ballinora put on an excellent performance and a five-point defeat was not a fair reflection of their performance. Great game and commiserations to Ballinora.

Team captain Marie Therese accepted “The Betty Mulhally Cup” and thanked the county board, Ballinora, Joe and Ger and all the players, their families and supporters in playing their part in securing the victory. She concluded by wishing Deirdre Barry a speedy recovery from her recent injury.

Celebrations continued through the village with the Abbey Bar the final destination. Thanks to Shane and John for providing the much sought after food and refreshments.

Team: Nicole Barry, Shannon O Sullivan, Áine O Brien, Rachel Murphy, Billie Shanahan, Niamh Barry, Louise McGann, Melissa O Sullivan (1-03), Clodagh O Flynn, Marie Therese Murphy, Aibhin O Sullivan, Theresa O Connor (0-01), Isabel Fenton (0-01), Emily Sexton (1-0) and Aisling Hartnett (2-03). Subs used Gráinne McCarthy for Isabel Fenton, Megan McNulty (0-01) for Emily Sexton and Anna Greaney for Louise McGann

.