Kilruane MacDonaghs Camogie Notes Oct-10-2018

County Semi Final Defeat

It was with great disappointment that our adult Camogie team exited the Intermediate championship for the 2018 year in the Ragg on Saturday. After a blistering Thurles start, it was clear that the occasion had hindered the girls performance as concentration slackened and we allowed Thurles clock up an unsightly twelve point lead by half time. Despite low spirits, the girls regrouped and emerged with renewed confidence. A key switch bringing duo Laura Shinners and Róisín Cahill to mid field allowed the Magpies to push the play into their forward half where it remained for the majority of the second half. Kilruane dominated possession in the front half as a Claire Kennedy  goal complemented by a key point from Niamh Williams as well as converted frees by Róisín Cahill gave a glimmer of hope for the underdogs return. The comeback was supported by superb defending by instrumental full back Mary Walsh and her tight knit counterparts Mickaela McGrath and Aoife Sullivan, as well as half backs Bonnie Conroy and Shauna Heffernan who sealed up any Thurles attack with Emma Clearly slotting into the centre role with ease. This defensive, ‘never give up’ approach was exemplified by the hard work of Lisa Cahill who caused all sorts of problems for Thurles backs seeking to emerge and clear, mirrored by the work of Louise Torpey, Maria Hogan and Sophie Whelan who each exerted themselves physically when on the half forward line. Lively substitutions of Molly O’Brien, Catherine Tighe and Sophie O’Neill added to the rejuvenation of Kilruane’s energy but as time lapsed, the gap appeared too wide to bridge and our first half complacency was the determining factor. We are hugely proud of the resilience shown by the girls, both in Saturdays turnaround and throughout the year-long training campaign. We will cling to the second half performance as a promising foundation to build upon for next year. To manager Kieran Cahill we are hugely grateful, for his professional approach in transforming the dynamic of this team and for the enthusiasm and expertise of his selectors Tommy, Frances and Liz. We are already looking forward to the exciting 2019 year ahead of this promising group of players. To all girls in the club considering a comeback, now is the time! You will be welcomed with open arms – watch this space!

Flag Day Reminder

Just a quick reminder that the Camogie club’s annual flag Day will take place in Nenagh this Saturday, 13th October with stands outside Sheedy’s Centra, A Sportsman’s Dream and DV8.