All Ireland Senior Club Camogie Final – Cashel v Athenry

Cashel defeated Athenry by 0-11 to 0-9 in the All Ireland Senior Club Camogie Final on Sunday in Clarecastle Co. Clare.

Match Report

CASHEL had to call upon all their experience to see off the challenge of Athenry, and claim their second All Ireland senior club championship title in horrendous weather at Clarecastle (0-11 to 0-9). Although the foot conditions were top class at the impressive Clare venue, the driving wind and rain proved to be a constant challenge.

It was Cashel’s ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over during a first half when Athenry captain Therese Maher had opted to play with the gale that was the main difference. Claire Grogan’s seven points overall (four from play) were contributory too, but when it came down to it, the Tipperary side had too much talent for the westerns who were far too reliant on skipper Maher to keep them in the hunt.

As well, Cashel captain and full back Una O’Dwyer proved unbeatable, as did their entire half back trio of Paula Bulfin, Philly Fogarty and Julie McGrath. And when they turned over just one point behind, 0-5 to 0-6, it was going to take an enormous effort from the Maroon girls to remain in the game, but credit to them they fought to the bitter end.

Athenry were in front 0-3 to 0-2 after 15 minutes, and had they capitalised on two goal opportunities it would have been a different story for the underdogs. A pair of points coming up to the break from free-taker Laura Linnane and Noreen Coen left them double scores ahead, but a strong finish from Cashel yielded flags from Grogan and Alison Lonergan.

The second half was a dogfight with the weather deteriorating further. Approaching the last quarter Cashel edged 0-9 to 0-7 to the good, but the introduction of the injured Jessica Gill for Athenry egged them on. She came close with a goal shot, and despite Athenry’s grit, Cashel held out with two Grogan points closing out the score.

Cashel (Tipperary) 0-11 (C Grogan 0-7 (3f), M Morrissey 0-2, A Lonergan, E Hayden 0-1each);
Athenry (Galway) 0-9 (L Linnane 0-4 (2f, 1 45), B Kerins, T Maher, N Coen, K O’Dwyer, J Gill (f) 0-1 each.

Match Preview

Athenry and Cashel travel to Clarecastle to decide the destiny of this year’s All Ireland senior club final after the disappointment of last weekend in Newbridge when the fixture was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. The overriding desire now is that the weather be kinder this time, thus allowing two of the best clubs in the country battle for the Bill Carroll Trophy.

Rivals from 2007 when Cashel won the title for the first and only time, Athenry will vie for All Ireland glory they last claimed over 30 years ago. Therese Maher and Regina Glynn are their big names, but expect huge games from Sarah Donohue and Laura Linnane around the middle. Noreen Coen, Brenda Kerins and Katie O’Dywer will provide the power in attack.

The Tipp side is sprinkled with inter-county stars all over. A quick glance shows Una O’Dwyer, Paula Bulfin, Philly Fogarty, Julie McGrath, Jill Horan, Claire Grogan and Emily Hayden – just a few of the players who have donned the Blue and Gold with distinction. Should all of that class come to the fore, Cashel will be hard to beat.

Verdict: Cashel