An Aine Magill goal in the last minute of normal time looked as if Antrim U15’s were on their way to being crowned All Ireland Division 2 Winners, in what was an end to end game with Group A winners Clare. However, the Clare girls pushed on and snatched a draw seconds before the final whistle to send this pulsating game into extra time.
Antrim had eased past the threat of last year’s group winners Kilkenny in the first game of the day with an impressive scoreline of 3.7 to 1.5. Riana Mc Bride sending the first of her hat-trick of goals into the net after just 1minute of play after a beautiful lay off from Niamh Hammil who had worked hard for possession. The Antrim girls continued to pile on the pressure with scores from open play from Niamh Hammil, Kyra Doherty and the midfield duo of Aine Magill and Orlagh Laverty also adding to the score board. Antrim only conceded 1.02 in the first half with the excellent partnership at half back led by Alisha Convery, Aoibheann Mc Closkey and Siannesse Maybin thwarting the young cat’s attack and sending ball into the danger zone for Antrim to continue the pressure. Kilkenny were disposed of with a full time score of 3.7 to 1.5.
Antrim sealed their dominance in this group with a convincing win over Limerick after a quick turnaround and after allowing Limerick to score 2 early points, the girls ensured that this was to be all they would allow them for the day. Katie Rose Bell dominated the full back line and had the confident Orla Donnelly in nets, producing excellent saves anytime her net was threatened. Corner backs Christina Hamilton and Ciara McCormick were solid in the corners ensuring they minimised any intent from their opposing numbers.
Nuala Devlin was a constant torment for the Limerick lassies and finished with a personal tally of 1.2 from open play, Fionnuala Kelly and Niamh Hammill both pointing twice with Caoimhe O Hara and Kyra Doherty also getting in on the action. Riana Mc Bride who had taken the first goal of the game within 33 seconds of the whistle added another 5 points from play, and this time it was Aine Magill who got the hat trick of goals. All 6 forwards and both mid-field players had by now contributed to the final tally of 6.12 over the 40 minutes.
Émer Vallely, Clare McGowan, Tara Cullen, Kate McFall and Ellie Mc Kinley all contributed well to the attacking play over the course of the day, whilst Nuala McCaughan, Orla Mc Mullan and Ciara Loughran all ably assisted relieving pressure on the defence throughout the course of the 150 minutes of camogie played.
The semi-final against Cork also proved to be a one sided affair with Antrim dominating all over the pairc and only conceding 4points, the Antrim girls continued their score fest with a total of 4.06 in the 30 minutes.
The final was closely contested by 2 excellent teams who served up a wonderful display of camogie, with skills in abundance in terms of hooking, blocking and fielding, whilst keeping to their team play. Clare drew first blood with a goal which saw Antrim trail for the first time all day. Riana Mc Bride was pulled down on her way through on nets and promptly converted the resulting free to leave 2points between the sides. Clare pushed on to add another point to leave them a goal clear, however another free awarded to McBride saw her send it into the top corner of the net. Clare added one more to leave only one point separating the teams at half time. Clare added another point from open play soon after the restart and Antrim struggled to find their flowing form from the earlier games with Clare closing down their attacking threats. Riana Mc Bride sent 2 more points over from frees to level the game, and when Aine Magill moved into full forward and found herself one on one with the Clare keeper she made no mistake about it. Antrim looked to be on the verge of victory with one minute to to, until Clare stole it back to a draw with just seconds remaining.
Clare found their edge in extra time pushing forward on goal, Antrim only managing a single point in the added 10minutes, with Clare finishing as winners on a score of 5.05 to 2.05. Blitz organisers commended both teams on the high standard of play which was served up to the many supporters who travelled to cheer on their teams.
This was an overall excellent display from the Under 15’s who represented their families, clubs and their county with pride. It was a day when friendships were solidified, character was built, lessons learned, and more importantly, many memories created for years to come.
Photos courtesy of Mark Bell