Nine in a row for Loughgiel as they see off stern challenge from Dunloy

Travel Ireland Coaches Antrim senior camogie final

Loughgiel 0-9 Dunloy 0-6

LOUGHGIEL won their ninth successive Antrim Senior Camogie title in a row at rain sodden and windswept Fr Maginn Park, Glenravel on Sunday when they saw off the stern challenge of Dunloy in a very entertaining contest. Loughgiel led by 0-5 to 0-2 at half time, after having the use of the elements in the first half, but when Dunloy closed the gap to a single point with two early scores in the second period appeared to have a real challenge on their hands. However like true champions they responded well when the chips were down and they regained control to hold their opponents to just two more point for the remainder of the game.

***Dunloy full forward Cassie McArthur in action during the first half***

In wind and driving rain Dunloy started promisingly and were level with the champions in the early stages. However they missed a couple of good chances from frees and were made to pay. Still the looked to be in the driving season when Loughgiel were only a point clear with just seven minutes of the opening half to go. However the champions responded with points from Caitrin Dobbin, Mary McKillen and Annie Lynn before the break to stretch their advantage to 0-5 to 0-2 by the time referee Owen Elliott blew the half time whistle.

***Player of the match Annie Lynn sends over a point***

Despite this, Dunloy appeared to be in a good position as they started the second half, and when they hit the opening two points of the new half through Cassie McArthur and Nicole McAtamney they must have felt they were in with a great chance. However Loughgiel steadied the ship and when top scorer Caitrin Dobbin sent over a point from a free things began to swing back in the champions favour. Centre forward Mary McKillen added one from play to put her team three clear, and though Caoimhe Molloy came back with one for the challengers, it was to be their last score of the game.

Loughgiel restored their three point cushion when corner forward Annie Lynn split the posts and the gap was out to four when Dobbin hit her fourth score of the day. Dunloy three all they had at Loughgiel in closing minutes, but the goal they needed to revive their challenge never really looked like coming and Loughgiel;s defence held out to seal yet another title win, the first for new manager Duck McFadden

***Loughgiel’s Caitrin Dobbin who finished with four points to here name***

Loughgiel: E Boyle; C Campbell, K Lynn, C McKillop; M Lynn, Ú McNaughton, S Doran; A Boyle, L McNaughton 0-1 (f), C Laverty, M McKillen 0-1, A Connolly; C Dobbin 0-4 (3fs), K McKillop, A Lynn 0-3.

Subs: R McCormick for A Connolly (26), C Boyle for U McNaughton (50).

Dunloy: M Martin; K Mullan, E Kearns, D Elliott; C Crawford, C Conlon, K Laverty; Brid Magill, N McAtamney 0-2 (fs); C Molloy 0-2 (fs), E Johnstone, K Molloy 0-1; E Elliott, C McArthur 0-1, Á Magill.

Subs: Bronagh Magill for C Molloy (40), K Boyle for E Elliott (58).

Referee: Owen Elliott (All Saints)