Ulster Junior A Camogie semi-final

CPC 5.5 St Killian’s 3.3

In Thursday’s Junior A Camogie semi-final at Pair MacUilin Cross and Passion had to hold out for a win against their neighbours St Killian’s, who are competing in A for the first time, having been promoted after last seasons Ulster and All Ireland win.

CPC started strong with the wind blowing in their favour and were 2.1 ahead with goals from Mary McArthur and Marie Laverty who also claimed the first point. St Killian’s converted a free from Eva McNeill and for the next 10 minutes CPC piled on the pressure adding another goal from Aoife McCaughan with McArthur and Laverty adding on 3 more points. An injury to Ceala Dobbin broke the momentum and from the restart St Killian’s kept CPC scoreless for the remainder of the half despite the chances created. At the other end Keeper Erin O Hara was superb in nets thwarting any attack on goals from the Tower. Niamh McNeill got the first of her hat trick just before the break to leave the half time score at 3.4 to 1.1.

The second half saw St Killian’s come strong as they made use of the strong breeze. They were awarded a penalty which was superbly saved by Erin O’Hara and brilliant defensive work by Brianna McCloskey and Aoibheann Gillan once again cleared the danger with Mary Mc Arthur tagging on another point for CPC. However Niamh McNeill hit 2 quick goals in succession followed by points from Kady McNeill and Eva McNeill. This left just 2 points between the teams with just under 10 minutes remaining. CPC’s Eaobha McAllister worked back as a sweeper and set her team up in attack on several occasions. Shanna Deery found the net with a well struck goal followed soon after by McArthur’s 3rd goal to put the game beyond the reach of the St Killian’s girls. This was a brilliant game with both teams giving a fine display of camogie from 2 top Antrim schools. CPC now face St Pats Maghera in the final.