Dobbin top scores as Antrim win in Limerick

Very National Camogie League – Divisions 1B

Limerick 1-11 Antrim 2-17

Pics by ‘Jock’ Donnelly

Antrim made it back to back wins in the VERY National Camogie League Division 1B campaign when they travelled to Limerick and beat the Treaty county at Mick Neville Park

After leading by a point at half-time, the Saffrons really hit their stride in the second half as they pulled away to win by nine in the end and so avenge the defeat at the hands of their opponents at Corrigan Park last year.
An inexperienced looking Limerick outfit matched their opponents for much of the opening half, though they relied heavily on the free-taking of full-forward, Clare Keating for their scores.

**Aine Magill, whose early goal gave Antrim a foothold in the game**

Playing into the wind in that first half Antrim (who were without last week’s star player Roisin McCormick because of injury) were holding their own and a goal on six minutes from Aine Magill gave them a foothold in the game. It was score for score up until the final minute of the half when a point from a free from top scorer Caitrin Dobbin gave a one point lead at the break. (1-6 to 0-8)

She was joined on the scoresheet by Áine Reynolds and Sarah O’Brien. At the other end, a 6^th minute goal from Aine Magill gave Antrim a foothold and she was one of the leading lights for the Saffrons. Indeed, Magill, together with Caitrin Dobbin contributed 2-11 of their total.

Limerick wouldn’t be level again as Antrim outscored John Lillis’ side 1-7 to 0-2 over the next 20 minutes. A powerful, low finish from Dobbin was the final blow to the Limerick challenge.

***Niamh Cosgrove breaks past her marker to clear the ball upfield***

The home side produce a strong finish scoring a quick-fire 1-1, the goal came from Caoimhe Lyons after a poorly executed free was rescued and the net was struck. Subs Sophie O’Callaghan and Lizzie Boylan combined with the latter firing over, under pressure from range.

Elsewhere on Saturday, the Antrim Junior Camogs made it a double when they beat their Limerick counterparts by 0-10 to 1-5 at Cappamore in Divisin 3B.

Scorers for Limerick: Claire Keating 0-8 (0-6 frees, 0-1 ’45’); Caoimhe Lyons 1-0; Áine Reynolds, Sarah O’Brien, Lizzie Boylan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Antrim: Caitrin Dobbin 1-7 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ‘45’); Áine Magill 1-4; Shannon Graham 0-2, Finnouala Kelly, Siobhán McKillop, Cassie McArthur, Mary McKillen 0-1 each.

Limerick: Laura O’Neill; Marian Quaid , Muireann Creamer, Teresa Dore; Emma Kennedy, Ailbhe Larkin, Stephanie Woulfe; Noirin Lenihan, Mairead Ryan; Caomihe Lyons, Áine Reynolds, Orlaith Kelleher; Sarah O’Brien, Claire Keating, Cliodhna Ryan.

Subs: Lizzie Boylan for Lenihan, Éle Madigan for O’Brien (both 52), Sophie O’Callaghan for Ryan, Ciara O’Riordan for Kelleher (both 55), Emily O’Halloran for Kennedy, Amy Burke for Reynolds (both 60).

Antrim: Catriona Graham; Colleen Patterson, Caoimhe Conlon, Maria Lynn; Amy Boyle, Lucia McNaughton, Niamh Cosgrove; Shannon Graham, Siobhan McKillop; Katie McKillop, Mary McKillen, Aine Magill; Fionnula Kelly, Cassie McArthur, Caitrin Dobbin.

Subs: Nuala Devlin for McArthur (41), Niamh Anne Donnelly for Kelly (46).