Antrim Camogie League – Division 1

Loughgiel 3-07 Cushendall 2-10

Report by Darach Ó Maoláin 

Cushendall and Loughgiel went head-to-head in the Antrim Division 1 Senior Camogie League on Tuesday evening. Fr Healy Park was noted for having quite a heavy ground which no doubt affected the game itself, and it was quite obvious to determine how blinding the late evening sunlight was. The game started in Cushendall’s favour with Cara O’Boyle making the initial pushes. A strong Cushendall defence was preventing goal chances for the Shamrocks as multiple balls fell short of the crossbar. Loughgiel’s eagerness to combat their counterparts proved successful with a brilliant point by Orlagh Laverty following a pass by Katie Lynn.

Loughgiel’s Shanna Deery led the charge repeatedly against Cushendall, but they would however not let their standards slip. Orlaith McAlister and Orlaith McCurry presented quite a challenge for the home team, but they soon found promise with an unexpected goal from a free by Anna McKillop which had bounced off the keeper’s hand.

Half Time Score – Loughgiel 1-04 Cushendall 0-5

The physicality continued to flourish with great intensity between both teams as the second half started. After a great many attempts, Annie Lynn drove the ball into the net after a quick pass by Orlagh Laverty. The Cushendall side did not back off, as points were scored by the skillful Dervla Cosgrove and Orlagh O’Hara despite the brilliant defence of Charlene Campbell, Finvola McVeigh and Katie Lynn. Shanna Deery continued with her speedy responses and after a fantastic pass to Orlagh Laverty, Loughgiel scored yet another goal. The pressure continued to be placed on Loughgiel as Orlagh O’Hara swiftly delivered another goal for Cushendall to finish the game. Despite the dispute of the score, the Referee determined the extremely competitive match to be a draw.