Ruairi Og Cushendall All Ireland Feile Camogie Champions 2023
Ruairi Og under 15 camogs created history on Saturday the 24th of June when they became the first ever Cushendall camogie team to win an All Ireland as they claimed the Feile title in Craughwell Co. Galway. The young Ruairis got off to a flying start in the group stages against Navan O’ Mahonys. With Maeve McAlister and Laoise McCollam in charge at the back and Scarlet Kerr-McKillop and Erinmae Mitchell in control at midfield they provided a solid platform. Up front captain Eva McNeill was in superb form hitting 1-4 as was Emma “The Mitch” Mitchell who claimed two great goals and they were well supported by Amy McAlister (0-2) and Cliodhna Thompson (0-1) in a 3-7 to 0-1 victory.
In the second group game the Ruairis faced a much fancied Naas team from Kildare. However thanks to first half goals from Cliodhna Thompson and Eva McNeill the Ruairis were well in control by half time. At the back Aibrean Campbell and Niamh McCollam were giving nothing away and with further second half scores from Eva McNeill and Cliodhna Thompson Cushendall recorded their second victory, Ruairi Og 3-6 Naas 0-0.
In the final group game Cushendall knew that a win against Castlegar of Galway would mean they would qualify top of their group. The Galway ladies provided stiffer opposition but again the Cushendall girls put their shoulder to the wheel. A great early save by Dall goalkeeper Laoiseach McNaughton set the tone. In a dogged game scores were at a premium but 3 points from Eva McNeill, a goal from Cliodhna Thompson and a point from Amy McAlister combined with stout contributions from Anna Birt, Tamara Black and Mia McKeegan saw the Ruairis get the result they needed 1-4 to 0-1.
In the semi final Erin’s Own Lavey provided the opposition. In a titanic battle where no quarter was asked or given the early exchanges were tense. After five minutes the sides were level on a point each. Dall captain Eva McNeill was leading by example and she hit two super points to put Cushendall 0-3 to 0-1 ahead. The critical score in the game came just before half time when a long delivery from McNeill was brilliantly caught in a ruck of players by Cliodhna Thompson who sprinted clear of the Lavey defence and finished to the net. Half time score Cushendall 1-3 Lavey 0-1. In the second half Lavey pressed hard but time and again they found the Dall defence impregnable. Laoise McCollam, Maeve McAlister and Erin McNaughton in particular were superb. Up front a further three points, two from Cliodhna Thompson and one from Tamara Black was enough to seal a spot in the final. Final score Cushendall 1-6 Lavey 0-1.
In the other semi final St. Cillian’s of Offaly were too strong for Naas and so it was they who provided the opposition in the final. Both teams had qualified unbeaten and a tight affair was expected. However driven on by the memory of loosing the final last year the Ruairi Og girls exploded out of the traps. Up front Eva McNeill played a captain’s part with 2 goals and three points. Cliodhna Thompson and Amy McAlister were also on fire scoring 0-4 and 0-3 respectively. That combined with Laoiseach McNaughton’s superb first half penalty save and brilliant defending from the excellent Maeve McAlister and Laoise McCollam had the young Ruairis in total control. The result was never really in doubt, final score Cushendall 2-10 St. Cillian’s 0-4.
There were emotional scenes at the final whistle as players, mentors, parents and supporters celebrated a magnificent victory. Cushendall had a few star players throughout the day, however this victory was achieved by the hard work and determination of every player on the panel. From number 1 to 23, every girl that took to the field worked their socks off. They were a credit to themselves, their families, club and county.
Ruairi Og team:
1. Laoiseach McNaughton
2. Keira Hill
3. Laoise McCollam
4. Aibrean Campbell
5. Erin McNaughton
6. Maeve McAlister
7. Niamh McCollam
8. Scarlet Kerr-McKillop
9. Erinmae Mitchell
10. Tamara Black
11. Eva McNeill
12. Cliodhna Thompson
13. Amy McAlister
14. Mia McKeegan
15. Emma Mitchell
16. Anna Birt
17. Gabriella McNeill
18. Aimee Hill
19. Sara Black
20. Aimee McAuley
21. Lucia Trainor
22. Ellen McAlister
23. Aiofe Molloy.