Ulster U-16 A Camogie Final 2024

Venue – Tír Na Nóg Randalstown

Saturday 27th April

Antrim 4-12 Derry 2-9

PICS BY SEAN PAUL McKILLOP

Antrim caused an upset in Saturday’s Ulster under 16 camogie final when they dethroned hot favourites Derry. A month ago the girl’s from The Sperrins ran out six point winners against Antrim in the group stages but they could not deal with a slick Antrim side. Marie Laverty got Antrim off to a good start with a point inside the first thirty seconds. Ellen Cullen got Derry off the mark and they took the lead when Emma Quinn pointed. The lead would be short lived as Antrim answered back with scores from Marie Laverty and a free from Louise McBride. McBride converted two more frees to create daylight between the teams for the first time but again the pendulum swung. Emma Quinn converted two frees of her own to again leave the minimum between the sides. Amy McAlister was sent through on goal by Cliodhna Thompson, she struck for the net but had to be content with a point as the ball just cleared the crossbar. No quarter was being asked or given and as you would expect from such a good team Derry again responded.

Emma Quinn finished a great team move to the net and the Derry number 14 converted a free to push her side two in front. Like a boxer on the ropes Antrim took the punches and came out swinging themselves. A long range free from Louise McBride fell among a group of players at the edge of the small square and ended up in the Derry net without anyone getting a touch. This goal really spurred the Antrim girls on and they dominated the closing eight minutes of the first half. Eva McNeill converted a free, then Cliodhna Thompson sent Eimear McCaughan clear and the Antrim full forward made no mistake, hitting the net from close range. Eva McNeill got her second point of the game and with time almost up Antrim were awarded a free on the 21 yard line. McNeill stood over the ball with everyone in attendance expecting her to tap it over the bar. But the Antrim centre forward had other ideas and she crashed a rocket to the roof of the Derry net to give Antrim a nine point lead at half time 3-8 to 1-5.

   If Derry were going to mount a comeback they needed a good start to the second half but it was Antrim who got it. With three minutes gone Eimear McCaughan reacted quickest to a broken ball and she finished to the net from an acute angle to put Antrim twelve to the good. Derry hit a purple patch with a point from Mary Thérése McCoy and a goal from Hanna Downey to bring their arrears to eight. Sensing the danger Antrim pulled Eva McNeill deeper and she cut out several potential Derry attacks. Antrim went ten to the good with points from Marie Laverty and Aiofe Fitzsimmons. Derry responded with two of their own from Emma Quinn and Róisin McAtamney. Ellie McCartney got the final score for Derry with a point but it was Antrim who finished in style. Player of the match Marie Laverty fired over a point from play and Louise McBride rounded off proceedings with a pointed free. Final score Antrim 4-12 Derry 2-9.

There were great scenes at the final whistle. This was the first win over Derry for these Antrim girls, many of whom played under 14 and under 15 together over the past few years. Antrim were full value for their win. Mya McKinley made some great saves, Cora Pierce was superb in the full back line. Team captain Maeve McAlister was a rock at centre half back and with Erin McMullan and Erinmae Mitchell on the wings they provided a great springboard for attacks. Aiofe Fitzsimmons got through a mountain of work in midfield and up front Marie Laverty, Eva McNeill and Eimear McCaughan were a constant threat. For Derry Eimhear Conway and Aine Young defended well. Mary Thérése McCoy worked her socks off in the middle and up front Emma Quinn was always dangerous.

Antrim – 1. Mya McKinley 2. Cora Pierce 3. Carly McNamee 4. Cara Delaney 5. Erin McMullan 6. Maeve McAlister(capt) 7. Erinmae Mitchell 8. Caoimhe McErlain 9. Aiofe Fitzsimmons 10. Marie Laverty 11. Eva McNeill 12. Louise McBride 13. Cliodhna Thompson 14. Eimear McCaughan 15. Amy McAlister

Subs used – Amelie Annette, Eimear McCloskey.

Derry – 1. Aiofe McAteer 2. Faye McGuckin 3. Eimear Conway 4. Gracie Mae Bradley 5. Aoibheann O’ Loughlin 6. Ellie McCartney 7. Aine Young 8. Hannah Drain 9. Mary Thérése McCoy 10. Hannah Downey 11. Aiofe McWilliams 12. Ellen Cullen 13. Grace McCartney 14. Emma Quinn 15. Aiofe Doherty

Subs used – Róisin McAtamney, Clodagh McMullan, Tess Mullan, Emer Kearney.