Cushendall power home in second half

Antrim Camogie League – Division 1

Loughgiel 2-09 Cushendall 3-17 at Fr Healy Park

League holders Ruairi Og Cushendall delivered an impressive statement of intent on Tuesday evening at Fr Healey Park, defeating county champions Loughgiel Shamrocks by eleven points in their Antrim Camogie League clash. While Loughgiel fielded without four or five regular starters due to county commitments, the nature of Cushendall’s 3-17 to 2-9 victory was nonetheless striking, especially given how tightly contested the opening period was.

The first half proved to be a fiercely competitive and high-scoring affair. Cushendall found their rhythm early with points from Cliodhna Thompson, Orlaith McCurry, and Eva McNeill. Kady McNeill emerged as a massive attacking threat for the home side, finding the back of the net twice in a devastating two-minute spell, while Cara O Boyle also raised a green flag later in the half. Despite conceding three goals, Loughgiel demonstrated tremendous resolve and championship pedigree. Anna Connolly registered an early point, and the reliable Marie Laverty kept them well in touch with accurate shooting from both play and placed balls. A crucial 25th-minute goal from Annie Lynn was instrumental in reeling the hosts back in, ensuring the teams went into the break deadlocked after a breathless and hard-fought thirty minutes.

After the change of ends, however, the complexion of the game shifted entirely. With a cold wind now on their backs, Cushendall took absolute control of the proceedings. Eva McNeill led the charge, tapping over vital frees and adding from play, while Brogan Abram and Siobhan McKillop also split the posts to stretch the home side’s advantage. Loughgiel fought hard to stem the tide, with Louise Mc Killop and Orlagh Laverty managing to point from play, and Marie Laverty adding another goal and a free to her personal tally. Ultimately, the elements and Cushendall’s relentless second-half pressure proved too much to handle. Kady McNeill, Orlaith McCurry, and Cliodhna Thompson all clipped over further points as Ruairi Og pushed on decisively to secure a comprehensive eleven-point win.

Loughgiel

1 Emma Mc allister, 2 Charlene Campbell, 3 Megan McGarry, 4 Aoibheann Gillan, 5 Shauna Devlin, 6 Lucia McNaughton, 7 Ciara Laverty, 8 Louise Mc Killop, 9 Anna Connolly, 10 Annie Lynn, 11 Marie Laverty, 12 Shanna Deery, 13 Orlagh Laverty, 14 Anna McKillop, and 15 Carlina Sullivan.

Ruairi Og

1 Orlagh Burke, 2 Laoise McCollam, 3 Anna McNeill, 4 Tamara Black, 5 Ellen Leech, 6 Abi McNeill, 7 Aoife McClafferty, 8 Dervla Cosgrove, 9 Siobhan McKillop, 10 Brogan Abram, 11 Eva McNeill, 12 Orlaith McCurry, 13 Cliodhna Thompson, 14 Kady McNeill, and 15 Lára Haughey.

TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.