Coaching Team: Ciaran Doherty, Niamh Doherty, James Duffin, Paddy McLaughlin
Another Leap Forward
Last week, the girls put in a great performance against Wolfe Tones with a score of 8-13 to 1-1. The win moved them up to the middle of the league table and put wind in their sails.
Tonight’s match was played during a beautiful evening in Portglenone. And our girls made the most of the fine weather. Sunny, mild, and most importantly dry! Around a third of the panel had been playing camogie until 7:15pm. But everyone was changed, warmed up, and ready for throw-in shortly after 7:30.
Amanda Leahy from Moneyglass had the whistle.
Third League Game of 2026
Ard Eoin are a strong Belfast club with history behind them, and they came ready to play. But Roger Casements went straight for the jugular with two shots at the net inside the first few minutes. Both went wide. But the message was sent. After that, Niamh Smith, Maria O’Boyle, and Chloe Duffin kept the scores ticking. Aisling McGill and Evie Rose McErlean were a constant threat around goal. And Ciara McVeigh and Caiti Louise McGill held the shape at full forward, keeping their defense working hard.
Nessa McKenna and Tiarna McErlain put in a solid effort at the back. Tiarna blocked what looked like a certain goal and drew a well-earned roar of approval from the home crowd. When called upon Ílinn McLaughlin, Molly Watson, and Caoimhe Marron closed ranks on defense, plugging gaps and forming a sturdy wall against the opposition. Keeper, Emily Padgett maintained constant communication with her defense and fed the ball cleanly up to Rebecca Kennedy and Sarah Mary O’Boyle in midfield who in turn fought strong and played it to the attack. It was a well-oiled machine, requiring only minor adjustments here and there. Roger Casements hit half time with 3-3 to Ard Eoin’s 0-3.
Threat Incoming
A few changes, including Emily coming up to play the middle, and Áine McCormack coming on to harry their defense.
Ard Eoin came roaring back in the second half and planted several goals to make things interesting. But Roger Casements didn’t flinch. They tightened up and countered. Clodagh McDonnell got in on the scoring action. Aisling kept winning the ball. Maria applied pressure on their net from an angle. Our girls got good at opening a gap down the middle and Niamh took full advantage, moving up the pitch at speed for several more goals. Molly moved up and presented a constant threat, popping shots from their left. And Caoimhe closed the gap on their defense several times, making the sprint from mid-field look easy. Roger Casements rattled in 5 more goals and 2 more points to seal the win.
Final Score
Roger Casements Portglenone 8-5
Ciceam Ard Eoin 3-3
Two weeks ago, they sat at the bottom of the table. Tonight they sit third. If you aren’t watching this team, you should be.
It goes without saying that we coaches are proud of every single girl on the team, and we look forward to seeing where the next few games take them.