Antrim Camogie League – Division 2
Geraldines 0-17 St Paul’s 1-05
Geraldines produced a disciplined and hard-working display to overcome previously unbeaten Naomh Pól in Division 2 on Wednesday evening, claiming a deserved 0-17 to 1-5 victory in difficult conditions at Pairc Uí Cheallaigh Portglenone.
Played in a strong cross-field wind, this was a contest that was always going to demand work-rate and composure in possession, and Geraldines delivered impressively throughout.
Their victory was built on relentless defending and a willingness to win one-on-one battles all over the pitch, limiting a dangerous Naomh Pól side to very few clear-cut opportunities across the hour.
The home side settled quickest, Shannon Darragh opened the scoring inside the opening minute before Jojo Darragh added another excellent point from play soon after.
Geraldines continued to build momentum as the half progressed. Shannon Darragh added a free, while Eimear McKee and Hollie Martin also found the target during a dominant spell for the home side. Naomh Pól struggled to find their range in the difficult conditions throughout the first half, and missed a number of opportunities to stay in touch. Amy Gault eventually opened Naomh Pól’s account in the 25th minute, but Geraldines responded strongly with further scores from Shannon Darragh and Eimear McKee to take a commanding 0-8 to 0-1 lead into the break.
Geraldines picked up where they left off after half-time. Shannon Darragh continued to lead the attack, Aoibhinn McCloskey, Aoife McGrogan, Jojo Darragh and Eimear McKee all added fine points from play to keep the scoreboard moving, while at the other end the full back line of Hannah Friel, Anna O’Kane and Maria Mooney refused to allow any foothold in the game for the visitors.
To their credit, Naomh Pól continued to battle throughout. Nicole Munce and Maeve Devlin added second-half points, before Amy Gault struck for a late goal to leave the final scoreline more respectable after Geraldines had controlled much of the contest.
While Naomh Pól will reflect on missed opportunities, particularly during the opening half when the wind made accuracy difficult, Geraldines fully deserved the victory thanks to their collective effort and efficiency in front of goal.
Shannon Darragh finished top scorer with six points for Geraldines, while Eimear McKee contributed four in a dominant midfield display.
Geraldines: Siobhan Doherty; Hannah Friel, Anna O’Kane, Maria Mooney; Aoife McKenna, Orlagh Convery, Ellie Tsang; Aoibhinn McCloskey (0-2), Eimear McKee (0-4); Hollie Martin (0-1), Laura McAleese, Jojo Darragh (0-2); Aedin Vallely, Shannon Darragh (0-6, 3f), Aoife McGrogan (0-1).
Subs used
Laura O’Boyle, Cliodhna McKeever, Caitlin Graffin, Mollie McGinty
Naomh Pól: Brona Reilly; Dáirine Phillips, Róise Stevenson, Gemma McGroarty; Clíodhna Phillips, Caoimhe McCartan, Emer Rocks; Caitlin Heggarty, Maeve Devlin (0-3); Amy Gault (1-1), Niamh Ritchie, Aisling Hyndman; Fionnghuala Rocks, Emer Smyth, Nicole Munce (0-1).
Referee: Paul O’Neill