Molloy stars as Antrim beat Wexford in U23 Camogie final

All Ireland U23 Tier 2 Camogie final

Antrim 1-11 Wexford 1-09

Antrim have been crowned the All-Ireland U23B Camogie champions after securing a hard-fought 1-11 to 1-9 victory over a tough and physical Wexford side at O’Raghallaigh’s in Drogheda. The young Saffrons established their advantage early in the game, spearheaded by a brilliant individual goal from Eobha McAllister in the 15th minute, and demonstrated immense defensive resilience to hold on until the final whistle in greasy, showery conditions. Tipperary referee Mike Ryan allowed for a highly physical and intense contest, waving play on through robust challenges and limiting stoppages mostly to technical fouls, which made for a fantastic spectacle.

**Eobha McAllister celebrates after scoring her team’s goal in the fifteenth minute of the U23 Final win over Wexford.**

The opening twenty minutes saw just three scores, reflecting the ferocious intensity and work rate from both sides. Wexford’s Ciara Butler opened the scoring after nine minutes, before Cara O’Boyle equalized for Antrim. The game’s turning point came shortly after when O’Boyle delivered a long crossfield pass to Eobha McAllister, who deceived two defenders with a clever pick-up before firing a left-handed strike into the Wexford net. Contributions from Janey McIntosh, McAllister, and a massive long-range effort from inside her own half by captain Katie Molloy helped Antrim build a 1-5 to 0-4 lead at the interval, having had the benefit of the breeze in the first half.

***Antrim corner forward Cliona Griffin eyes the target.***

While some pundits might have favored Wexford to capitalize on the conditions after the break, Antrim’s defense stood resolute. Both teams utilized a sweeper system from the start. Katie Molloy dropped back as the extra player for the Saffrons, pivoting a rock-solid defense and commanding the game so effectively that she earned the Player of the Match award. On the other side, Karen Tomkins performed a similar role well for Wexford. The third quarter remained tight on the scoreboard but highly entertaining. Elen McIntosh was the standout performer during this period, turning up the heat with three excellent points to push Antrim into a commanding 1-9 to 0-6 lead entering the final quarter. Moving the ball forward, Orlaith McAlister, Janey McIntosh, and Cara O’Boyle put in massive shifts, while Cliona Griffin’s pace constantly threatened the Wexford defense.

***Elen McIntosh wins possesion before sending over an Antrim point.***

Wexford mounted a fierce comeback in the final quarter, aided by Leah Furlong pushing into midfield and Layla Stafford applying heavy pressure with her driving runs. The introduction of substitutes in the 48th minute paid immediate dividends for Wexford. A long free from Keeva Steadman caused a scramble in the square, allowing substitute Aisling Goggins to bundle the sliotar into the net past Antrim goalkeeper Orlaith McAlister. Antrim responded maturely to this setback with crucial scores from Janey McIntosh and an Eobha McAllister free to regain control, but the pressure mounted in the dying minutes as Wexford reduced the deficit to just three points.

The two minutes of added time were full of drama. Cliona Griffin almost set up Cara O’Boyle for a clinching goal at one end, before Wexford countered dangerously. Ciara Butler looked goal-bound to tie the game but was halted by a crucial tackle from Katie Molloy. Steadman’s resulting low free deflected off an Antrim hurl and went over the bar for a point, ensuring the Saffrons survived the late scare to claim the All-Ireland title.

Team captain Katie Molloy battles to break through a Wexford challenge

Antrim Lineup and Scorers: O Johnson, E Coulter, A O’Donnell, D Dobbin, S O’Neill, K Molloy (0-1 free), C Crawford, S Heggarty, C O’Boyle (0-1), A Ferris, O McAlister, E McAllister (1-4, 3 frees), C Griffin, E McIntosh (0-3), J McIntosh (0-2). Substitutes: L Black for A Ferris, C Burns for E McIntosh.

Wexford Lineup and Scorers: K Steadman (0-1 free), E O’Brien, L Maddock, G Roche, L Nolan, K Tomkins, L Furlong, S Buttle, L Stafford (0-2), R Kinsella, C Butler (0-4, 3 frees), K Flood, E Tomkins (0-2), C Byrne, K Flood. Substitutes: A Goggins (1-0) for R Kinsella, G Ivanoff for K Flood.