Joy for McCormack and Westmeath in thrilling camogie final

Leinster Minor ‘B’ Camogie Shield Final

Westmeath 1-13

Kildare 1-12

(After extra-time)

Westmeath were crowned Leinster Minor ‘B’ Camogie Shield winners, following a thrilling final against Kildare that went to extra-time, at Abbottstown, Dublin last Sunday.

Kildare were leading by two points at half-time, 1-6 to 0-7, but a very tight second half ensued and Westmeath scored a vital goal through Áine Newman to remain in strong contention. At the end of normal time, it was all square at 1-9 apiece.

Into extra-time and the tit for tat nature of the match continued with the sides still deadlocked at the interval on 1-11 apiece. Crucially, Westmeath got two vital points in the second period through Caoimhe McCormack, both from frees, to secure a precious victory.

There were memorable scenes following the final whistle as the successful Westmeath side were presented with the trophy and the outstanding Caoimhe McComrak was named player of the match.

RESPONSE

Westmeath went into the game in a positive frame of mind following a great victory over Carlow and Holy Dowdall gave them the lead with the opening point. Kildare then registered three scores in succession through corner forward Emily Mahon, who converted one free and followed up with 1-1 from play.

Westmeath had to really work hard and Anya Boyle scored a point in response, but Kildare added two further scores through Coaimhe Ní Bhuircéal (both frees) to lead by 1-4 to 0-2. Anya Boyle replied with two converted frees at this stage and Westmeath were really having to produce their best to stay in the game.

Ní Bhuircéal again converted a free before Anya Boyle replied in similar fashion and Emma Hynes was also on target from a placed ball. As an entertaining first half came to a close, Ní Bhuircéal and Sian Weir Hall exchanged points, leaving Westmeath trailing by two at the break.

GRIPPING

The second half was tense and closely-fought. Ní Bhuircéal again shot over for the opening score, before Áine Newman swooped for a crucial Westmeath goal. Anya Boyle added a free as Westmeath gained momentum and Reanna Kennedy scored a point from play to put them ahead (1-9 to 1-8).

However, Kildare battled and Ní Bhuircéal forced the final to extra-time when she shot another minor.

A gripping finale loomed and it was Ní Bhuircéal who put Kildare ahead with a point when the action resumed. Áine Newman replied for the Lake County girls, but it was Kildare who got their noses in front again through Ní Bhuircéal. Kate Whyte’s point had the sides level again at the end of the first period of extra-time, however.

The second period was gripping in terms of excitement. Two converted free from Caoimhe McCormack gave Westmeath breathing space at last and they looked to close this final out.

But Kildare battled on and Ní Bhuircéal converted a free to keep them in contention.

However, at the final whistle, it was Westmeath who were celebrating victory by the narrowest of margins.

SCORERS - Westmeath: A Boyle 0-5 (frees), Á Newman 1-1, C McCormack 0-2 (frees), H Dowdall, E Hynes (free), S Weir Hall, R Kennedy and K Whyte 0-1 each. Kildare: C Ní Bhuircéal 0-9 (4f), E Mahon 1-3 (0-1f).

Westmeath - Courtney Carroll; Rebecca O’Neill, Sarah Downes, Michelle Doyle; Caoimhe Mcgee, Caoimhe McCormack, Orlaith Winters; Áine Newman, Claire Gaffney; Sian Weir Hall, Reanna Kennedy, Alannah Coogan; Anya Boyle, Holly Dowdall, Emma Hynes. Subs: Tara Geraghty for M Doyle, Emma Gilchrist for Orlaith Winters, Kate Whyte for C McGee, Abbie reihill for S Weir Hall.

Kildare - Clodagh Corry; Saoirse Coffey, Shauna Dunne, Anna Crowe; Sadhbh Buckley, Caoimhe O’Sullivan, Roisín Behan; Sarah McDonagh, Meabh Maguire; Eimer Tuohy, Hannah Finnerty, Caoimhe Ní Bhuircéal; Emily Mahon, Alma O’Rourke, Kate Murphy.

Examiner’s Eye on the game

Player of The Match

Caoimhe McCormack (Westmeath): It was a great collective effort by this talented Westmeath side, but impressive centre back Caoimhe McComormack picked up the player of the match award following a fine display and her two pointed frees in extra-time were hugely significant.