Clough/Ballacolla shine in the second half to overcome Dunderry
Captains Marian Ferns (Clough/Ballacolla) and Aoibheann Byrne (Dunderry) with referee Patrick Murphy prior to throw-in for the AIB Leinster Camogie Club Junior Championship quarter-final on Sunday
CLOUGH/Ballacolla produced an outstanding performance to overcome Meath side Dunderry in Sunday afternoon’s Leinster Junior Camogie Club Championship quarter-final, setting up a last-four meeting with Offaly opposition.
Conditions were far from ideal, with the remnants of Storm Boelo bringing a powerful wind straight down the pitch. Dunderry won the toss and opted to make the most of the elements in the opening half, but Clough/Ballacolla kept themselves firmly in contention before turning the game around after the interval.
The Laois champions made a bright start, with Chloe Boyhan opening their account from a free inside the first minute. Dunderry responded well, however, as Aoife Minogue registered twice, either side of a Molly Dowd point, to give the home side an early advantage.
Clough/Ballacolla settled into the contest and drew level after 19 minutes through Sarah Delaney and Molly Cassin. Dunderry then struck a crucial blow, adding 1-1 to their tally. Maria McLoughlin supplied the point before Dowd’s effort dropped short, allowing Minogue to react quickest and kick the ball to the net.
Boyhan landed another fine point to leave the visitors four behind, but they nearly found a goal of their own before the break. Delaney was denied on two occasions by Dunderry goalkeeper Aoibheann Byrne as the home side held a 1-4 to 0-4 advantage at half-time.
Considering the strength of the wind against them, Clough/Ballacolla had every reason to be encouraged by their position. They made full use of the conditions after the restart, registering 1-2 without reply to take control of the tie.
Boyhan opened the second-half scoring with another free before Fiona O’Grady set up Sarah Bergin, who finished brilliantly to the net. The goal put Clough/Ballacolla ahead for the first time since the opening minute, while Delaney added her second point to extend their advantage.
Dunderry responded through Niamh Daly, whose point reduced the deficit to the minimum. A tense spell followed, with neither side managing to add to the scoreboard for around 10 minutes.
It was the visitors who eventually broke the deadlock, Maeve Hennessy producing an important point to give her side some breathing room. Boyhan then delivered the decisive blow, flicking the ball into the net after Cassin’s effort dropped into the square.
Dunderry pushed for goals in the closing stages but could only manage another point from Daly as Clough/Ballacolla comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.
The Laois side’s victory was built on a tremendous collective effort. Their defence repeatedly won possession, Hennessy and Cassin were tireless in midfield, and the forward line worked relentlessly to ensure every ball played out from the back was contested.
Clough/Ballacolla will now turn their attention to next weekend’s Leinster Junior Club semi-final against Ballinamere Durrow.
Clough/Ballacolla: Chloe Boyhan 1-3 (0-2fs), Sarah Bergin 1-0, Sarah Delaney 0-2, Molly Cassin and Maeve Hennessy 0-1 each.
Dunderry: Aoife Minogue 1-2 (0-1f), Niamh Daly 0-2, Maria McLoughlin and Molly Dowd 0-1 each.
Tara Delaney; Laura Dooley Kirwan, Ellen Hennessy, Aoife Bergin; Aine Duggan, Marian Ferns, Eimear McEvoy; Maeve Hennessy, Molly Cassin; Chloe Boyhan, Paige Hyland, Fiona O’Grady; Jade Carroll, Sarah Bergin, Sarah Delaney.
Subs: Mary Griffin for E Hennessy (41m), Rachel Hyland for Carroll (47m), Bríd Brennan for O’Grady (53m), Helen Coonan for Griffin (64m).
Aoibheann Byrne; Rebecca Lee, Michelle Daly, Seána Duffy: Laoise Ní Loaire, Lucy Criníon, Anna Stenson; Sadhbh Nelson, Rachael Flynn; Aoife McCormack, Aoife Minogue, Maria McLoughlin; Molly Dowd, Niamh Daly, Caoimhe Keyes.
Subs: Clodagh Loughran for Keyes (ht), Kate Clarke for McCormack (40m).
Patrick Murphy (Carlow)
