The finals of the senior camogie championships were held in Killyman on Sunday past. The first match was a repeat of last years final with Doiretreasc and Derrylaughan competeing for the crown of the intermediate champions. Doiretreasc started the game at a blistering pace and were able to score freely. Derrylaughan looked to be out of sorts and were unable to find their rhythm in many areas around the field. In sharp contrast Doiretreasc were fluent in their free taking and passing and looked to dominate all parts of the field. The tackles were firm but fair as Derrylaughan tried to find a way to break down a well drilled Doiretreasc side, however the scores kept coming.Both sides were littered with county players and the level of the skill was very high indeed.When the half time whistle blew Doiretreasc held a strong lead.
An expectant crowd awaited the arrival of the teams and during this time they were entertained by an under 10 match.The young players were derived from all clubs in the county.
Derrylaughan started the second half a completly different side than they had the first. Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly had an impact and Derrylaughan were in championship mode. ‘A game of two halves’ is a real cliche but it was true of this match. The scores were coming thick and fast and all the supporters were wondering if a come back was on the cards.It was thrilling, exciting and a joy to watch as the game edges towards what we had all hoped for – an epic encounter. The game was drawing to a close with Derrylaughan applying pressure from every direction however Doiretreasc managed to settle their nerves with a few scores of their own. The game ended with a scoreline of Doiretreasc 3:12 to Derrylaughans 2:8. A massive congratulations to both teams for putting on such an excellent game that was played in great spirit. Doiretreasc are now rewarded with an Ulster tie in the senior C section of the competition to be played on 23rd September against a Cavan side. The proud joint captains of Aisling Corr and Emma Fitzgerald were presented with the Intermediate cup by Ursula Jordan from the county board. Catherine Hanna from Derrylaughan was presented with a crested Tyrone camogie sports bag for the outstanding player of the final.
In the junior section of the finals Éire Óg and Father Shields were hoping to win the title for the first time. Éire Óg were last year beaten finalists and were hungry for success. Father Shields were the ‘new kids on th block’ and looking to show that they had what it took. An earlier match in the season saw Éire Óg triumph but Father Shield knew they were in with a shout and this was a championship match after all. Both teams started well and you could see that this would be a very close match. Father Shields held a lead for a lot of the first half with long range efforts having the desired effect.Éire Óg were alway potent in attack and they never allowed their opponents to totally dominate. Father Shields had lots of goal mouth action but the defence of the Carrickmore side was outstanding with clearances going half the length of the field. The half time lead was held by Éire Óg and everyone knew the second half would be just as tight.
There wasn’t much changed in the game when it resumed as both teams went in hard and fought for every ball. There were long periods without any scoring but when the opportunity arose Éire Óg were more clinical. In the end the final score went the way of Carrickmore with a scoreline of 3:6 to 2:2. A lot can be derived from this final in that Father Shields have improved immensely from last year and with their youth going strong they will surely be pushing for a title next year. Éire Óg have held onto a lot of their younger players and they are now becoming a very skillful team and a force to be reckoned with for next year.A jubilant captain Margaret Kerr lifted the cup and was gracious with her appraisal of the Father Shields side.They will now play and Antrim side in the Ulster competition on 23rd September. Shannon Kelly from Éire Óg was presented with a Tyrone camogie bag for the outstanding player of the final.
Eglish were the senior champions and they will play in the final of an Ulster tie on 14th October. Kelley Anne Fay was presented with the senior cup by Deidre Fitzgerald.
In other camogie news the Tyrone under 14 squad continued ther training ahead of an Ulster championship semi final against Donegal on Saturday. Fionnuala McGrath had over 30 young camogs at her training session in Edendork and everyone is looking forward to next weekends fixture.The bus will leave Centra on the Quarry Lane at 10:30am as the match will be at 2:00pm. It is hoped that the young team will be too strong for Donegal and that they will progress without injury.
