This under 13B squad has thrilled us with great performances in previous games and they didn’t disappoint today in their home game. The Championship Shield final was a display of hard work, commitment and sportsmanship, epitomising all that is good about Juvenile Camogie.

The Lucan team is a combination of U12 and U13 players which has given them a lower average age profile compared to most of their competitor teams during the season. This relative disadvantage has not deterred them in any way, as under the expert management of Donal Colfer and John Cosgrove, the amalgamation has been seamless and the squad has gone from strength to strength.

Today Ballyboden, with the advantage of the Sarsfields juvenile pitch gradient in the opening half, were first out of the blocks scoring a goal ten minutes into the game.  A well taken point from play added to their tally and another goal before half time consolidated their lead. Despite a number of close calls the Lucan girls were unable to make an impression on the scoreboard which left the result Ballyboden 2-1 to no score for the home side at half time.

With it all to do in the second half the Lucan girls got quickly down to business. Lucy Fox with a beautifully taken free put their first point on the board. Not long after, the team captain, Rachel Fox (no relation) made one of many impressive solo runs down the wing, this time overcoming the formidable Ballyboden defence to get the ball over the line scoring what was to be Lucan’s only goal of the match.

As well as the aforementioned, a number of other players gave stellar performances including Erin Jones, Kelly O’Brien, Erica Collins and Sinéad Farrell. However, every member of this brave team gave it their all on the pitch today. It seemed that Lucan was the stronger team in the second half as thanks to the brilliant defence they held their opponents scoreless. Alas it was not to be their day, despite the Lucan girls’ tireless efforts; the skilful and determined Ballyboden denied them the vital score they needed to emerge victorious. Final score Ballyboden 2-1   Lucan 1- 1.

Team: Niamh Roche, Ellie Gaire, Erica Collins, Moya Breen, Sadhbh Fitzpatrick, AnnaRose Kenny, Aisling Colfer, Kellie O'Brien, Rachel Fox (C), SallyAnne Kavanagh, Lucy Fox, Cathy Cosgrove, Reah Canning, Kirsten Murphy, Megan O'Leary, Rachel Bracken, Kate Ryan, Caitlin O'Neill, Erin Jones, Blathnaid Ni Duibhir, Isabelle Dunne, Mia Rooney, Laura Cherubini, Rebecca Lavin, Riona McKearney, Caoilfhinn Sheary, Isabelle Byrne, Aoife Dowling, Sinead Farrell

Mentors/supporting parents, Donal Colfer, John Cosgrove, Donie Gaire, Richie Kavanagh, & Alan Breen