Lucan Sarsfields won their 5^th Minor A Championship in a row when defeating a gallant Naomh Jude side 3-09 to 3.05 in an absorbing final in Parnell’s GAA club in cold windy but sunny conditions.

Jude’s won the toss and decided to play with the strong wind and early points from Aoife Molloy and a huge free from goal keeper Faye McCarthy gave Jude’s an early lead. However Lucan’s midfields pairing of Amber O’Conner and Orla Beagan began to take control of midfield and some driving runs from both resulted in frees which Orla Beagan calmly slotted over to bring the sides level. Lucan’s defence, missing their captain and centre back Annemarie Courtney on the day now came under serious pressure as high balls were rained down on them from puck outs and frees. The Lucan backs ably marshalled by Amy Gorman and Niamh Byrne dealt with most of these, however a high ball hit the cross bar and the rebound was struck into the net by Jude’s to give them lead 1.3 to 2 points after 20 minutes. But this Lucan team were never going to give up easily and a fine point by Laura Morrissey cut the deficit to 3 followed by a great move by Laura O’ Mahoney and Amy Conroy who slotted the ball into the on-rushing Amber O’Conner who calmly hand passed the sliotar past the Jude’s keeper. Ciara Casey added a point from play to give Lucan the lead but Jude’s rallied and just before half time scored another goal from a high ball to go into a 2 point lead at half time. Lucan 1.04 to Jude’s 2.3

Wind assisted, Lucan started the second half in serious fashion when full forward Morrissey following a poor clearance had the ball in the back of the net after 2 minutes to restore Lucan’s lead. Two points from the hard working wing forwards Laura O’Mahoney and Samantha Fitzgerald gave Lucan a three point lead. Lucan continued to drive forward and Orla Beagan maintained her 100% record with another excellent free. Full forward Morrissey who cause the Jude’s defence serious problems all day added another fine point from play and with three minutes to go she hit the back of the net again to put the game beyond reach. Jude’s did score a goal from substitute Hannah Begly in the final minute but it proved too late as Lucan deservedly ran out by four point winners 3.09 to 3.05. A very competitive and highly entertaining game of camogie in mid-December was enjoyed by all who were there.

Hard luck to our minor B team who were narrowly beaten in their semi-final by 2 points to Cuala.

Scorers: Laura Morrissey 2.02 Orla Beagan 04(f) Amber O’ Conner 1.0 Ciara Casey 0.1 Laura Mahoney 0.1 Samantha Fitzgerald 0.1

Team: Annemarie Courtney (C), Jenny Ryan,  Rachel Leonard, Amy Gorman, Niamh Power, Orlaith Murphy, Niamh Byrne (VC) Orla Maloney, Amber O’ Conner, Orla, Beagan, Laura O’ Mahoney, Ciara Casey, Samantha Fitzgerald, Charlotte Rooney, Laura Morrissey, Amy Conroy, Meabh Dowler, Emma O’ Flynn, Jess Condron, Gemma Berry, Sarah Boland.