Superb performance by Lucan seniors in cracking match

Senior One camogie

Lucan 1-9 Kilkenny minor A 3-3

This was a great performance by the Lucan senior one team against a strong Kilkenny minor A outfit who travelled to Dublin for the game on Sunday morning 1st March.

Laura Morgan was outstanding in the early exchanges which were dominated by Lucan especially in the middle of the field where Ailise Dowling and Sarah Courtney each won and hit an ocean of ball.

Sam Fitzgerald took the game to the Cats with two inspirational points on foot of weaving runs as Lucan dashed into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead after 15 minutes – which was a fair reflection of the home side’s superiority at that stage.  Kilkenny then struck for a breakaway goal against the run of play.

Super defending from Amy Gorman and Orla Moloney kept the Noresiders at bay until a trademark individual goal by Orla Beagan  - following a scintillating run through the heart of the defence - stretched the Lucan lead once more after 24 minutes.

Kilkenny replied with a super goal of their own just before the break to leave Lucan ahead by the slenderest margin (1-4 to 2-0). The fact that the Cats failed to raise a white flag for 30 minutes tells its own story about the Lucan resistance and workrate all over the field.

Lucan commenced the second half where they ended the first. Great bouts of passing led to further points by Laura O’Mahony and Laura Murtagh. Orlaith Murphy was taken down when through on goal and Orla Beagan rattled the crossbar with the resultant penalty. A major let off for the girls from the Marble County who were creaking at this stage.

Kilkenny emptied their bench in an attempt to rescue the dire situation and got through for three pointed frees  to leave it 1-9 to 2-3 after 53 minutes.

These fresh legs resulted in a late goal for Kilkenny which deprived the girls in green of a famous victory in a match in which they had the lion’s share of the play – and, in fact, owned the ball for long periods.

Nobody contributed more to this than Orla Beagan while Ciara Casey had a good day winning ball on the ground and linking the play. A bonus to see her free taking going so well too.  Rachel Leonard saw as much ball as anybody on the field. She was very happy with her day. With good reason.  

All-action Laura Murtagh was excellent throughout and was close to the SOTS.  Laura O'Mahony is back to her best on this evidence and will be delighted with her contribution. Orlaith Murphy played up-front this week and was involved in all the good intelligent passing movements.

Kate Britton is a classy operator and did not look out of place at number  5.  Annemarie Courtney at centre back marshalled the defence where Emma O’Flynn and Jess Condron did their prospects no harm at all with aggressive play and solid first touches.

This was a very encouraging display full of heart, character and buckets of skill.  Striking, catching and first touch are all good given the time of year.

There was a fantastic spirit about the day from a very mobile and committed squad who play a lovely brand of Lucan hurling.

Lucan Scorers:  Orla  Beagan 1-1, Ciara Casey 0-2,  Sam Fitzgerald 0-2, Orlaith Murphy 0-1, Laura Murtagh 0-1,  Sarah Courtney 0-1,  Laura O’Mahony 0-1.

Lucan : Emma O’Flynn, Orla Moloney, Jess Condron,  Laura Morgan, Kate Britton, Rachel Leonard, Annemarie Courtney, Amy Gorman, Ailise Dowling, Orla Beagan, Laura Murtagh, Ciara Casey, Laura O’Mahony, Sarah Courtney, Orlaith Murphy, Sam Fitzgerald.

SOTS : Orla Beagan.