The Under 14A Camogie team travelled to Castlecomer in Kilkenny for the Regional Féile on Saturday 20^th June. Leaving Dublin it was overcast and drizzly but the sunny south east lived up to its reputation and it was hot and sunny when we reached Castlecomer. With 2 of the usual panel, Heather & Ciara Mc unavailable, 3 additional players were called in – Anna Cuffe, Roisin Egan and Faye Murphy, and they all contributed well throughout the day. The Féile rules dictate that 2 substitutes must be introduced during both the first and second halves, and all players fitted in seamlessly into whatever position they were called upon to play.

First up was the Kilmaley team from Clare. The Lucan girls were in fine form, taking a lead in the first minute with a goal – halftime was 1-4 to 1-1 for Lucan. The girls forged ahead in the second half, running out comfortable winners on 4-8 to 2-2.  The Clare team were strong and skilful, a point which was proven by them going on to win their remaining 2 group matches well.

The second match in the rounds was against Newport of Tipperary. The Lucan girls held them scoreless in the first half, clocking up an impressive tally of 3-5, they continued their scoring spree in the second half, conceding only 1 goal, with the fulltime scoreline of 6-6 to 1-0.

After taking refuge from the sun for the short break between matches, the girls were ready to take on Killimor of Galway. Again they had a clean sheet in the first half, clocking up 2-3, and in the second half doubling that score and conceding only 2-1, fulltime scoreline of 4-6 to 2-1.

Time to refuel – the fresh rolls, drinks and fruit were very welcome, before the team set off for O’Loughlin Gaels in Kilkenny for the final. On arrival there we found out that the Kilkenny team had come through the other group stages (no surprise there!) and we were facing Young Ireland from Gowran.

Despite three tough matches behind them, once the girls lined out they put on a performance which belied any tiredness – they gave a very impressive display of running, catching, passing and scoring – at halftime they were leading 3-1 to 1-1, tacking on another goal and conceding only a point in the second half, finishing on an impressive scoreline of 4-1 to 1-2.

The 2 referees on the day commented on the fine skill of the Lucan team, noting the passing and teamwork which was evident through the day and contributed in no small part to the success of the girls. Although the matches were very competitive and physical, it was notable that there were no rough tackles or aggressive challenges, all teams displayed extremely high levels of skill and discipline.

Faye O’Reilly guarded the goal with her usual tenacity, ably supported  by Laura Lawless, Aoife Byrne, Anna Cuffe, and Roisin Egan, a stalwart half-back line was composed of Chloe O’Connor, Hannah Brady and Willow Byrne, the pairing of Aoife Mahon and Siofra Byrne controlled midfield, a lively and skilful half forward line of Laura Quinn, Ciara Crosbie, Aoife Coffey and Carla Delmar ran defences ragged, with the full forward line of Laura Boland, Caoimhe Morris, Rachel Feighery, Faye Murphy and Aisling Gray piled on the scores.

Presentation was made to Aoife Mahon and the team by Teasy Brennan on behalf of Pat Moloney, applauded by the delighted and proud mentors, parents and siblings.

Panel : Faye O’Reilly, Aoife Byrne, Heather Kenny, Ciara McDonagh, Chloe O’Connor, Hannah Brady, Willow Byrne, Aoife Mahon (Capt.), Siofra Byrne, Laura Quinn, Ciara Crosbie, Carla Delmar, Aoife Coffey, Caoimhe Morris, Rachel Feighery, Laura Boland, Laura Lawless, Aisling Gray, Anna Cuffe, Roisin Egan, Faye Murphy.

A word of thanks to the Under 15 mentors, parents and players – Joe, Deirdre, Mick, Helen, Sarah, Orla, Yasmin, Abby and Ailbhe – who travelled to Kilkenny to support the girls.