Keeper Amy Gorman stars as Lucan Senior Camogie square up to the best

Lucan Senior camogie squad measured themselves against the best opponents around in the All-Ireland senior club camogie tournament in a balmy Thomastown (Kilkenny) on Sunday 12^th July. The young Lucan squad made quite an impression and were the talk of the ‘Town afterwards, going all the way to the semi-final where they were beaten by a hotly-disputed goal by eventual champions Rathnure (Wexford) in an enthralling contest.

Given the pedigree of the Lucan girls – with six all-Ireland Feile champions on board - Lucan performed as expected. These girls are now competitive at the highest adult levels and continue to progress and develop.

The matches all involved serious exchanges with huge intensity on the tight pitches.

While the other clubs all fielded their inter-county stars, Lucan were not in a position to do so. This obviously affected the final result on the day but, on the bright side, the day gave valuable experience and exposure to Lucan’s up and coming players. Nobody availed of her opportunity better than goal-keeper Amy Gorman who was very impressive and has wonderful hands.

Matches were 24 minutes in duration and teams were 12-players-a side. Conditions were perfect and ideal for good hurlers.

The small goals made scoring very difficult but Lucan got off to a flyer when they had far too much class for Blacks + Whites (Kilkenny). This was a barn-storming display. Aoife McKearney did most damage here with 3-3 against her name. Meabh Dowler and Nicole Fitzgibbon were well on top in the attack in this game.

Lucan Sarsfields 6-6  Blacks + Whites (Kilkenny) 0-1

Lucan pulled off their first shock of the day when the had a deserved win over a physical St Martins (Wexford) side replete with three Wexford All-Ireland medal winners in Noleen Lambert and the Bolger twins, Linda and Lisa.. This was a serious test for Lucan and a stunning victory with Sarah Cotter and Sinead O’Toole bringing the fight to the Wexford girls.

Lucan Sarsfields 1-6 St Martins (Wexford) 1-4

Lucan then faced the mighty St Catherine’s (including Fiona Neville and Orla Cotter) who are the reigning Cork Division One league champions having beaten All-Ireland champions Milford in the recent final. The Cork girls put serious pressure on the Lucan rear-guard where Jess Condron and Sarah Courtney withstood the onslaught magnificently. Sweeper Annemarie Courtney was never beaten for a ball. However, the confident St Catherine’s girls led by 0-6 to 0-3 with five minutes remaining. Lucan then took over with Sam Fitzgerald and Orlaith Murphy winning the tough battles in mid-field. Catherine’s were clinging on. Ailbhe Ryan and Aoife McKearney had three points to level and when Orla Beagan was taken down on the way for goal in injury time we waited for the free and the winning point. It never came; advantage was given, no benefit resulted but the free was never awarded after the five seconds. Huge controversy. The result stood. A draw. All to play for in the final game against Kilkenny county champions Mullinavat in the final group game.

Lucan Sarsfields 0-6 St Catherine’s (Cork) 0-6

Results elsewhere meant that Lucan had to avoid a seven point defeat (or worse) against Mullinavat to ensure that a semi-final slot was secured. This was never in doubt. Elaine Aylward was marshalled superbly by Laura Murtagh who limited the Kilkenny All-Ireland winning star to 0-2. Mullinavat started well to go  three points in front after seven minutes but Lucan struck back with an Aoife McKearney point and a thunderous Orlaith Murphy goal to lead at half-time (1-1 to 0-3). Mullinavat pressed hard but captain Annemarie Courtney and Ailbhe Ryan were un-beatable in the Lucan defence and Lucan cruised through with a single point defeat.

Lucan Sarsfields 1-3 Mullinavat 0-7

Great excitement now as Thomastown (Kilkenny), Ballincollig (Cork), Conahy (Kilkenny) and Kilcormac-Killoughey (Offaly) had all fallen by the way-side. Lucan faced the powerful Rathnure who had won their group easily and were backboned by All-Ireland medallists O’Connors, O’Learys, Holohans and Quigleys.

In the first half, Amy Gorman gave an exhibition of goal-keeping catching ball after ball under her cross-bar denying the Wexford girls time and time again. Cometh the hour…

The crucial score came just before the break when Lucan were two points ahead and hurling well. A hotly disputed goal which did not appear to cross the line was eventually awarded to Rathnure and left the Slaneysiders fortuitously ahead by 1-2 to 0-4 at the break. Exchanges were very even after the break and the match came down to a last minute flick from Orlaith Murphy which was well saved by the Rathnure keeper. With that, the last chance was gone….desperately hard luck.

Semi-final: Lucan Sarsfields 0-6 Rathnure 1-5

Rathnure went on the win the final comfortably.

Encouraging day for Lucan. Well able to compete and win at the highest level.

Lucan :  Amy Gorman, Sarah Courtney, Jess Condron, Sarah Cotter, Annemarie Courtney, Sinead O’Toole, Sam Fitzgerald, Orlaith Murphy, Orla Beagan, Ailbhe Ryan, Laura Murtagh, Aoife McKearney, Meabh Dowler, Nicole Fitzgibbon.

SOTS : Amy Gorman.

Magic moment: Orlaith Murphy’s goal against Mullinavat which guaranteed a semi-final spot. Un-stoppable.