What a night for our incredible U14 camogie squad in the blistering heat at the Cork Camogie grounds across the river from us in Blackrock.
Our pre-match preparations were out the window following the events on the N40 dual carraige way which delayed throw in by an hour & a quarter. Our girls managed to stay calm, cool, collected & focused on the job at hand even with all the distruption. With the temperatures over 30 degrees on arrival to the grounds this was always going to be a physically demanding evening for both teams. The delayed start time gave everyone the chance to shelter from the sun & allowed the temperature to drop slightly before throw in.
Our captain on the night, the sensational Ăireann Finn opted to play into the slight breeze in the first half.
Ăireann Finn Captain
Barryroe signalled their intent straight from the throwâin, immediately pulling their cornerâforward into midfield to create a threeâplayer midfield. Erins Ownâs management reacted instantly, reshaping the formation to counter the move. It took a few minutes for our girls to settle into the new shape, and Barryroe enjoyed some early joy from their tactical gamble. But as the half wore on, Erins Own gradually took control, pinning Barryroe inside their own 45 and refusing to let them breathe.
What followed was a first half defined by sheer work rate and bravery. Our girls hunted in packs, harassing Barryroe at every turn. Blocks, hooks, shoulders and collisions were constant as both defences stood firm. Fiadh Mulcahy in goals was a rock & continued her amazing form all year & putting down a serious marker as being one of the best in the county. Her 1v1 save towards the end of the game was a pivotal turning point in the game. At full back, Rachel OâCallaghan delivered a towering performance, immense from first whistle to last. Beside her, Evie OâDonnell was equally outstanding, winning every contest in the twoâplayer fullâback line and denying Barryroeâs dangerous inside forwards any time or space.
Across the halfâback line, Erins Own were simply phenomenal. Orlaith NĂ ShĂșilleabhĂĄin, dominant all season, produced another masterclass while marking Barryroeâs biggest threat their Cork U14 star, Burns. Danielle Quaine, at centre back, was reminiscent of Brian Corcoran with her trojan work rate and marauding bursts out of defence, leaving Barryroe players trailing behind her. On the opposite wing, Lily OâConnor emptied the tank, clearing ball after ball and running herself into the ground for the team.
In midfield, Ciara Mullins made a heroic return from the serious ankle injury she suffered in the quarterâfinal. Her presence alone lifted the group, and her physicality and skill were crucial throughout. Alongside her, Ăireann Finn delivered a captainâs performance for the ages. Covering every blade of grass, she led with class, aggression and composure and her tally of 1â1 was nothing short of sensational. Barryroe tried multiple markers on her, but none could quell her influence. It was a display that will live long in the memory.
Our athletic halfâforward line of Aoife OâConnell, Emma Duggan and ClĂłdagh Finn were instrumental in driving the team forward. Aoife was everywhere, defending, linking play and launching attack after attack with her clean, skilful hurling. At centre forward, Emma was a constant menace, repeatedly driving at the Barryroe defence and chipping in with a superb point. On the other wing, ClĂłdagh once again proved herself a matchâwinner. With five minutes left and the sun dipping behind the stand, she latched onto the ball after ferocious work from the warrior that is Ciara Farah, and from 21 yards unleashed a thunderous rocket into the roof of the net. No goalkeeper at any level was stopping it.
The sideline erupted â water bottles in the air, hugs everywhere, fist pumps and roars of pure joy. From two points down, Erins Own were suddenly alive again.
Our inside forward line of, Chloe Clifford, Aoibhinn OâLeary and Caoilainn Hegarty battled tirelessly against a very strong Barryroe fullâback line. Caoilainnâs firstâhalf goal rattled the net and added to her impressive scoring record this season.
The bench played a massive role too, with Sadie Dunne, Evie OâDonnell, Ellen Murphy, Katelyn OâConnell and Olivia Kennedy all making important contributions. Every player had a role, and every role was executed with precision.
A special mention to both Sinead Conway & Ciara Farah who were tactically replaced early in the game but came back onto the field to put in stellar performances & were instrumental in us winning this game.
In the end, Erins Own simply refused to be denied. They threw everything but the kitchen sink at Barryroe, and defended with their lives when required. It was a sight to behold, 21 girls pulling in the same direction, dragging each other over the line and finishing in first place.
If Carlsberg did evenings⊠this would be one of them. This win was dedicated to one of our finest, Ashley McCarthy who was away on vacation & unfortunately missed the game.
A huge well done to every single girl in the squad and to the U13 players who werenât in the match day panel but who push this group every week in training. They are a very special group of young women, destined for great things.
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