The Harps Camogie Club

Under 14 Shield Final: Harps 3-06 V St. Bridget’s 3-03:

The Harps took the last award of the Under 14 season when they overcame St. Bridget’s in a thrilling Shield Final in Ballacolla last Saturday. The teams met earlier in the year in another close encounter and the Saints emerged the victors. The Harps were out to make sure that the spoils went their way this time and St. Bridget’s wanted a repeat of the previous result.

The teams took to the field under the bright sunshine, so rarely experienced for games this year. St. Bridget’s got off to a perfect start when Sinead Kilcare smashed home a perfect goal, but The Harps were not found wanting and responded with a goal of their own by Maria Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick was on target when on receiving a perfect pass from Bronagh Dunne, sent the ball sailing over the bar. Kelly O’Neill got one back for the Saints. A period of great attacking followed but the hard working defence on both teams gave nothing away and when, after a quite period, Edel Costigan got the ball, she made no mistake and added another point for The Harps. St. Bridget’s went on the attack again but were denied a goal with a great save from Harps goalie, Orla Curry and clearence by full back Niamh Delaney. At the other end The Harps were similarly denied another goal when Louise Costigan pulled off a great save under severe pressure. Minutes from the end of the first half, Shauna Monahan, gathered from Ciara Delaney and smashed home for a second Harps goal, to leave the score 2-02 to 1-01 in favour of The Harps.

The second half saw St. Bridget’s go on the attack and a free saw Kelly O’Neill add a point. Minutes later Emma Phelan and Aine Moynan combined to get past The Harps defence to rattle The Harps net. Draw match but not for long as Shauna Monahan pointed from a free for The Harps. Maria Fitzpatrick now playing at midfield found Orla Brennan who soloed forward and gave the goalie no chance as she slammed home a third goal for The Harps. She followed up with a well taken point following a pass from Rosemary Phelan. Lisa Daly and Kelly O’Neill linked up for another point for the Saints, while Shauna Monahan was on target for The Harps with a pointed free. A free for St Bridget’s saw Kelly O’Neill dropping in a dangerous ball which was gathered by Sinead Aherne who in turn found Aine Moynan, who made no mistake hammering home to the back of the net. At the other end Edel Costigan finished a great day’s work as she sent the ball over the bar for the final score of the game.
County Chairperson, Noreen Whelan presented the Shield Trophy to Harps captain Niamh Delaney and congratulated both teams on an excellent sporting camogie match. She also thanked referee Eoin Scully and Clough-Ballacolla GAA club for the use of their pitch.

The Harps:
Orla Curry, Hazel Costigan, Niamh Delaney, Niamh Loughman, Eimear Delaney, Rosemary Phelan, Yvonne Mullins, Bronagh Dunne, Cait Murphy, Orla Brennan 1-01, Ciara Delaney, Edel Costigan 0-02, Shauna Monahan1-02, Maria Fitzpatrick 1-01, Brid Delahunty.
Subs: Leah Dunphy for C. Murphy; Niamh Dunne for B. Delahunty; Rachel Bergin for Y. Mullins (injured); Michelle Delaney, Lorna Campon, Laura Walsh, Aisling Murphy, Sarah Campion, Shannon Saunders injured.