LIMERICK CROWNED ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS

Limerick secured the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie title at the second time of asking with a 1-12 to 0-10 win over Kilkenny in Croke Park on Sunday. Fans finally got to see a Limerick captain ascend the steps of the Hogan Stand as Granagh Ballingarry's Fiona Hickey received the Jack McGrath Cup from Camogie President Aileen Lawlor.

The win crowned a magnificent season for Limerick Camogie as the county secured its third All-Ireland championship title of the season with the Intermediate joining the Minor and Junior A titles currently residing on Shannonside.

Limerick were playing into the wind in the first half and it was Kilkenny captain Mags Fennelly who opened the scoring but that was to be only time Kilkenny were to lead in the game. Three frees from Niamh Mulcahy put Limerick firmly in charge when Mary O'Callaghan got their first point from play for a 0-4 to 0-2 lead.

The switches manager Joe Quaid had made  before throw-in with half-forwards Caoimhe Costelloe and Niamh Mulcahy lining out in midfield was paying off as Limerick dominated the middle of the park.

On 19 minutes Caoimhe Costelloe and Mairéad Fitzgerald combined with a break on the left wing and when the ball was crossed into the danger area Deborah Murphy coolly controlled it and found the back of the net with crashing shot to give Limerick a 1-5 to 0-3 lead.

Kilkenny were not finished yet and the last three scores of the half were Kilkenny frees to leave Limerick with a two point lead at half-time 1-5 to 0-6.

Limerick management made two changes at half-time bringing Sinéad McNamara and Dymphna O'Brien into the attack.

Kilkenny scored first in the half but Caoimhe Costelloe replied with two well-taken points from play to maintain the lead. Kilkenny replied to close the gap to the minimum again 1-7 to 0-9.

Limerick now started to really dominate and showed the benefits of experience with two points from play from Rebecca Delee and Niamh Mulcahy widening the gap to three points. Kilkenny were to get one final score from a free but two points from player-of-the-match Niamh Mulcahy and a second score from play for Rebecca Delee left the score at the final whistle Limerick 1-12 Kilkenny 0-10.

It was a game where the Limerick backs totally dominated as they prevented the Kilkenny forwards from getting a single shot on Síle Moynihan's goal. Claire Mulcahy, Sarah Carey and Katie Campbell in the half-back line prevented Kilkenny from building any attacks and the experienced Michelle Casey at full-back flanked by Fiona Hickey and Judith Mulcahy kept Kilkenny's vaunted forward line to six points from play.

The win means Limerick will return to senior ranks in 2015 and the performances of this year indicate that they will be well-capable of performing well at that level.

In a wonderful moment as Limerick U14s paraded with other teams on the pitch at half-time in the Senior game the Intermediate team ran out to greet them as they walked off to great jubilation. Celebrations continued with team and supporters at a meal in Morans Red Cow Hotel on Sunday.

The team returned on Monday evening to a reception attended by fans and dignitaries including Mayor Michael Sheehan and Council Cathaoirleach Kevin Sheahan at team sponsors The Woodlands House Hotel. The team went on to a great welcome in the Granagh the home of captain Fiona Hickey.

Limerick scorers: Niamh Mulcahy 0-7 (4F), Deborah Murphy 1-0, Caoimhe Costelloe, Rebecca Delee 0-2 each, Mary O'Callaghan 0-1

Team: Síle Moynihan (Ahane), Fiona Hickey - Captain (Granagh Ballingarry), Michelle Casey (Killeedy), Judith Mulcahy (Ahane), Katie Campbell (Na Piarsaigh), Sarah Carey (Granagh Ballingarry), Claire Mulcahy (Ahane), Caoimhe Costelloe (Adare), Niamh Mulcahy (Ahane), Lorraine McCarthy (Bruff), Mary O'Callaghan (Bruff), Rebecca Delee (Newcastle West), Deborah Murphy (Knockaderry), Aoife Sheehan (Granagh Ballingarry), Mairéad Fitzgerald (Granagh Ballingarry)

Subs: Dymphna O'Brien (Killeedy) for Mairéad Fitzgerald (HT), Sinéad McNamara (Na Piarsaigh) for Lorraine McCarthy (HT), Karen O'Leary (Newcastle West) for Mary O'Callaghan (43 mins), Niamh Ryan (Bruff) for Deborah Murphy (59 mins), Deirdre Fitzpatrick (Killeedy) for Aoife Sheehan (60 mins)

Squad: Marguerite McCarthy (Ahane), Sarah Collins, Katie Hennessey, Tara Fitzgibbon (Ballyagran), Muireann Creamer (Cappamore), Donna Mulcahy, Noreen Barry (Killeedy), Laura O'Neill, Jane Wilson (Na Piarsaigh), Leanne Browne (Newcastle West)

Manager: Joe Quaid

Selectors/Coaches: Ger Sheehy, Patsy Hall, Willie Banks, Ann Herbert, Adrian O'Sullivan

Backroom Team: Ger Curtin, Theresa Noonan

First Aid/Physical Therapist: Sara Fitzgerald

Doctor: Marcella O'Callaghan

Liason Officer : Fiona Godfrey
GOLF CLASSIC

Limerick Camogie is holding its Annual Battle of the Clubs Golf Classic on September 19th & 20th 2014 at Charleville Golf Club. The Charleville course is one of the most sought after courses in the country and we are honoured to have the opportunity to host our event at this venue.

The Golf Classic is one of our major fund-raising activities of the year and all proceeds go directly to support our playing squads who have brought unprecedented success to the county with the All-Ireland Intermediate, Minor, Junior A and Division 4 League titles won this year. 

There will be plenty of team prizes on the day, and most importantly the winning perpetual trophy for your Local Camogie Club.

Entry is €180 per 3 ball team including lunch and tickets are available from your local club and members of the Co Board.

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