Blackhall Gaels 3-12
Kiltale 1-4

The final match for Blackhall camogie took place today in Kiltale. The match was delayed due to fog but when it got underway Blackhall were first to the mark.

Heavy pressure from the Blackhall forwards saw two quick points from placed balls. Disaster then struck as a mix up between Emma Fahy and Emily Mangan resulted in a goal for Kiltale and a serious knock for Mangan. The injury she obtained did not stop the Blackhall attack as they got straight back into it, starting with a lovely long ball from Mangan into the on form Jane Dolan. The resulting play ended in another placed ball, and another score for Dolan. Again, Kiltale flew past the defense and before Blackhall could blink Kiltale scored another goal. With the score 2 goals to 3 points Blackhall needed a serious push. This fell to, no surprise, the brilliant Kristina Troy. She bulled past the Kiltale defense and slotted a super ball into the back of the net. Another Dolan free paired with a Troy point kept Blackhall within fighting distance. At the half Kiltale led by 2 points, 2-4 to 1-5.

Shane and Jimmy Burke really pulled the heartstrings of the team at the half and the Spirit of the Gaels reappeared in full for the second half. Both wing backs really upped their games for the second half, Siobhan Whitty really showing the young talent coming up through the club. Both Janes slotted over early scores and while Kiltale remained dangerous inside the Blackhall half, they were kept at bay by some unbelievable defending. Holly Geraghty and Claire Burke put their bodies on the lines for every ball while Maria Farrell ran herself ragged battling for every ball. The Blackhall midfield held their own and fought for everything. Jane Burke made her last match really count with an absolutely outstanding performance. Ann Murphy showed her skill around the field with several balls into Dolan, Burke, Troy and the always dogged Gráinne Ryan. With the introduction of Una Burke Blackhall pressed the attack. A long ball into Aileen 'Boyler' Coyle led to a brilliant pass to Una who swung on the ground to slide Blackhall further in front. The girls held Kiltale to a blank score sheet in the second half with pure determination and will power. The final score was 3-12 to 2-4 but, as often the way, the scoreline does not tell the whole story. Both teams really put everything on the line for the whole game and Kiltale will be a serious opponent in the intermediate championship next year.

The team stayed on the pitch after the match to send their best wishes to legend Jane Burke on her move down south. They also had to extend their goodbyes to Shane Burke who, after two solid years, is hanging his managerial boots (or wellies). Both will be missed but the women will press on next year and get back to their winnings way come the league, hopefully with the return of some very friendly faces not least the return of the other Murphy and Keane sisters. Who knows, 2015 could be the year for BHG Camogie! #225

Blackhall Gaels - Emily Mangan , Claire Burke , Emma Fahy , Maria Farrell , Emer Keane , Holly Geraghty , Siobhan Whitty , Jane Burke (0-1), Ann Murphy , Aideen Nolan , Jane Dolan (2-9), Gráinne Ryan , Aileen Coyle , Kristina Troy (0-4), Emer Nolan. Subs: Una Burke (1-0), Rose O'Donnell

Referee: Peter Dowd (Ratoath)

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