A great win on the first outing of the year for Fullen Gaels Camogie!

Camogie League Semi-final, Birmingham 6th June 2015. Fullen Gaels 2.4 - 1.3 Croydon.

After an opening few weeks of walk-overs and cancelled games, the ladies faced their first game of the year at the league semi-final in Birmingham on Saturday 6th June. A mixture of excitement and nerves of the unknown was felt before the game to see how this season's first encounter with Croydon would go.

After a tentative start from both sides testing the water, getting a feel for the game, Croydon opened the scoring with a point. Fullen Gaels pressed forward well and created some great chances but it took a free from Capt Karen O'Leary to steady the ship. The Gaels' defence worked tirelessly to keep a strong Croydon side out with Rose McCarthy and Una Haren holding firm in the full back line, helped out by midfielders Karen O'Leary and Fiona Courtney.

As the team got to grips with the game, half forwards Jackie O'Rourke and Aileen Hallahan won a lot of ball and frees to keep the pressure on Croydon with Karen O'Leary on hand to put the ball over the bar. This was soon matched by another Croydon score however. More chances were created with full forwards Ann-Marie Hennessy and Danielle Wright winning ball and linking well with the other forwards whilst under pressure from a tough Croydon back line. Half time the sides were level at 2 points apiece.

The second half began better for Croydon who picked up a goal which Fiona Hynes was unlucky to keep out after a long ball found its way to the net. Shortly after, Fullen Gaels answered back when the forward line combined well and Jackie O'Rourke finished with a ground stroke into the net.

The whole team battled well for each other, there were some excellent clearances from the defence by Ciara Daly, Linda Coughlan and Cailin Haughian. More frees followed from both sides which had the score line at 1.3 to 1.4 with a few minutes left on the clock. A high ball from Karen and some goal mouth distraction by Ann-Marie Hennessy saw the ball find the Croydon net again! Fullen Gaels were unlucky not to add another goal when Saoirse McWalters (on for Laura Deacon) pulled on a breaking ball which narrowly went wide at the end.

A great win and an even greater team performance by Fullen Gaels Camogie! A big thank you to the lads for travelling to support us and to our coaches Conall Maskey and Vincent Morrissey. We look forward to the league final next Saturday 13th June Vs John Mitchels @ 12pm in Pairc Na hEireann.

Tweet

Most Read Stories