A season of solid progress especially in domestic competitions. The indoor camogie finals were the first games to be played early in 2001 which was a culmination of an indoor league which commenced in October of the previous year. Over 300 schoolchildren took part from under-10 up to under-14. It was run on a league basis - home and away - with the finals being run over three Saturdays in February. In the under-10 final, Cornafean defeated Lacken after an exciting match. The under-12 final was a local derby clash with Cootehill overcoming a stiff challenge from Drumgoon. Bruskey were victorious over a spirited Castletara team. The winners and participants were presented with medals with the winning teams receiving trophies. Primary schools competitions Once again this competition produced some close and exciting games. Teachers and parents take great pride in their schools during this competition. The competition itself is divided into two sections with the two strongest teams playing in the Grace McKiernan Final and the next two playing in the Benny Halligan Cup Final. Ballinagh were successful in the Grace McKiernan competition with Bruskey victorious in the Benny Hannigan Cup Final. Under-14 competition This competition was run on a league basis with the top two teams in each division meeting in the semi-finals. Ballinagh and Lacken qualified from Division One and Bailieborough and Drumgoon from Division Two. Ballinagh defeated Bailieborough after a close first-half but the more experienced Ballinagh girls overcame Bailieborough in the second-half. Lacken had a few points to spare over a spirited Drumgoon side. In the final it took a replay to decide these two evenly matches side, and both teams displayed great skill and commitment. In the end Ballinagh were the winners. In the 'B' Final, which was a curtain-raiser to the 'A' Final Bailieboro' defeated Drum-goon. Under-16 Championship Once again this competition was run on a league basis with the same format as the under-14 competition. Ballinagh and Lacken qualified out of their division, with Castletara and Laragh coming tops in their division. In the semi-finals, Ballinagh defeated Castletara with Lacken overcoming Laragh. In the final, Lacken won the title for the first time defeating a fancied Ballinagh side in the decider. In the 'B' final Castletara defeated Laragh after a hard-fought encounter played at the Killeshandra venue. COUNTY LEAGUES Junior competition Five teams took part in this competition - Ballinagh, Killeshandra, Denn, Lacken and Castletara. It was played on a home and away basis with the top two teams playing in the final. Castletara and Lacken contested the final with the more experienced Castletara side winning out in the end. Intermediate Laragh and Bailieborough met in the final and after a very exciting game, Laragh held on for a deserving two points successs. Senior For the first time in many years, Castletara did not reach a senior league final. Lacken and Drumgoon contesting this decider. Castletara's slow start to their league campaign was to prove their downfall. Five teams started this campaign - Castletara, Crosser-lough, Lacken, Drumgoon and Lurgan. In the final after a close encounter, Lacken held on for a win when it looked like Drumgoon threatened to score a late goal and upset the applecart. CO. CHAMPIONSHIPS Junior championship The same five teams as in the junior league took part in this competition with Ballinagh defeating Killeshandra in the final. Intermediate championship The same teams as in the final of the league contested this final, with Laragh once again victorious with two goals in the first-half the deciding factor. Laragh are now promoted to the senior division for the 2002 season. Senior championship Castletara and Lacken contested this year's championship final with form predicting a Lacken win after their league performances over the season, when they were unbeaten. Dympna Minagh for Castletara had different ideas when in the last minute with Lacken leading by a point, she picked up the sliothar and soloed 20 yards an scored a goal to give her side victory. Lacken to their credit went downfield and responded with a point, but Castletara held on for the win. Castletara were presented with the new championship trophy donated by the Brady family from Crosskeys. NATIONAL LEAGUE Cavan competed in the National Camogie League with games against Wicklow, Meath and Armagh. Unfortunately the 'foot and mouth' disease outbreak during the summer put a half to the rest of the competition. REFEREES COURSE Referees have been in short supply in recent times for the domestic games, and as result Cavan and Monaghan Co. Boards combined to run a very successful referees course in Ballyhaise with twelve potential referees enlisting. It is now hoped to use these new referees sw in the under-age competitions in the coming season, and then later on to promote them to the senior competitions. Overall, camogie has been successful during the playing season of 2001 in Co. Cavan. Despite no honours at national or provincial levels over the past season, the game in the county is continuing to thrive thanks to the hard work and commitment of the various club officials and Co. Board members. A lot of girls have gained great satisfaction and enjoyment playing for their club or school over the past year which is the aim of the Cavan Co. Board. All are eagerly looking forward to the new season, and hopefully continued success for the game of camogie at all levels in the Breffni county. Tweet

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