The Harps make it four in a row
Another county title win for The Harps proved they are in no mood to relinquish their hold on the Laois junior camogie anytime soon.
The Harps 3-15
St Bridget's 0-9
Even though it did take them two games to finally win the final they steamrolled past their opponents on their way to winning this clash.
Two goals in the opening half of the game from Theresa Bennett and ine Mahony paid dividends as the current All-Ireland champions keep their own four-in-a-row hopes firmly intact. This game started at a lightening pace as a long ball from Louise Mahony was flicked to the net by Bennett for the opening goal of the game.
Before a green flag was raised we were already treated to some excellent scores from Mahony and Eimear Delaney, who battled hard for the David Cuddy trained side.
But St Bridget's were soon to be level as Delaney sent over three scores in quick succession for the defeated team. She was aided in her scores after Noirin Kirwan was fouled on a number of occasions.
The Shanahoe footballer did Trojan work for her side as she attempted to pick up the breaks which, in turn, was delivered into the forwards. But the supply soon dried up when The Harps finally began to take control of the game.
They scored their second goal when ine Mahony rounded the 'keeper, shipped a heavy challenge to her leg but still was still able to rattle the net. Points were traded between Louise Mahony and Delaney but two frees from ine Mahony saw the champions go ahead 2-6 to 0-6 at the interval.
It was the Durrow side who came out firing after the break as they scored the next four scores in succession. The opener arrived through Louise Mahony and this was closely followed by another from ine. The latter player was again to the fore as she sent a bullet-like-shot to the net and suddenly the reigning county title holders were ahead 3-9 to 0-6.
It was always going to be very hard for St Bridget's to come back as Joanne Prior also got in on the act. Even though Delaney replied with another effort from a placed ball, she was facing an uphill struggle as the Mahony's were again to the fore with Louise and ine hitting the next two scores.
Some fine shot stopping by Laura Dunne helped St Bridget's keep the margin to a minimum but relying on Delaney to deliver time after time was always dangerous. The performance of Maggie Hogan was another bright note for the defeated side, while Marion O'Grady, Kirwan and Denise Quigley all battled hard.
But they came into this game brimming with confidence knowing they were unlucky in the drawn game the previous week. However, in championship games the first chance must always be taken and this is a feat they failed to achieve.
It was the second year in succession both of these sides met in the final but again The Harps were always looking likely to be the stronger side come the finish. They closed out the game in superb fashion as two further late scores from Louise Mahony saw The Harps crowned champions sparking a scene which proves how much this victory means to the Durrow club.
They were also successful in the opening round of the Leinster championship, which was played less than 24 hours after the county final, after they beat Myshall of Carlow.
Scorers - The Harps: ine Mahony 2-8 (0-7 frees), Louise Mahony 0-6 (0-4 frees), Theresa Bennett 1-0, Joanne Prior 0-1; St Bridget's: Eimear Delaney 0-9 (eight frees)
THE HARPS: Helen Keane; Deirdre Holland, Denise Quigley, Joan Dollard; Michelle Fitzpatrick, Caitriona Phelan, Claire Walsh; Elaine Mahony, Louise Mahony; Angela Hanlon, Joanne Prior, Laura Mahony; ine Mahony, Emma Saunders, Theresa Bennett. Subs: Maria Fitzpatrick for Saunders (48 mins), Maria Dunne for Laura Mahoney (54 mins)
ST BRIDGET'S: Laura Dunne; Marion O'Grady, Emma Cuddy, Karen Cuddy; Anne Marie Purcell, Sarah Cuddy, Maggie Hogan; Eimear Delaney, Eimear Moynan; Sharon Moylan, Denise Quigley, Aoife Quinlan; Margaret Kelly, Noirin Kirwan, Emma Dollard. Subs: Marie Bourke for E Cuddy (50 mins)
Referee: Johnny McLeish (Offaly)
In Brief
Four-in-a-row
Forget Kilkenny and the four All-Ireland senior hurling championships on the trot. The Harps are another team gunning for their fourth All-Ireland title after this win at county level. They have already got the ball rolling with a win in the opening round of the Leinster championship.
Player of the match
This was a toss up between ine Mahony, Louise Mahony or Eimear Delaney, but it's ine who has received the accolade after scoring 2-8 in the final. The two goals she scored were of top class which included bravery and accuracy in raising the green flags.
Colt venue
A huge crowd turned up in anticipation for this clash as they were treated to a lively encounter. Much credit must be given to Colt for their hosting of the clash. The pitch was in top order, huge amount of parking was available with the new surrounds as officials made sure it all went to plan.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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