O'Moore's squeeze past Camross after extra-time in Intermediate Camogie Final

They needed extra time, but O'Moore's are the 2023 Laois Intermediate Camogie championships. The club celebrated their 20th anniversary in some style, edging past Camross by a single point. A wonderfully struck penalty in the 76th minute from Player of the Match, Mary Keating proved to be the decisive score.

O'Moore's were 2-9 to 1-6 winners over The Harps in the semi-finals, while Camross needed extra time to see off reigning champions, St Brigid’s by 1-16 to 0-14.

O'Moore's 1-16

Camross 1-15 (AET)

After a deluge of rain over the past week, Rathdowney GAA had their pitch gleaming, which really added to the occasion. 

The first ten minutes were played at break-neck speed, with the sides landing three points apiece. O'Moore's went two ahead before Camross levelled the game again, only to see a Laura Marie Maher free edge O'Moore's back in front. 

Then came the game's first goal in the 20th minute. O'Moore's goalkeeper, Aoife Donovan made a great save to deny Andrea Scully; but Camross were not to be denied and raised a green flag moments later thanks to Tara Lowry.

O'Moore's had a chance to hit back immediately when Ellen Conroy won a penalty, but Aedín Lowry saved Laura Marie Maher's shot. The sides traded scores again, with O'Moore's landing the last two of the half, to trail by just a point at the break.

1-7 to 0-9 after an amazingly physical, entertaining first half.

The second half was a real battle, with the teams going score for score. O'Moore's could have pulled away, but squandered some great chances. Nevertheless, they looked to have won the game when Maher landed her seventh free in the second minute of injury time.

But a wonder-score from the sideline from Gráinne Delaney sent the final into extra time.

As they had been doing all game, the sides traded scores with nothing between them. Then came the penalty when Amy Loughman was taken down. Mary Keating stepped up, held her nerve, and drove the ball into the net to put O'Moore's two points ahead.

Sarah Ann Fitzgerald - who had an outstanding game from start to finish - scored her ninth point of the game to make it a nervous final two minutes. But O'Moore's held on, with their players and fans creating great scenes at the final whistle, before captain, Rosemary Bermingham lifted the trophy.

Player of the Match was Mary Keating, who's ability to pluck the ball out of the sky and distribute with a clever pass was a joy to watch. This subtle skill was aided by her incredible physicality - not to mention the mental strength to put away a penalty deep in extra time.