Portlaoise celebrate as the Crowley sisters lift the Laois Junior Camogie Championship
Niamh and Ciara Crowley played their part in Portlaoise's victory
Portlaoise’s Niamh and Ciara Crowley couldn’t hide their joy on Saturday afternoon as they climbed the steps of Laois Hire O’Moore Park to lift the Junior Camogie Championship trophy together as sisters and co-captains.
“Amazing, it's great, it's great to get over the line. It was a hard game so it's great to finally be here again,” Niamh said, reflecting on the victory.
Ciara shared the tension she felt in the closing minutes, crediting St Lazarian’s for making it such a competitive final.
“It was really tough, just counting down the minutes towards the end because the Abbeyleix girls were very good and made it a tough game,” Ciara said.
Portlaoise’s standout player, Susie Delaney, showcased her talent in the final, notching up nine points, four from play. Ciara revealed that Delaney’s performance was even more impressive considering she was carrying an injury.
“She was injured as well and she still played class, like she was popping over scores from outside and her frees were good too, like she played very well,” Ciara added.
Niamh also praised the defensive efforts, particularly Aileen O’Neill in the full-back line, whose consistent work relieved the pressure on the team.
“You felt confident when the ball was going in that Aileen was coming out with it every time in her hand, so it was unbelievable. I think all the girls played well today and they all stepped up to the mark, so it was a great game,” Niamh said.
Portlaoise’s squad boasted a mix of experience and youth, and Niamh was particularly pleased with how the younger players integrated into the team.
“We have the Minor girls coming up, it was great to get them into the fold this year and they kind of really came into their own as the season has come on, so they've been a great asset to the team,” Niamh commented.
The victory was especially sweet for the Crowley sisters after they had experienced disappointment with the Portlaoise Ladies Football team, losing out to St Conleth’s.
“The football was definitely a tough loss to take so coming out you really wanted to get at least one county final this year,” Niamh added.
Now, Portlaoise will move on to the Leinster Junior Camogie Club Championship, where they’ll face the winners of Wicklow and Offaly in the semi-final. However, Ciara emphasized that they hadn’t looked beyond their county final.
“Not at all, we're just looking at the final today and we just want to enjoy it now so, we'll take whoever wins that and just play our best,” Ciara concluded.