Shannon Rovers run out of steam in extra time to lose out in thrilling Munster final

AIB Munster Camogie Intermediate Final

Shannon Rovers 2-7 

Clanmaurice 1-14 

After Extra Time

It was heartbreak for Tipperary Intermediate champions Shannon Rovers on Saturday with defeat to Clanmaurice of Kerry by four points after extra time. 

The semi-final win the week previous looked to have stood to Clanmaurice as they started the brighter of the two teams and after 15 minutes led three points to no score. A good second quarter by Shannon Rovers saw them right back in this game and at half-time, the sides were level four points apiece. 

Again Clanmaurice were on top at the start of the second half but a superb Gillian McKenna goal tied the game 1-5 to 0-8 after 50 minutes. With Patrice Diggin brilliant from place ball and Sara Murphy and Niamh Lynch on top in defence the Kerry side worked themselves back into a two-point lead on 60 minutes. 

Moments later an Aoife McLoughney 45m went all the way to the back of the net and suddenly Rovers looked to be heading for a victory. But the excellent Diggin was fouled near the sideline 45 metres out and she cooly slotted the ball over the bar to bring the game to extra time, 2-5 to 0-11. 

Shannon Rovers could only manage a point in each half of extra time while Clanmaurice seemed to find another gear. Aine Slattery who was excellent throughout pulled off a string of saves before Jackie Horgan eventually raised a green flag to make it 1-13 to 2-6. 

The goal proved crucial as both sides battled hard in the second half of extra time. Clanmaurice centre-back Niamh Leen was excellent in extra time and in the end, Shannon Rovers ran out of options and time as Clanmaurice claimed a back-to-back Intermediate Munster title. Best for Shannon Rovers on the day was Celine Guinan in midfield who gave a terrific performance throughout. 

Scorers: Clanmaurice: P Diggin (0-11, 0-9f, 0-2 45s); J Horgan (1-1), C Spillane, A M Leen (0-1 each).

Shannon Rovers: A McLoughney (1-5, 1-0 ’45, 0-5f), G McKenna (1-0), A Leenane, L Leenane (0-1 each).

Clanmaurice: A Fitzgerald; R McCarthy, S Murphy, M Costello; A Behan, N Leen, A O’Connor; D O’Leary, K Lynch; C Spillane, L Collins, A M Leen; J O’Keeffe, J Horgan, P Diggin.

Subs used: C Moloney for J O’Keeffe (36), E Ryall for P Diggin (78, inj).

Shannon Rovers: A Slattery; A Leenane, J Brennan, A McKenna; R Hannigan, N Franks, F Bugler; E Fogarty, C Guinan; B Slattery, A Cleary, N Kelly; L Leenane, A McLoughney, G McKenna.

Subs used: E Darcy for B Slattery (38), A Harding for N Kelly (54), C Cahalan for R Hannigan (64), S Leenane for A Leenane (68).

Referee: M Flannery (Limerick)