Holycross Ballycahill complete unique double of junior county titles with win over Toome

FBD Insurance Junior B2 Camogie Championship Final

Holycross Ballycahill 1-8

Toomevara 1-7

Holycross Ballycahill capped off an outstanding year for the club by capturing the FBD Insurance Junior B2 Championship with a hard-fought one-point victory over Toomevara on Saturday. 

This achievement followed another milestone for the club, as the Junior A team had clinched the county title just the previous week. Remarkably, many players who featured in Saturday’s triumph were also part of the Junior A squad, with Declan Carr managing both teams.

Holycross got off to a dream start, with Sarah Quinlan finding the net just two minutes into the game. Quinlan then added two pointed frees, giving her team an early edge. 

Toomevara, however, struggled to find their rhythm and had to wait until the 14th minute for their opening score, a free converted by Louise O’Gorman. 

Lauren Cunningham was outstanding for Holycross Ballycahill, controlling the midfield and winning key possessions that kept her team in command. 

After Toomevara’s initial point, Holycross quickly responded with a point from Robyn Fitzgerald and another free from Sarah Quinlan. With nearly 20 minutes played, Holycross led 1-4 to 0-1 by this stage, leaving Toomevara facing an uphill battle.

However, Toomevara were given a lifeline when Therese Maxwell connected brilliantly with a cross-field pass, sending the ball into the net to close the gap. This goal injected new energy into Toomevara, and they began to press forward. 

Louise O’Gorman added another point from a free, and Maxwell added a second point, narrowing the scoreline at halftime to 1-6 to 1-3 in favour of Holycross Ballycahill.

In the second half, Toomevara emerged as a different team restricting Holycross to just 2 points a Sarah Quinlan free in the 47th and 61st minute. 

Toome’s half-backline were excellent in the second half, particularly Maria Tynan, who came forward at every opportunity. Anna Grace opened the second half scoring for Toomevara and they enjoyed a real purple patch for the opening 15 minutes of the half. 

Elaine Young was proving a handful at full forward while Sarah Kennedy and Therese Maxwell were also threatening scores. A number of goal chances went begging in this period with a rasper off the post and another shot going narrowly wide. Having weathered the onslaught Holycross grew in confidence again with Orlaith Byrne, Cathy Dundon and Emily Mills brilliant in defence.  

Louise O’Gorman and substitute Aisling McCormack added points for Toomevara and the sides were level for the first time 1-7 apiece after 55 minutes. Both sides went in search of a winner and in injury time Sarah Quinlan was handed the opportunity after Lauren Cunningham was fouled. 

Sarah duly pointed and Holycross were in front. Time was against Toomevara but they did get a late free which barely went wide and Holycross held on for a famous victory. 

It was heartbreak for Toome who will rue a sluggish start and some missed scoring opportunities in the second half. They put in a serious second-half performance though that they can be very proud of against a very fit and lively Holycross side. 

It was a great win for Holycross who put in huge work in the first half and got some fine scores. In the second half, they defended admirably and never panicked. Although it was a low-scoring game it certainly didn’t lack excitement and determination.  

Holycross Ballycahill: Mags Fanning; Aoife O’Reilly, Faye Healy, Anna Lanphier; Cathy Dundon, Orlaith Byrne, Emily Mills; Robbyn Fitzgerald (0-1), Lauren Cunningham; Eimear Duggan (0-1), Julie Brennana, Rhianna Cahill; Sarah Quinlan (1-5, 0-5f), Mary Kate Cahill, Ellen Ryan (0-1).

Subs used: Niamh Craddock; Jessica Ryan.

Toomevara: Paula Ryan; Michelle Harty, Tricia Cleere, Maria McCarthy; Laura Young, Fiona Young, Maria Tynan; Sarah Corcoran, Sandra Dunne; Anna Dunne, Sarah Kennedy, Louise O’Gorman (0-4, 0-3f); Therese Maxwell (1-1), Elaine Young, Anna Grace (0-1).

Subs used: Mary Meagher; Jenny Ryan; Aisling McCormack (0-1).

Referee: Philly Ryan