Late Clonoulty surge denies brave Shannon Rovers

CAMOGIE: FBD Insurance Tipperary Senior Championship Group 1 Round 3

Clonoulty/Rossmore 2-16

Shannon Rovers 2-10

Report: Geraldine Kinane at Dillon Quirke Park, Clonoulty

Photos: Marty Ryan

CLONOULTY/Rossmore needed every ounce of experience and composure to shake off a spirited Shannon Rovers challenge in this gripping FBD Insurance Senior Championship clash. A late flurry of scores, including a goal and point in injury time, finally secured victory for the West Tipp side after a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout the hour.

The game began at a lively pace, with Shannon Rovers striking first through the excellent Laura Leenane. Clonoulty’s response was immediate and emphatic as Avril Quirk found the net in the second minute to edge her side in front. That goal proved crucial, as Clonoulty never trailed again, though the Rovers ensured they were never far away. Laura Leenane’s accuracy from play brought the sides level by the ninth minute at 1-1 to 0-4.

Clonoulty then enjoyed their best spell of the half, hitting five unanswered points through Cáit Devane, Eimear Burke, Cora Hennessey and Casey Hennessey. Yet, Shannon Rovers remained firmly in the fight. Laura continued to impress while Aine Slattery also chipped in, ensuring the gap stayed manageable. At the break, Clonoulty led 1-9 to 0-8, but the game was finely balanced.

The second half mirrored the first in its intensity, with both sides having to work hard for every score. Lorna Ryan was outstanding in defence for Clonoulty, while Casey Hennessey drove forward from midfield with power and accuracy. In attack, Cait Devane showcased her full range of skills, excelling from frees, open play, and in her link-up work especially with Casey Hennessey. While Kate Ferncombe also put in an excellent shift over the hour.

For Shannon Rovers, Celine Guinan and Emma Costelloe were immense in the half-back line, while midfield duo Eimear Fogarty and Claudia Cahalan covered huge ground. Up front, Laura Lennane’s shooting was clinical, with Nicola Kelly and Mackenzie Simmons-Loughanane working tirelessly. It was Mackenzie who reignited the contest in the 40th minute with a well-taken goal that reduced the deficit to three, 1-11 to 1-8.

Clonoulty steadied themselves with points from substitute Sarah Friday and the influential Casey Hennessey, but again Laura Leenane kept the Rovers in touch with back-to-back scores. Twice in the game Shannon Rovers were punished when their goalkeeper stepped outside the box on puck-outs, with Devane calmly converting the subsequent frees.

The drama intensified in the 56th minute when Shannon Rovers struck for a second goal, through Aine Slattery suddenly leaving just a single point between the sides, 1-14 to 2-10. With the outcome hanging in the balance, both teams chased the decisive score amid a feverish atmosphere.

When the breakthrough came, it was Clonoulty who found it. Devane produced a moment of magic to ‘dummy’ two defenders before splitting the posts before Cora Hennessey rifled a bullet to the net to seal the win. Another late point from Sarah Fryday gave Clonoulty breathing space at last, as they pulled clear to claim victory by six.

It was a game that had everything — goals, drama, and individual brilliance — but in the end, Clonoulty Rossmore’s greater scoring spread and composure in the dying minutes proved the difference. Shannon Rovers, however, could take immense credit for a battling performance that pushed their opponents all the way.

Player of the Match: Cáit Devane (Clonoulty/Rossmore)

Clonoulty/Rossmore: Teresa Burke, Lorna Ryan, Emer Loughman, Moira Kinane, Kellie Quirke, Courtney Ryan, Aoife Bourke, Casey Hennessy (0-4), Sinead Ryan, Kate Ferncombe, Cáit Devane (0-8, 5f), Cora Hennessy (1-1, 0-1f), Kate Ryan, Eimear Bourke (0-1f), Avril Quirke (1-0).

Sub used: Sarah Fryday (0-2).

Shannon Rovers: Rita Burke, Áine Cleary, Niamh Franks, Paula Hannigan, Emma Costello, Celine Guinan, Rachel Hannigan, Eimear Fogarty, Clodagh Cahalan, Laura Leenane (0-9, 4f), Nicola Kelly, Gillian McKenna, Aine Slattery (1-1), Mackensie Simmons Loughnane (1-0), Bethany Slattery.

Subs used: Anna Harding, Stephaine O’Sullivan, Clodagh Davis.

Referee: Kieran Slattery (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams)