Super sub Walsh seals glory for Lilywhites
A goal from super sub Louise Walsh in the dying moments meant Camogie Association President, Joan O’Flynn – a former chairperson of the Kildare board – was smiling as she presented the Nancy Murray Cup to Niamh Breen.
It was hard luck on Armagh though, as the Orchard girls also lost last year’s decider to Roscommon, after a replay.
Goals in the opening quarter from Andrea McAlinden and Joanne Mallon pushed Armagh into a six-point lead but with the brilliant Róisín O’Connell hitting points and Orla Mullally goaling from close range, the Lilies trailed 2-5 to 1-6 at the interval.
McAlinden almost snatched a second goal but she was denied by Kildare custodian, Brid Byrne.
Kildare were finding it difficult to break down Armagh, for whom Colette McSorley was unerring from frees.
Then came Murtagh’s goal from 40m after Catherine Toner lost sight of the sliotar in the sun and suddenly Kildare had the lead. When Walsh found the net with time running out, the celebrations began for the Leinster team.
Derry’s superior goal threat was the key as they took the honours in the All-Ireland minor B final with a 3-10 to 0-9 victory over Antrim. A Mary Jo McCullagh goal, after good work from Danielle McCrystal and Ailish Cassidy, helped the Oak Leaf girls lead 1-6 to 0-5 at half time, while Mary Kelly and Gráinne McNicholl raised green flags after the resumption.
Despite the 10-point margin, the champions must thank the brilliance of goalkeeper Niamh McQuillan for their success. The netminder made three brilliant saves from Samantha McKillen, Anna Devlin and Rebecca Walsh and was named player of the match.
Aimee McAtanney tried to keep Antrim in touch from placed balls but with Karen Kielt, sister of senior football star James, doing likewise, it was Derry’s day.
