Ballinhassig into top tier after more final disappointment for Ballygarvan

Ballinhassig's mix of youth and experience got the job done in Premier Intermediate camogie decider

Ballinhassig, winners of the Cork Premier Intermediate camogie title.

Cork Premier Intermediate camogie final:

Ballinhassig 2-11 Ballygarvan 1-5 

First-half goals from Aisling Lombard and Grace Healy paved the way for a Ballinhassig victory over neighbours Ballygarvan in the SE Systems Cork Premier Intermediate camogie championship final in MTU on Saturday. This, coupled with a dominant second half display, sees them promoted to the top-tier in 2027.

It was incredibly tough for Ballygarvan to lose a second consecutive final, after they were defeated by Ballincollig in a replay last year.

Ballinhassig sent out a message when they overcame Inniscarra (relegated in 2025) in the semi-final and they lived up to their billing with a mix of youth and experience, including former All-Ireland winner Eimear O’Sullivan who has given tremendous service to her club.

Ballinhassig were 2-6 to 1-4 ahead at the interval after getting the dream start from Aisling Lombard in the second minute.

Ballygarvan, with All-Star nominee Izzy O’Regan on their side, responded through a 10th minute Rachel O’Regan goal and they would level matters, but they were knocked back again when Healy found the net midway through the half.

Ballygarvan reduced the deficit after the resumption through Michaela Buckley, but that was to be their last score of the half as the Ballinhassig defence, spearheaded by captain and Player of the Match Triona Healy, protected their lead.

Catriona Collins brought her tally to five and Eimear O’Sullivan’s third point made sure the Nano Nagle Cup was heading to Ballinhassig.

Scorers for Ballinhassig: C Collins 0-5 (0-4 frees), A Lombard and G Healy 1-1 each, E O’Sullivan 0-3, G Collins 0-1.

Scorers for Ballygarvan: R O’Regan 1-0, C O’Leary 0-2 (frees), I O’Regan, A Ahern, M Buckley 0-1 each.

BALLINHASSIG: S Leahy; M Healy, T Healy (c), A Casey; A Cottrell, M Lombard, A Cussen; E Casey, E Collins; D Coomey, E O’ Sullivan, G Healy; E Jordan, C Collins, A Lombard.

Subs: E Deasy for A Casey (40), G Collins for D Coomey (45), N Sheehan for E Jordan (52), C Crowley for G Healy (57), F Cullinane for E Casey, M O’Sullivan for M Healy (both 58).

BALLYGARVAN: S Ahern; K Kelleher, E O’ Regan, E Casey; A Bowen, C O’Leary(c), S J Brady; E Kelleher, L Casey; M Buckley, A Ahern, H Sweeney; I O’ Regan, A Browne, R O’ Regan.

Subs: S O’ Donovan for R O Regan (38), N Crowley for E Casey (45) T Crowley for H Sweeney ( 48), A Cotter for C O’ Leary (56).

Referee: Cathán Treacy (Nemo Rangers).