SE Systems Premier Junior Camogie Championship Semi Final
Aghada 1-12
Mallow 0-07
Castle Road, Saturday 20th September

Aghada are through to the Premier Junior Camogie County Final after a superb second-half display saw them overcome Mallow in Castle Road on Saturday. This was the third championship meeting between the sides this season, after their opening group clash was replayed due to a floodlight failure. With both earlier games being tight affairs, Aghada knew they would need to be at their very best in this semi-final – and they delivered.

Mallow, playing with the aid of a strong breeze, opened the scoring inside the first two minutes. But Aghada quickly settled, dominating possession around midfield where Aoife Healy and May Collins got to grips with proceedings. Ali Smith, in outstanding form once again, struck two frees before adding a fine score from play after excellent work by Clare Walsh. By the 15th minute Aghada led 0-3 to 0-1, a strong position considering the conditions.

Mallow responded with three points in a five-minute spell to edge in front. However, Aghada’s half-back line was excelling, with Rachel Leahy commanding at centre back and both Mary Leahy and Shauna Whyte driving forward. A long-range effort from Healy levelled matters, but two late Mallow points gave them a 0-6 to 0-4 half-time lead. Despite the deficit, Aghada were content, knowing they would have the wind at their backs for the second half.

And they wasted no time making it count. Within two minutes of the restart, Smith (free) and Healy from play had levelled the game. What followed was a tense, scoreless 10-minute spell, but Aghada’s full-back line of Sally McAllister, Sarah Walsh and Clodagh Walsh were immense, keeping Mallow scoreless during their best spell of pressure.

On 42 minutes, Smith nudged Aghada back in front from a free before Collins added a superb individual score, created by the hard work of Cara Twomey and Isabel Barry. Mallow replied with what would prove to be their only point of the second half.

From there, Aghada pushed on ruthlessly. Centre back Rachel Leahy was excelling in her roll, picking up a pile of breaks and setting up numerous Aghada attacks at this stage. A long puckout from goalkeeper Carol Geaney was worked into Smith, who split the posts from play. Clare Walsh then struck an industrious score following neat interplay with Courtney O’Keeffe, before Abigail Ring took centre stage. First, she clipped a fine point after a solo run, and minutes later she delivered the killer blow – bursting through the Mallow defence before rifling an unstoppable shot to the net. Deep into injury time, Smith added another beauty from play to seal a memorable victory.

Late introductions Marissa Godfrey and Anabel O’Brien brought fresh energy as Aghada closed the game out with authority, limiting Mallow to a single second-half point – a testament to the outstanding defensive effort across the field.

There were standout performances all over the field for Aghada, but in midfield, May Collins epitomised Aghada’s spirit with her tireless workrate and constant driving runs throughout the game!

Aghada now march on to face Bishopstown in the County Final in a few weeks time. A fantastic achievement. Well done to all the players and management involved!

Aghada: Carol Geaney, Sally McAllister, Sarah Walsh, Clodagh Walsh, Shauna Whyte, Rachel Leahy, Mary Leahy, Aoife Healy (0-2), May Collins (0-1), Abigail Ring (1-1), Ali Smith (0-7), Isabel Barry, Cara Twomey, Clare Walsh (0-1), Courtney O'Keeffe.

Subs used: Marisa Godfrey, Anabel O'Brien.