Athenry outclassed by crafty Cats

Date Published: 28-Feb-2008

PRESENTATION Athenry’s dream of All-Ireland glory crumbled when they were soundly defeated by St Brigid’s of Callan in this disappointing All-Ireland senior ‘A’ camogie final at a windswept Kenny Park last Saturday.

Owing to the wintry conditions, it was clear from the outset that the wind would play a decisive factor in the game and so it proved.

Although gale assisted St. Brigid’s — opening the scoring with a converted free from impressive centre-forward Denise Gaule — traded points with Athenry’s Jessica Gill in the opening minutes, the Kilkenny students soon began to assert their dominance.

With just five minutes gone on the clock, St. Brigid’s took the lead again with a brilliant goal from Ciara Holden, following good work by wily corner forward Anna Farrell. Gaule quickly added another score — a point from play — before Farrell stormed in for the Kilkenny side’s second goal on eight minutes to put Brigid’s 2-2 to 0-1 in front.

Unfortunately, the Athenry attack was struggling to win primary possession in their half-forward line, due in no small way to the dominance of Brigid’s centre-back Kate McDonald, and their only salvos during the first half were points from Jessica Gill and Noreen Coen (2).

In contrast,……………………….