Wasteful Ardrahan do it the hard way in upsetting odds

Date Published: {J}

Ardrahan 1-10

Lismore (Waterford) 1-8

Darren Kelly in Dungarvan

THREE late points after two big refereeing decisions helped Ardrahan over the line last Sunday in the All-Ireland intermediate camogie semi-final, but there can be no doubt that the determination, work rate and character produced by the Galway champions was worthy of a Croke Park appearance next month.

After leading 1-7 to 1-5 at the interval, an amazing second 30 minutes saw Ardrahan dominate proceedings for 25 minutes only to remain scoreless and see their advantage overturned. Three goal chances were denied and six more scoring opportunities were also not talen as Bernard Forde’s charges seemed to leave this game behind.

Aoife Hannon with two placed balls and Rachel Whelan put the Waterford hosts in front but two more attacks were penalised for throwing the sliothar. Ardrahan regained control in the final three minutes to finish a game that should have been won much earlier.

Facing last year’s semi-finalists on their own patch, this was always going to be a difficult assignment but Ardrahan showed their hunger after just two minutes when Brenda Kerins dispossessed opposing captain Niamh Ryan to set up Keelan O’Shaughnessy for the opening score. Hannon and Caithriona McGlone responded for Lismore but Kerins would prove a major thorn for the Munster defence and made her biggest impact midway during the half.

After receiving Rachel O’Toole’s pass, Kerins opened her account in the 10th minute but she caused more headache for the home side 60 seconds later when after receiving Shauna Healy’s delivery, O’Brien fouled the Ardrahan full forward to concede a penalty.

Called the full length of the field, Ardrahan keeper Sara Skehill assumed the responsibility and hit the net and when O’Toole raised a white flag in the 13th minute, Ardrahan led 1-3 to 0-2.

The South Galway outfit were taking their chances but the defence were still settling and Lismore’s attack should have asked more questions in the opening 15 minutes. Entering the second quarter, however, they struck back for their own green flag. Attempting to clear, Edel Holland lost possession to an opposing attacker who fed Hannon and her low delivery found an unmarked Nicola Morrissey who gave Skehill no chance, hitting the post before the ball crossed the line.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.