Camogie: Don/Ash claim intermediate title
26 September 2011
Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2-8
Kilmessan 1-3

Nerves and anticipation filled the Donaghmore/Ashbourne camp before throw in. The girls had known the feeling of defeat for the last two years and did not want to feel it again. This was the third Intermediate county final the team had been in within the last three years.

The Donaghmore/Ashbourne girls came straight out of the blocks within the opening minutes of the game to see an unlucky Maggie Randle miss a goal scoring opportunity as it was blocked by the crossbar. It wasn't too soon until Maggie had another shot on the goal. This time she succeeded in putting it in the back of the net, putting Donaghmore/Ashbourne on the board. Kilmessan soon retaliated by sending the ball down the field scoring their first point. After a great puck out by the Donaghmore/Ashbourne goal keeper Aideen Ferry to the centre of the field, the ball was sent back up to the Kilmessan backline. Another opportunity of a score was created by  the Donaghmore/Ashbourne forwards but the sliotar was hit over the end line by Kilmessan, awarding Donaghmore/Ashbourne a 45. The 45 was beautifully taken by Roisin Williams and sent straight over the bar. Kilmessan fought back to see them score a goal, a goal which the Donaghmore/Ashbourne girls were unlucky to prevent. Donaghmore/Ashbourne did not let this stop their fight. Sorcha Ferry restored the teams lead by scoring another point. Killmessan fought hard to get more scores but all were stopped by a strong Donaghmore/Ashbourne defence. A strong Donaghmore/Ashbourne presence saw Kilmessan give away two frees in the first half, allowing Lizzy Lynch hit both beautifully over the bar. A strong Kilmessan attack saw them get another point on the board. Just before half time Lizzy Lynch perfectly judged a pass to pop it over the bar. This gave the Donaghmore/Ashbourne girls a 1:5 to 1:2 lead at half time.

The Donaghmore/Ashbourne girls came back into the second half knowing the hardest half was ahead of them. A free conceded by Kilmessan allowed Lizzy Lynch to put yet another point on the  score board. The Kilmessan team fought to try regain the game but a strong Donaghmore defence conceded only a point. Poor discipline by Kilmessan saw another free awarded to the Ashbourne team, granting Lizzy Lynch another scoring opportunity which she availed of. This did not stop the Kilmessan fight. The team had many an attempt to score but an extremely strong and focused Donghmore/Ashbourne defence stopped this from happening. The Killmessan attack also saw a confident Donaghmore/Ashbourne goal keeper make some brave saves. Lizzy Lynch scored another skilful point before she got the score that would boost her teams lead even more. Lizzy beautifully hit the ball at target before it dropped short, landing perfectly in the back of the Killmessan net. Full time was nearing and Kilmessan was trying everything they had to score much needed goals but they could not break down the Donaghmore/Ashbourne back lines. The full time score was Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2:8 Kilmessan 1:3.

After a fantastic team effort, in which every player gave their all Donaghmore/Ashbourne were crowned the Intermediate Camogie Champions of 2011. The dedication from management and the players showed in the exceptional display of Camogie which was shown on the day by the winning team. Player of the match was awarded to Lizzy Lynch, and Donaghmore / Ashbourne Camogie Chairperson Terry Tormey had the honour of presenting the trophy to team Captain and granddaughter Emma Tormey.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne:- A. Ferry; G. Kane, E. Tormey (C), D. Burnell; S. Keegan, L. Keegan, M. Finn; R. Williams (0-1 45), M Johnston; M. Randle (1-0), E. Lynch (1-6 4F), S. Baxter; A. Fitzgerald, S. Ferry (0-1) B. Gaughan. Subs:- J. O'Neill for Baxter, L. Cronnelly for Gaughan.