Congratulations to our camogie team on winning the Junior A County Championship in style last Sunday at Castleroad Camogie grounds in Cork. In glorious sunshine, the Newtown girls showed their skill and determination from the get-go and despite Tracton getting the first score from a free, it was to be the only time the opposition led throughout the match. Cliona O’Callaghan was first to open the score sheet for Newtown with a point from a 45. It was quickly followed by another from Cliona from a free following a high challenge from the opposition which resulted in Tracton getting a yellow card. The physicality and commitment of both sides was clear to see as both sides were giving their all in quest of county honours. Newtown half forward line and centre field were very strong throughout the game and in the first quarter Newtown despite having a few wides were dominating the play. At the first water break Mariah Reidy had added another point to lead by 2 points. Following the resumption Newtown had points from Katie Coughlan, Mariah and Cliona before Tracton replied with 3 points and had a near miss across the goal mouth to test the nerves of the onlooking crowd. Our defenders though were equal to the task and every ball was contested with the work rate and teamwork evident from our goalie Claire our full back line of Erin, Clodagh and Grainne clearing their lines and half backs Beibhinn, Rebecca and Anna working tirelessly all throughout the game. Cliona pushed the team further ahead following a great catch and a beautifully taken goal just before half time to leave the score 1-6 to 0-4 points at half-time. Roisin Twohill notched up the first point of the second half having collected from her sister Aoife who won the break and powered through to give her the pass. This third quarter saw Newtown hit a purple patch with a spectacular display that was characterised by some excellent teamwork. Cliona who was ably supplied with quality ball by her teammates scored 4 points on the trot before Tracton replied with a point from a free. The puckout saw Newtown’s hard work attitude show with Aoife and Beibhinn O’Neill emerging with the ball to deliver to Caoimhe Collins who had a very narrow wide. The resultant puckout won by Katie who set up Cliona for her 2nd goal of the match. Newtown were very much on top now scored a further 2 points by Cliona and 1 point by Sarah Moloney who took a great pass from Denise Cagney before Katie slotted home a lovely goal just before the water break at the 50 minute mark. On the resumption Tracton tried hard and did get some more ball down to their forward line. A further point by Cliona saw her win the Player of the match award scoring a fantastic 1-11 on the day. Mariah wrapped up the scoring with a point to finish Newtown 3-17 to Tracton 1-6. Jubilant scenes followed as the hard work and commitment shown by all 31 girls throughout the year culminated in a county championship title. Huge thanks and congratulations to everyone involved and especially our loyal supporters families and parishioners for all their support. Newtown Abú.
Scorers Cliona O’Callaghan 1-11, Katie Coughlan 1 – 1, Mariah Reidy 0-3, Roisin Twohill 0-1 and Sarah Moloney 0-1.
Team and Panel: Claire Griffin, Clodagh Herlihy, Erin Reidy, Grainne Sheehy, Beibhinn O Neill, Rebecca Sheehy, Anna Walmsley, Caoimhe Collins, Denise Cagney, Aoife Twohill, Cliona O’Callaghan, Roisin Twohill, Katie Couhghlan, Mariah Reidy, Sarah Moloney, Subs Shauna Treacy for Katie Coughlan, Sinead O’Donnell for Sarah Moloney, Rosie Ryan for Caoimhe Collins, Aoife Doyle for Clodagh Herlihy and Mary Noonan for Anna Walmsley. Sophie Collins, Ava Hooper, Eva Twomey, Amy Sheehy, Rachel Mc Namara, Emma Stott, Vicky O’Connell, Erin Kennedy, Aoibhinn O’Keeffe, Natalie Mason, Fiona Twomey.
Management and backroom team: Jack Quaid, John Moloney, Cathal O Brien, Betty Coughlan and Joan Twohill.