St. Brigids maintain senior status once again

St. Canices Credit Union Senior Camogie Relegation Final

St. Brigids 1-6

Ballyhale Shamrocks 0-5

By Michael O'Leary

For the second consecutive year, St. Brigids were involved in a relegation scrap, but once again they emerged victorious. Played in miserable wet weather in St. Kierans College last Sunday, a low scoring contest that emerged was no surprise as conditions were very slippery which restricted the quality on show.

Aisling Dunphy's 24th minute goal proved highly significant, as a goal in a contest of this magnitude was always going to be a six-pointer. Another significant feature was the far higher work-rate of the St. Brigids attack in contrast to their opponents, as during the second-half Laureena Murphy and Therese Muldowney worked trojanly back in defence.

Marie Doheny was also a handful up front, while Nicola Butler at full-forward worked very hard on a day where forwards had limited chance to shine. Amy O'Connor and Orla Ryan in the full-back line defended solidly, while the Shamrocks defence was excellent, but their problems were further afield.

The Frisby sisters Jacqui and Edel were superb with Jacqui giving an exhibition at centre-back, while Roisin Fennelly and Orla Fennelly were soundness personified in the full-back line. St. Brigids appeared the hungrier outfit, and Aisling Dunphy who registered all of St. Brigids side total in the first-half had the Kilmanagh outfit 0-3 to 0-0 ahead by the 11th minute.

Keeva Fennelly pointed a free in the 14th minute to Shamrocks account, before Dunphy replied with a pointed free in the 17th minute, before the Inter-county senior midfielder cut loose through the Shamrocks defence to crack home a well taken goal. 1-4 to 0-1.

Fennelly pointed another free and her sister Mags pointed as they trailed 1-4 to 0-3 at the interval. Keeva pointed another free seconds into the restart, but without Emilie Darmody, the Shamrocks attack struggled to make an impact despite having their chances.

First, Jacqui Frisby's 45 attempt almost deceived St. Brigids net minder Emma Boland, while Lorna Fennelly combined with Ciara Ryan only to miscue her attempt in front of goal. Fennelly added a point from play when her dipping effort goal bound flew narrowly over the crossbar, as Marie Doheny with a superb point and Therese Muldowney in the 40th minute summed St. Brigids sum total for the second-half. In truth it was largely a forgettable contest but St. Brigids won't worry as they've maintained their senior status for 2012.

Meanwhile, the St. Canices Credit Union Intermediate league final played in Gowran was embarrassingly one-sided as Clara easily blitzed James Stephens 5-15 to 0-1 condemning the Village to Intermediate camogie for 2012.

Player of the match: Jacqui Frisby(Ballyhale Shamrocks)

Jacqui gave another master class display, and did her utmost to provide leadership to those around her. Certainly can't be faulted for their defeat. Just shades her sister Edel.

Scorers - St. Brigids : Aisling Dunphy 1-4(0-2 frees 0-1'45), Marie Doheny + Therese Muldowney 0-1 each,

Ballyhale Shamrocks: Keeva Fennelly 0-4(0-3 frees) Mags Fennelly 0-1

Teams

St. Brigids - Emma Boland, Amy O'Connor, Orla Ryan, Bernie Ryall, Sarah Mockler, Kay Ryall, Stacey Nugent, Laura Hennessy, Sarah Dunphy,. Aisling Dunphy, Therese Muldowney(captain), Laurena Murphy, Marie Doheny, Nicola Butler, Antoinette Power,

Sub: Amy Hennessy,

Ballyhale Shamrocks - Gillian O'Dwyer, Olive Ryan, Roisin Fennelly, Orla Fennelly, Edel Frisby, Jacqui Frisby, Emily O'Dwyer, Mags Fennelly, Lorna Fennelly, Ciara Ryan, Catherine Connolly, Clodagh Corcoran, Ciara Fennelly, Clodagh Doyle, Keeva Fennelly,

Referee: Matty Curran