Tullogher's experience proves too strong for brave battling Gowran

St. Canices Credit Union Junior Camogie Championship final

Tullogher 2-10

Young Irelands Gowran 0-8

By Michael O'Leary

A busy day of County Camogie final action commenced in Mullinavat at midday last Sunday afternoon, as Tullogher easily landed the Junior county title with victory over a hard trying but largely youthful Young Irelands Gowran outfit. Central to Tullogher's victory was the display of Cotterell cousins Kelly-Anne, Joanne and sisters Linda and team captain Stephanie. Linda Cotterell was simply sensational, as she gave a wonderful individual display in been the main catalyst for Tullogher's victory.

She was the link lady between defence and attack, as she constantly thundered forward in support of her attacking colleagues, while defensively, she was magnificent also covering every blade of glass, as she was simply majestic in grinding hard to win hard fought possession. Kelly-Anne was superb giving an exhibition of point taking scoring 0-8 - 4 from play - during the opening-half.

Joanne at full-forward was a la Kieran Donaghy, a permanent threat. Her pace, power, strength and aerial ability proved too hot for Gowran to handle. Inter-county senior goalkeeper Catriona Ryan was magnificent in goal pulling off several saves as the Gowran forwards were continuously frustrated. Elaine Mullally, team captain Stephanie Cotterell, and inter-county Siobhan Murphy all performed solidly in defence, while Sarah Hennessy grafted relentlessly in midfield.

Marie Ryan at centre-forward was a constant threat when in possession. Young Irelands suffered disappointment at final defeat for the second straight year, but unlike last years heartache, they can have no complaints as they were simply overpowered by a stronger, superior and more experienced outfit. They are still a very young team, 8 of last Sunday's starting 15 were minor, with a further three under-21, and three others under-23.

Only Mary Carroll who started last Sunday's final was in the over 25 category. Next year, they won't have to worry about Tullogher and Tullaroan who are competing in the Intermediate ranks, so they'll certainly be amongst the front runners for Junior glory in 2012, with the calibre of opposition not as strong compared to the two afore-mentioned teams.

The sides were level at 0-4 each by the 20th minute, before Tullogher grabbed control of the game in the 22nd minute. A long free out by Catriona Ryan, saw Kelly-Anne Cotterell win possession and she laid off to her cousin Joanne who hand passed the sliotar into an empty net. 1-4 to 0-4. Kelly-Anne was on fire during the opening-half scoring 0-6 - 4 from play - as the South Kilkenny girls led 1-7 to 0-5 at the interval.

The Gowran girls dominated possession during the third quarter, yet only outscored Tullogher 0-3 to 0-1 as Catriona Ryan denied them goal scoring chances. An Emma Comerford point from a penalty where she elected to tap straight over the crossbar narrowed the gap to three points in the 42nd minute, but their hopes were soon shattered. 1-8 to 0-8. Marie Ryan pointed from play in the 42nd minute, before victory was effectively assured in the 45th minute.

A Tullogher attack saw Kelly-Anne Cotterell's shot smash off the crossbar, before they kept applying pressure and Marie Ryan set up Maria Rockett who crashed home an unstoppable shot. 2-9 to 0-8. A Kelly-Anne pointed '45 in the 49th minute concluded the scoring, as despite Gowran's best attempt and the efforts of the trojan working Sarah Anne Quinlan in attack, Tullogher remained in control as they continue to attempt their climb back towards the senior ranks.

Scorers - Tullogher - Kelly-Anne Cotterell 0-8(0-3 frees 0-1'45), Joanne Cotterell and Maria Rockett 1-0 each, Marie Ryan 0-2, Young Irelands Gowran - Emma Comerford 0-4 (0-2 frees 0-1'45, 0-1 penalty), Sarah-Anne Quinlan, Nessa Farrell, Paula Farrell, and Eibhlin Fogarty 0-1 each

Player of the match: Linda Cotterell(Tullogher)

It was a majestic display from Cotterell who was simply awesome. MAGNIFQUE.

Teams and player ratings

Tullogher - Catriona Ryan(8), Vivienne Forristal(6), Elaine Mullally(7), Stephanie Cotterell (7) (captain), Niamh Barry(6), Siobhan Murphy(7), Siobhan Dollard(6), Linda Cotterell(9), Sarah Hennessy(7), Maria Rocket(6), Marie Ryan(7), Kelly-Anne Cotterell(8), Sarah Phelan(6), Joanne Cotterell(8), Katie Quigley(5),

Subs: Aisling Phelan and Susan Cullinane not on long enough to be rated

Young Irelands Gowran - Orlaith Byrne(7), Mary Carroll(6), Ann Drea(5), Kelly Treacy(6), Mairead Fogarty(6), Maggie Simpson(6), Niamh Quinlan(6), Emma Comerford(6), Lizzie Byrne(5), Sarah Ann Quinlan(7), Cara O'Neill(captain) (5), Aisling Carey(6), Paula Farrell(5), Nessa Farrell(6), Eibhlin Fogarty(6),

Subs: Ruth Loughlin(5), Laura Fennelly(6),

Referee: Willie Kearney,