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Reddy strikes crucial goal as Thomastown seal league success
St. Canices Credit Union Senior Camogie league final
Thomastown 2-7
Windgap 1-8
By Michael O'Leary
Played in soft underfoot conditions that followed the rain that preceded in the build-up to the match, Thomastown and Windgap served a thrilling absorbing contest in Ballyhale last Saturday evening as both clubs went in pursuit of a first Senior league title success. The work-rate and commitment from both sides was outstanding, as never more than two points separated the sides throughout.
The goals proved the vital difference, and also another crucial statistic from the game was the fact that Thomastown's forwards scored 2-3 from play despite three of their attacking unit failing to register on the score sheet, while Windgap's forward's only registered 0-4 from play over the hour.
Both defences were mainly on top as every score was hard earned, but a real heroine for Thomastown was the display of 16-year-old Niamh Donnelly who scored 1-2 from play in a match where forwards found it difficult to shine.
Chloe Corrway, Aine Manning, and Megan Farrell - who produced a scintillating second-half display - were solid in the Thomastown defence, while Anna Farrell in midfield was dependable on the frees - scored 4 times including a '45 -, and Jenny Reddy sprung to life from a very quiet 45 minutes to score the crucial goal, and afterwards she was working trojanly back helping the defence, and winning vital possession to relief danger.
The introduction of Lisa Carey was a masterstroke, as it provided the defensive unit with extra protection. Windgap can take plenty of heart from a magnificent display despite the obvious disappointment of losing. The defensive was magnificent in which none shone brighter than corner-back Julie Walsh who was imperious.
Their forthcoming laid in an attacking sense. Despite their best attempts including the efforts of Denise Gaule and Niamh Phelan, Windgap played the ultimate price of trying to protect a lead instead of pushing forward. Often during the second-half , Catherine Foley or Anne-Marie Phelan were isolated individually as the lone player on the inside line.
Denise Gaule opened the scoring with a pointed free in the 2nd minute from 50 metres, before slack defending from Windgap allowed Niamh Donnelly crack home a well taken goal in the 4th minute. 1-0 to 0-1. Windgap replied and they took outright lead by the 10th minute with points from a Gaule free, Niamh Phelan, and great effort from play by Gaule near the sideline.
Thomastown regained the initiative in the 16th minute with points in quick succession from Anna Farrell(free) after sister Shelley was fouled, before Anna returned the compliment within 30 seconds setting up Shelley to edge Thomastown ahead. 1-2 to 0-4.
Windgap replied again, and they were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute in which Denise Gaule struck with a well driven shot to the bottom left-hand corner. Anna Farrell's pointed free in the 25th minute was the sole remaining score of the half as Windgap left 1-4 to 1-3 at the interval.
Niamh Donnelly pointed the leveller 30 seconds into the restart following a great surging by Jenny Reddy, before the Gap responded with points from Denise Gaule and Catherine Foley. 1-6 to 1-4. Anna Farrell pointed a '45 in the 50th minute, and following a barren scoring period, the crucial score came in the 48th minute.
Thomastown launched an attack, and a Niamh Donnelly shot was brilliantly saved by Laura Walker, before Jenny Reddy drove a low shot that gave Thomastown the vital lead. 2-5 to 1-6. Windgap to their credit battled resiliently, and Denise Gaule pointed a '45 to narrow the deficit.
Niamh Donnelly replied in the 52nd minute to point superbly near the sideline, and that was followed by an equally excellent score by Niamh Phelan in the 54th minute. 2-6 to 1-8. Anna Farrell pointed a free to conclude the scoring in the 58th minute, and Windgap battled gamely to the bitter end, to try and manufacture a late goal.
However, the end of the match saw the sad sight of Alison Walsh having to be aided off after picking up what appeared to be a serious injury when making a surging run late in the game. It's such a pity for the 2009 All-Ireland minor winning captain to have suffered another setback after recently making a full recovery from a year-long absence out due to cruciate damage.
Let's hope she makes a speedy recovery.
Player of the match: Niamh Donnelly (Thomastown)
It was a difficult game for forwards to star as defences were resolute and on top. However, Niamh Donnelly's contribution of 1-2 was highly significant and the 16-year-old deserves the accolade ahead of Windgap's Julie Walsh.
Scorers - Thomastown - Niamh Donnelly 1-2, Anna Farrell 0-4(0-3 frees 0-1'45), Jenny Reddy 1-0, Shelley Farrell 0-1,
Windgap - Denise Gaule 1-5(1-0 penalty 0-3 frees 0-1'45), Niamh Phelan 0-2, Catherine Foley 0-1,
Teams and player ratings:
Thomastown - Grace Clarke, Chloe Corrway, Aine Manning, Nicole Corrway, Megan Farrell, Sarah Walsh, Sally Teehan, Anna Farrell, Aislih Butler, Shelley Farrell, Jenny Reddy, Catriona Treacy, Ciara Farrell, Niamh Donnelly, Catherine Walsh,
Sub: Lisa Carey,
Windgap - Laura Walker, Julie Walsh, Alison Walsh, Phena Heffernan, Nicola Moore, Elaine O'Shea, Laura Moore, Suzie Phelan, Lisa Phelan, Eleanor Downey, Catherine Foley, Denise Gaule, Sarah McCarthy, Anne-Marie Phelan, Niamh Phelan
Subs: Niamh Bambrick, Claire Grace,
Referee: John McCormack
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