The Camogie thread 2012

A forum to air your views on Offaly GAA matters and beyond.
Plain of the Herbs
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The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

Leinster Senior Final – Wexford 1-12 Offaly 1-7

Time to get this year’s version of the Camogie Thread up and running . . .

I was raging that I missed the semi-final win over Kilkenny a fortnight ago yet it was with a degree of trepidation that I went along today. I needn’t have worried. Offaly gave a competent performance all over the field and a five point defeat does not do justice to their efforts on a day for the ice-cream, cider and sun-cream.

Pleased to report the momentum of the last four years has been carried on by the Offaly girls. There was a big emphasis on getting to the ball first and on catching the ball. Many of them are well able to field a dropping ball too, or to control a low ball coming at pace.

Generally the same faces, but positions have been rearranged. To good effect too. The addition of Tríona McDonald at full-back has seen Lorraine Keena move to centre half-back and released Michaela Morkan to midfield. Still the best hurler in the county, Morkan is better placed to help out in attack where she made several bursts upfield, went through gaps that didn’t seem to be there and won frees as well. Stephens held the centre very well, caught several ball and covered off well for the backs.

Sheila Sullivan had a great first half, covered across the field, won loads of loose ball and cleared well under pressure. Karen Brady did well on Ursula Jacob and the second half was well on before the Wexford freetaker scored her only point from play. Lorraine Keena did well on Una Leacy. I think it was Keena who shipped a nasty and sneaky stroke that required lengthy treatment after she attempted to block a Wexford scoring effort midway through the second half.

Siobhán Flannery won some great ball, mostly in the first half. She should be left at 11 now. Arlene Watkins should be left at 15 too, where she provides a goal threat. She can always be moved outfield as required anyway. Tina Hannon is also a scoring threat and Offaly’s inability to judge the wind that was blowing straight across the pitch cost them scores.

John T coached them well from the sideline and offered intelligent advice with no melodramatics or buckleppin’. His hardest task would have been to win the girls’ confidence after four years of Joachim, and that John and Joachim would have different methods of leadership and management. There should be no worries on that score and the conditioning work done at Joe Quinn’s in Clara has been a job well done.

I thought Offaly played the better hurling in the first half and should have been ahead instead of being 0-6 to 0-7 behind at half-time. I think Wexford led something like 0-4 to 0-1, before drawing level.

Wexford moved up a gear after halftime and Offaly were under pressure. Some great defending meant Wexford led 0-10 to 0-7 with around ten minutes to go when Offaly began to come back into it. Arlene Watkins was dragged back in the square, which ended with a swallow-dive for good effect, and fortunately the North Wexford (I mean Carlow!) referee awarded the penalty. Elaine Dermody dispatched the ball to the net at the Town end and the sides were level 1-7 to 0-10.

The dream was still possible but it ended with four minutes to go, sub Lenny Holohan getting on the end of a rebound to fire in Wexford’s goal and another Wexford point followed. That free was awarded after an Offaly defender was pinged for picking the ball up, when it seemed a minute’s severe pressure in front of goal had been lifted.

Hard to know how hard Wexford were trying. They only created a single goal chance, the one they got, and were forced over the sideline on several occasions under massive Offaly pressure. Wexford still the clear winners. It’s a defeat for Offaly but one from which they can draw huge encouragement from in advance of the Championship.

They’re well worth going to see.

Offaly: Eleanor Clendennen; Karen Brady, Tríona McDonald, Sheila Sullivan; Linda Sullivan, Lorraine Keena, Marion Crean; Michaela Morkan (0-3 frees), Fiona Stephens; Tina Hannon (0-1), Siobhán Flannery, Orlagh Kirwan (0-1); Aoife Kelly, Elaine Dermody (1-2, 1-0 penalty, 0-2 frees), Arlene Watkins. Sub: Jean Brady.

Wexford: Mags Darcy; Claire O’Connor, Catherine O’Loughlin, Noleen Lambert; Louise O’Leary, Mary Leacy, Deirdre Codd; Michelle O’Leary, Lisa Bolger (0-1); Josie Dwyer, Úna Leacy (0-2), Bríd Gordon (0-1), Linda Bolger, Katrina Parrock (0-1), Ursula Jacob (0-7, 0-5 frees, 0-1 ’45). Subs incuded Lenny Holohan (1-0), Stacey Redmond and a few others.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

Clint
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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Clint »

Fair play to you POTH for starting the thread and for giving such a comprehensive report.Great to see Offaly camogie continuing to make strides.That was a very good result even though they lost.Hope they continue to progress.

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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

Offaly get their Senior championship campaign underway on Saturday when the hurl Galway in Banagher at 2.30pm.

Though Galway will be expected to win, the manner of Offaly's performance against Wexford was encouraging. Obviously there are no guarantees, but there are worse ways to spend a tenner, which is the asking price.

After that, on successive Saturdays Offaly are away to Dublin, away to Cork, then at home to Tipperary on Saturday 14th July.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

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Galway 1-17 Offaly 1-6

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

This was a strange game. Offaly did their best while Galway were clearly the better team (they had better forwards, had more options, were stronger and created more scores).

Offaly introduced Leanne Scully to midfield to replace Michaela Morkan. They also replaced Tríona McDonald at full back, moving Karen Brady to full-back, Fiona Stephens reverted to corner-back and Jean Brady came in at midfield. They also rearranged the forwards which I thought wasn’t necessary after they did well against Wexford the way they were.

Galway started stronger but struggled to hit the target with Niamh McGrath hitting a number of frees wide. Offaly gained good possession in attack and that possession drew a number of frees which Elaine Dermody pointed with aplomb. The highlight was a monster pointed free from the 65m line.

This made one fella behind me with a thick East Galway accent fierce unaisy altogether – the type who would hate to lose to Offaly at anything. I wonder if his name was Mattie? Alot of people from that county are. I moved away from him at half-time – life is too short etc.

Offaly actually led 0-5 to 0-3 at one stage but despote the brave defending, Ann Marie Hayes weighed in with two points from midfield for Galway when the forwards were under pressure – five of Galway’s ten points from play were contributed by their midfielders moving up to support the attack. It was 0-5 each coming up to half-time but a Galway goal and another point drained the belief out of Offaly who were four points down at half-time, 0-5 to 1-6.

It was all Galway in the second half and a string of points went over the bar from all distances and angles. A measure of the armoury at their disposal was when Galway sub Aisling Connolly drove over a mighty point from 40 meters out on the sideline with her first touch.

Galway led something like 1-15 to 0-5 when Elaine Dermody rattled the net with a 20m free and Orlagh Kirwan scored a good point from 40 metres.

Offaly highlights of the game was the performance of Lorraine Keena at centre-back – sh e was superb. Eleanor Clendennen handled the dropping ball very well in goal. Karen brady did well in the unfamiliar full-back role and Marion Crean hurled well too.

Offaly travel to O’Toole Park to take on Dublin next Saturday (2.30pm). It is a match that has to be won if they are to have any chance of coming out of the group, Michaela or no Michaela.

Offaly: Eleanor Clendennen; Fiona Stephens, Karen Brady, Sheila Sullivan; Linda Sullivan, Lorraine Keena, Marion Crean; Jean Brady, Leanne Scully; Tina Hannon, Aoife Kelly, Siobhán Flannery; Orlagh Kirwan (0-1), Elaine Dermody (1-5, 1-4 frees, 0-1 ’45), Arlene Watkins. Subs: Ailsa Hughes replaced Leanne Scully just before half-time and Katie Bergin came on for Arlene Watkins late on.

Galway: Susan Earner; Sandra Tannian, Sarah Dervan, Lorraine Ryan; Regina Glynn, Therese Maher, Sinéad Cahalan; Niamh Kilkenny (0-1), Ann Marie Hayes (0-4); Noreen Coen, Niamh McGrath (0-6, 5 frees, 1 ’45), Brenda Hanney (0-2); Orla McGrath, Orla Kilkenny (0-1), Tara Rutledge (1-0). Subs in no particular order – Aisling Connolly (0-1), Martina Conroy (0-2), Heather Cooney, Emer Haverty & Ann Marie Starr.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

True Red
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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by True Red »

Just from looking at the highlights of this game on the Sunday Game the other night it appears that the Banagher venue has very good facilities? Decent stand,terrace and hurling wall etc?
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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

They do. They've three full-sized pitches as well. And a squash-court.
True Red wrote:Just from looking at the highlights of this game on the Sunday Game the other night it appears that the Banagher venue has very good facilities? Decent stand,terrace and hurling wall etc?
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

Plain of the Herbs
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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

I wasn't there, but word is that Offaly won a high-scoring game, either 3-11 to 3-8, or 3-14 to 3-11. Dermody scored something like 3-8.

That being the case, that points to the belief and attitude of this team being superb, all the moreso given Michaela Morkan being unavailable.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

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Tipperary 1-12 Offaly 1-10

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

Fintan McNamara was the centre of attention today and for all the wrong reasons. McNamara was the referee and stamped his name on the game from the time he sent off Tipperary centre half-forward Siobhán McGrath.

McGrath was sent off on a straight red, presumably for an ‘off the ball’ incident that nobody else saw. Tipperary weren’t reduced to fourteen players though for from that moment on, McNamara proceeded to line out with Tipperary, awarding the visitors every possible advantage he could. Every 50:50 call went Tipperary’s way. Every time there might be a debate as to whether the call should be for steps or for being held, the referees call favoured Tipperary.

Offaly were by far the best team early on. They were first to the ball in most sectors and that possession drew plenty of frees. Offaly didn’t create enough scoring chances during their best spell and were level 0-4 each when Tipperary’s McGrath (who had earlier scored a good point) was dismissed. The remainder of the half was played in a frenzy. Offaly withdrew Elaine Dermody outfield and Arlene Watkins capitalised on the space to score a good goal for a 1-4 to 0-4 lead.

Returned from America, Michaela Morkan was introduced at half-time, lining out at centre half-forward. She was fouled with her first possession, no free was awarded, and so set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Tipperary dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half and edged their way back to level and Offaly were struggling. Then Siobhán Flannery scored an inspirational point and Offaly got moving again. Offaly’s possession gained frees in attacking positions, Dermody obliged and Offaly led 1-9 to 0-9. One of those frees was for a terrible slash on Orlagh Kirwan as she raced goalwards. Tipperary pulled it back to 1-9 to 0-11 and Aoife Kelly took up a good position to pick up a loose clearance and score a good point.

Tipperary pulled one back again when a free was moved up nearly 30 metres following Elaine Dermody’s prolonged arguing with the referee, despite a blatant foul by the Drumcullen girl, the frustration reaching boiling point.

Then disaster. 60 minutes gone. Offaly didn’t deal with a dropping ball and it took an age to clear it. When it was dropped in again a loose clearance was pulled on by Catherine Maher who buried it.

Offaly had one last chance and Elaine Dermody gained possession in the square with her back to goal. Goal on. Dermody was blatantly struck and McNamara couldn’t deny the penalty even if he wanted to. Dermody was sickened by the blow and was unable to take the penalty.

Siobhan Flannery stepped up and struck the penalty well. It was well saved by the defender and Offaly were denied.

Offaly: Eleanor Clendennen; Karen Brady, Tríona McDonald, Sheila Sullivan; Linda Sullivan, Lorraine Keena, Marion Crean; Siobhán Flannery (0-2, 0-1f), Fiona Stephens; Tina Hannon, Jean Brady, Orlagh Kirwan; Aoife Kelly (0-2), Elaine Dermody (0-6 frees), Arlene Watkins (1-0). Sub: Michaela Morkan for Tina Hannon (half time).

Tipperary: Rita Bourke; Maria Tynan, Julie Kirwan, Sabrina Larkin; Norma Harrington, Mary Ryan (0-1f), Julie McGrath; Joanne Ryan, Jill Horan; Noreen Flanagan, Siobhán McGrath (0-1), Catherine Maher (1-1); Ali Lonergan, Cáit Devane (0-9, 0-7f), Alice Fogarty. Subs (all in second half – Sarah Fryday Claire Ryan, Clodagh Quirke & Michaela Graham.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

Blindumpire
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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Blindumpire »

A first time poster here boys but need somewhere to vent my anger at that ref... POTH youare spot on as soon as Tipp went to 14 players that was Offaly finished ...some decisions were downright awful - the young Kirwan girl was in on goal and the corner back just planted her two hands on the hurl and struck her on the hip and only a yellow card ( kirwan should probably have had the ball in the net anyway but thats irrelevant) .. Dermody got agitated to point i have never seen before as she is normally a very cool customer - her argument with the ref was unsavoury especially as it made him worse !! He then moved the ball up ten yards for her dissent but then moved it thirty yards up when her Drumcullen team mate Fiona Stephens charged the free!! Not good behaviour from players from that club ... The blow Dermody received at the end would have shaken any man let alone a girl but I do wonder if she should still have stepped up to take the penalty but as you say POTH she probably wasn't in a fit state to do so ..I think time may be catching up with her and Marion crean as both were poor yesterday .. Couple of observations on the management - it's a bit unsightly at any level to see the manager of a team smoking a cigarette on the sideline during a game .. He wud have been better arranging the spare player to be Shelia SUllivan who once again was immense .. Michaela Morkan is a wonderful hurler but the forward line is not her comfort zone she would have been better out the field .. On a game that slipped away I just hope those girls can recover and that referees like fintan McNamara are never seen again !!

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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Clint »

Well boys ,massive win for Offaly Senior camogie team today.Any report on the game?

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Offaly 2-13 Kilkenny 1-11

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A week ago Siobhán Flannery left the field in despair after seeing her late penalty saved down at the far end. Today she took ownership of the pitch and hurled up a storm. She dominated midfield, worked like a Trojan, was first to almost every ball, and the ones she wasn’t first to she tackled superbly.

Now taking the long-range frees, she pointed two from distance and also picked off four points from play. One in particular when on the run, she took a rap on the hand, was obviously hurt but kept going and banged the ball over the bar epitomised her performance. It’s years since a midfielder gave such a complete performance at St Brendan’s Park.

Offaly stamped their authority on the game from the start. The Brosna Gaels duo of Tríona McDonald and Lorraine Keena controlled the spine of the defence. Eleanor Clendennen made three brilliant saves during the match and handled the dropping ball well. Michaela Morkan seems miscast at centre half-forward but picked off three first half points.

Hurling into the wind, Offaly led 0-4 to 0-2 when a scrambled goal was forced over the line. I thought t’was Jean Brady finished it over the line, Radio3 gave the credit to Aoife Kelly, it depends where the line was. Jean Brady actually had her best game in an Offaly jersey to date.

Then Kilkenny were handed a goal after about 20 minutes, the normally reliable Sheila Sulivan caught in possession with too much time on her hands, was dispossessed and Katie Power, by then moved to corner-forward, finished from close range.

Offaly lost their way after that goal and Kilkenny dominated from there to half-time. Four points on the trot made it 1-4 to 1-6, before Morkan picked off a point to leave the minimum in it at half-time, 1-5 to 1-6, Offaly still in a good position with the wind to come.

Offaly got back in the groove in the second half but for all their hard work, struggled to create real scoring chances. But sometimes ingenuity can work against you. Sheila Sullivan had followed her corner-forward direct opponent out the field, gained possession near halfway and picked out Elaine Dermody with a brilliant ball. Dermody turned and finished to the net from close range making it 2-10 to 1-8.

Now forced to chase the game, Kilkenny had to revert to a 3 – woman full-forward line but with Flannery now at her best, Kilkenny struggled and Offaly found more space in attack. A few stray Kilkenny scores reduced the gap to three points, 2-10 to 1-10 but Offaly went six points ahead again.

Kilkenny freetaker Aoife Neary might have narrowed the gap had she chosen to point a few frees and ‘45s, but goals are Kilkenny’s oxygen, the James Stephens girl dropped them all in, or wide, or Eleanor Clendennen made the catch.

Arguably Offaly’s most complete performance this year. They now qualify for the quarter-final directly having finished second in their group. They have a week off next week as four teams battle it out for the remaining two quarter-final slots. Offaly will meet one of Clare, Dublin, Kilkenny or Tipperary in that quarter-final.

A great, great day in Birr.

Offaly: Eleanor Clendennen; Karen Brady, Tríona McDonald, Sheila Sullivan; Linda Sullivan, Lorraine Keena, Marion Crean; Siobhán Flannery (0-6, 0-2 frees), Fiona Stephens; Tina Hannon, Michaela Morkan (0-3), Jean Brady; Aoife Kelly (1-0), Elaine Dermody (1-3, 0-2 frees), Arlene Watkins (0-1). Subs: Orlagh Kirwan replaced Aoife Kelly three-quarter way through, Eimear Mooney replaced Jean Brady late on.

Kilkenny: Catríona Ryan; Caoimhe Sheil, Catherine Doherty, Ruth Jones; Kate McDonald, Elaine Aylward, Jacqui Frisby; Katie Power (1-1), Grace Walsh; Edel Maher, Miriam Walsh (0-3), Niamh Byrne; Michelle Quilty, Aoife Neary (0-5, 0-4 frees, 0-1 '45), Noelle Maher (0-2). Subs: Kellie Hamilton replaced Niamh Byrne in the first half, Eimear Mulhall came on late on.

Referee: Owen Elliot.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

Ahlethimoutwithit
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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Ahlethimoutwithit »

Fairplay to the women, any day ya bate Kilkenny with sticks has to be a good one!

Great achievement, and best of luck to the team. Unlucky to lose out to Tipp lat week, it appears that these ladies are making real progress on the Camogie landscape, keep it up!

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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Bord na Mona man »

Ahlethimoutwithit wrote:Fairplay to the women, any day ya bate Kilkenny with sticks has to be a good one!

Great achievement, and best of luck to the team. Unlucky to lose out to Tipp lat week, it appears that these ladies are making real progress on the Camogie landscape, keep it up!
Yes, remarkable progress has been made when you think back to where Offaly's starting point was a few years back.
A great example and hopefully an inspiration to other Offaly teams in different codes and grades.

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All-Ireland quarter-final v Dublin

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

Offaly head to Parnell Park on Saturday in a bid to qualify for the semi-final of the All-Ireland Senior championship. Yes, you read that correctly.

Offaly travel to Dublin with confidence. You read that correctly too, having finished second in their group following wins over Dublin and Kilkenny, and a ‘what might have been’ defeat to Tipperary.

Offaly would have expected to have been facing either Kilkenny or Tipperary once they reached this stage. They would have fancied their chances against either – a score to settle with Tipperary, knowing they can beat Kilkenny. However, an improving Clare had a 12 point win over Tipperary last Saturday, and in the second eighth-final at Portlaoise, Dublin first drew with Kilkenny and then edged the Noresiders with a late winner in the extra-time which followed.

Taking a form-line through Kilkenny, who Offaly beat by five points at home, and Dublin drew with over 60 minutes at neutral Portlaoise, it promises to be tight. Factor in Offaly’s three point win over Dublin at O’Toole Park (where a late Dublin penalty was saved) adds to the ‘will go to the wire’ theory. Throw in Offaly’s narrow win over Dublin in the league further sets the scene. Caveat - the Dublin team has undergone extensive surgery since that league match. Seven changes in personnel for a start. The Dublin team that beat Kilkenny last week showed just three changes in personnel from the team Offaly geat in the round-robin stage of the All-Ireland championship. Most of the changes have been in their defence, different goalkeeper and match-winner against Kilkenny, Arlene Cushen didn't feature in June against Offaly.

Worth pointing out that Michaela Morkan was abroad at the time of that June win over Dublin. Since her return, Michaela has been placed at centre half-forward. A big addition to the Offaly forwards. The addition of Tríona McDonald at full-back and the subsequent moving of Lorraine Keena to centre-back has released Morkan to the attack. More scoring punch. Siobhán Flannery’s contribution from midfield the last day was immense.

Offaly do the basics well. They always try to get to the ball first. Most are good in the air too. The weekend off will be of benefit too. The camogie championship is a punishing schedule. Offaly are good enough to win and should have the belief to edge out a tight quarter-final.

If you’re around Dublin on Saturday, Parnell Park at 2pm is the place to be.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

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Re: The Camogie thread 2012

Post by Plain of the Herbs »

Radio3 are reporting that Offaly won by a point, 1-13 to 2-9. Seems Offaly were 0-6 to 1-8 behind at half-time, went on to lead by four near the end and the last score was a Dublin goal.

This is great news and is arguably their finest hour. Congratulations to the team and management. It’s well deserved. They can rightly claim to be the fourth best team in the country now in those futile team-ranking exercises!
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.

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