O’Mahonys had to work hard to keep their unbeaten record intact in their final group game of the Division 4 camogie league. Played in perfect conditions in the impressive surrounds of Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA, it was clear right from the opening exchanges that there was unlikely to be much between these two sides at the finish.
Both sides swapped points in the opening half, an excellent score from wing forward Aimee Shankey being the pick of the bunch from the Navan girls. O’Mahonys did create a couple of possible goal chances through some direct runs from Sarah Corcoran but a combination of the woodwork and the home side’s goalkeeper ensured there was no need for the umpires to reach for the green flag.
At the other end of the field, the experienced Maggie Randle did find some pockets of space to loft over a couple of fine scores for Donaghmore Ashbourne but in general the O’Mahonys rearguard dealt very well with anything that came their way. Grace Cahill and Moya Tansey both had timely interventions to snuff out dangerous Ashbourne attacks while further out Kitty O’Rourke and Lauren Patterson delivered some fine clearances to turn defence into attack.
Half Time : Don/Ash 0.05 Navan O’Mahonys 0.04
With no breeze to speak of, O’Mahonys resumed, shooting into the town goals for the second half. The intense, physical nature of the game continued and neither side was able to establish a commanding lead. Further scores were swapped as both teams tried to kick for home. Annie Hogan registered a white flag from out the field. The home side looked like they may have got the decisive score with a goal mid-way through the second half but credit to the visitors who answered back strongly with further scores from Cara Ratty and Sarah Corcoran. Aoibhinn Kielty, who along with Ruth Stewart, got through a power of work in the last 20 minutes pointed a close range free to set up a dramatic final quarter. During the tense closing stages Lauren Patterson landed a couple of long range frees to ensure that the points would be shared. O’Mahonys now wait on remaining results to see where this draw leaves them, with a place in the Division 4 final still very much on the cards.
Full Time: Navan O’Mahonys 0.10 Don/Ash 1.07
