Lough Lene Gaels deny Raharney to win Féile crown

Lough Lene Gaels 1-1, Raharney 0-1

In lovely conditions for camogie on Sunday, Lough Lene Gaels overcame Raharney in a highly entertaining Westmeath Camogie Div ‘A’ Cup Féile final at The Downs. The match was played at high intensity with tenacious defending from both sides, but a three-point victory crowned Lough Lene Gaels this year’s Westmeath Féile champions.

The teams met on Saturday in the group stage of the competition, that game ended in a draw, teeing the final up to be a close encounter.

After an intense start, captain and goalie Arwen Brady made a strong clearance following a goal threat from Niamh Briody. Strong defence remained a theme throughout as both teams left nothing on the pitch. A long-range free from Alesha Kennedy hit the crossbar and, after a scramble in the box, it went out for a '45'. Alesha Kennedy made no mistake with the resulting strike. It was then Lough Lene Gaels' turn to defend what was a strong Raharney attack. Brilliant defence from the Gaels led to a '45' which Niamh Briody confidently put over the bar. The teams went in level at the break, 0-1 apiece.

As the teams returned for the second half it was clear from the early exchanges that intensity levels would remain as high as the first half. Raharney pressed hard for scores but the Gaels defended with such heart, denying their opponents on several occasions. Lough Lene Gaels had their fair share of attacks, but strong defence by Ellen Carey Weir denied the Gaels a goal. The Gaels then secured the win after a long free led to a scramble in the square and the sliotar found its way into the net, with Aimee O'Neill getting the final touch.

Raharney pushed for an equaliser but as ever the Lough Lene Gaels defence remained strong.

Although low scoring, this final was a cracking encounter between two well drilled sides. Defences really showed their ability with standout performances from Clodagh Gallagher, Ellen Carey Weir and Saoirse Connaughton. Intentions were made clear very early and it soon became clear that a midfield battle between Muireann Lawlor and Alesha Kennedy was in the making. Both players were work horses throughout the game, emerging from rucks with the ball and providing a good supply to the respective forwards.

In the first half, teams went tit for tat in attack. There were some brilliant runs from Niamh Briody, but generally at the last hurdle Lough Lene Gaels found a way to prevent the score. After a ball struck the crossbar and went out for a '45', Alesha Kennedy converted it confidently. Niamh Briody replied with a '45' of her own. As the first half neared an end a monster puck from Arwen Briody was brilliantly caught by Amelia McCabe; she played a brilliant ball inside but once again the Raharney defence held strong and it was all square at the interval.

At the start of the second half Raharney had the majority of possession but could not convent that into scores. The Lough Lene Gaels defence endured serious pressure but held strong, not allowing Raharney anything easy. It was then Lough Lene Gaels' turn to attack and they narrowly missed a goal after Alesha Kennedy's free dropped just wide. The Gaels then had a one-on-one opportunity which somehow was kept out of the net; thanks to a strong defensive effort from Lily Tyrrell and Holly Desmond, the danger was cleared.

Raharney then had another series of attacks and these came on the back of an immense effort from Muireann Lawlor and Saoirse Connaughton in midfield. Arwen Briody, joint captain and goalie, made a great catch under pressure keeping Raharney scoreless in the second half. Lough Lene Gaels made use of a long ball inside and following a scramble for possession in the square, the ball ended in the net, Aimee O'Neill credited with the decisive touch. With scores proving very difficult to come by, that goal really felt like the winning score. Raharney made a gallant effort but a superb catch from Clodagh Gallagher ensured Lough Lene Gaels held firm and they could celebrate when the final whistle sounded.

The joint captains of Lough Lene Gaels Arwen Briody and Aideen Kavanagh thanked their mentors Christo Murtagh, John Molloy, Aoife Lawlor, Sandra Coplan and Orla Gallagher. They also thanked Raharney for a terrific game. Lough Lene Gaels will now represent Westmeath in regional Féile in the coming weeks.

There was plenty of talent on display and, for both clubs and Westmeath camogie, the future appears to be bright. These young players seem set to play a role in future underage squads and later progress to adult level.

Lough Lene Gaels panel: Arwen Briody; Kiera Coplan, Clodagh Gallagher, Hannah Burke; Sophie Bartley, Skye McCormack, Sèana Williams; Aideen Kavanagh, Alesha Kennedy (0-1); Caireann Molloy, Amelia McCabe, Abbie Harte; Sarah Louise Murtagh, Sionainn McCormack, Aimee O'Neill (1-0); Cliodna Fitzpatrick, Niamh Louise Ledwith Byrne, Emily Cogan, Poppy Herbert, Aoibhinn Murtagh, Lily McDermott, Caragh Masterson, Emma Williams, Roisin O'Neil.

Raharney panel: Lily Tyrrell; Saibhe Quinn, Ellen Carey Weir, Maria Pohelnihs; Annabelle Brady, Saoirse Connaughton, Holly Desmond; Muireann Lawlor, Izxie Cooney; Taylor Enright, Hannah Briody, Aoibhinn Gaughan; Jill McDonnell, Niamh Briody (0-1), Chloe Geoghegan; Kayleigh Mayer, Alexa Brien, Doireann O'Grady, Ava Ayers, Amelia O'Gorman, Aoife Quinn, Zoe Colgan, Ciara Tifft, Sophie Duffy, Ella Jordan, Kourtney Ledwith, Emily Leavy, Eimear Ni Buachalli, Ciara Maher, Muireann Brady.

Ref: Kevin Rehill (St Munna's).