Shaw and Doherty star in comfortable Raharney victory

AIB Leinster Club Junior ‘A’ Camogie Championship semi-final: Raharney 2-15, Muinebheag (Carlow) 0-1

Defending Leinster and All-Ireland champions Raharney were on the road last weekend when they faced home side Muinebheag at McGrath Park, Bagenalstown in the 2021 Leinster semi-final.

The Deelsiders were never really troubled, but they came through a tough physical battle without any incurring any injuries.

Amelia Shaw scored a point free in the fifth minute and Aoife Doherty got off the mark just a minute later with a point from play. Shaw and Doherty would end the game as scorers-in-chief for Raharney, but not before a good physical battle with the home side.

A great goal by Aoife O’Malley in the eighth minute was soon followed by a nice point from play, Aoife Doherty finishing off a move that started in the Raharney half-back line and involved a number of players before she got on the end the move.

Amelia Shaw scored a point from play in the 12th minute, tapping over a free in the 15th minute and then another great point from play moments later after a nice delivery from Laura Doherty.

Muinebheag were strong around the middle of the field, especially their midfielder Rebecca Kelly, but they hit some poor wides during the first half. Raharney on the other hand were sharp throughout.

Leading 1-6 to nil at the water break, the Deelsiders continued to turn the screw with a great point by Maria Kelly before Shaw got another from play in the 24th minute after good work by Aoife O’Malley.

Rebecca Kelly scored a free in the 28th minute for the home side to get them on the scoreboard, but Raharney finished the half well after another score from Shaw leaving the Leinster and All-Ireland champions ahead 1-9 to 0-1 at the break.

Hannah Core scored a fine point from play in the 36th minute, and while sides were stubborn in defence, Ellen Shaw was introduced after 10 minutes of the second half.

The hosts were reduced to 14 players shortly afterwards though when full back Chloe Cody picked up her second yellow card, this time for a foul on Hannah Core. Amelia Shaw tapped over the free.

Aoife Doherty grabbed a goal in the 47th minute, and a short time later she scored another nice point from play.

Raharney introduced three more substitutes in the latter stages (Therese Murray, Aoife Boyle and Elaine Finn) before running out 2-15 to 0-1 winners.

Padraic Connaughton and his charges now prepare for a Leinster final next Sunday against Tullamore.

Scorers – Raharney: A Shaw 0-10 (7f), A Doherty 1-3, A O’Malley 1-0, M Kelly and H Core 0-1 each. Muine Bheag: R Kelly 0-1f.

Raharney: Anna Weir; Katie Coleman, Jade McKeogh, Mary Geraghty; Aisling Keogh, Fiona Leavy, Megan Carroll; Laura Doherty, Aoife O’Malley; Maria Kelly, Ameé Nea, Aoife Doherty; Erin Core, Amelia Shaw, Hannah Core. Subs used: Ellen Shaw from Kelly (47), Therese Murray for Coleman (49), Aoife Boyle for H Core (49), Elaine Finn for Nea (54).

Muinebheag: Emma Power; Sarah Jane Burke, Chloe Cody, Orla Bowler; Sarah Foley, Emma Cody, Róisín Meaney; Sinead McCullagh, Rebecca Kelly; Eimear Lillis, Ali Cushen, Maeve Lawless; Emma Lillis, Eve Sinnott, Emma Byrne. Subs used: Georgina Byrne, Molly O’Dwyer, Katie Tinstead.

Ref: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny).