Nab lift Minor League Cup
08 Sep 2005

The Nab's minor team were 'seeing double' when they overcame a spirited challenge from neighbours Granemore in their last minor league. There was a lot at stake for the St Brenda's cailini as a defeat would have opened up the league for a possible playoff. But the Nab girls were in no mood to end their unbeaten run and won comfortably in the end after an evenly matched first quarter.

It was sharpshooter Louise Toner who finally broke through a determined Granemore defence when she scored a lovely point from play. The skilful Mairead McClelland followed this up soon after with a pointed free and then Louise Toner was on hand to pounce for her first goal. Aideen Canavan fielded a long ball in from Mairead minutes later to round her player and score a great point. Granemore fought back and raided upfield on several occasions but were thwarted by the excellent Orla O’Hare at full back and the very impressive Sinead Murphy at right full back. Granemore finally broke through to score 2 late points, but Colleen McGuigan (pointed free) and again Louise Toner (goal) were on hand to finish off the first half.

Half time: Bnab 2-4 Gmore 0-2

The second half saw St Brenda’s with a strong wind behind them and they powered their way home to the leaguer title. Petrina Cosgrove who entered the fray at half time was always dangerous and finished off with a personal tally of 2-1. Mairead McClelland continued to threaten everytime she was in possession and scored one of the best points of the game following a great pass out of defence from Aileen McParland. Carina McKee had a great game and took a nice point while Natalie Gray showed her scoring prowess by taking a lovely point from a very tight angle. Louise Toner took her personal tally to 2-2 with the last point of the game.

Final score: Bnab 4-10 GMore 0-3

Una Kearney was a very efficient referee.This was an excellent team performance where every girl played her part to the full. This was a great double-title year richly deserved by this talented and committed bunch of players. Particular mention goes to Louise Toner, Sinead Murphy, Orla O’Hare, Edel McParland, Geraldine Gray, Colleen McGuigan, Carina McKee, Mairead McClelland and Petrina Cosgrove who had excellent games.

A delighted Captain Catherine Toner proudly accepted the Minor League cup from County Board representative Bebe Devlin who paid tribute to both teams for a fine display of skilful, fast and sporting camogie.