Errigal Derry Senior Camogie Championship Final
Swatragh 1-12 Slaughtneil 0-13
SWATRAGH ended the 10 in-a-row hopes of neighbours Slaughtneil when they claimed their first Derry camogie title since 2005 in Watty Graham Park.
Played in glorious conditions, the underdogs scored the all-important goal just before the break when a long delivery from Emma Quinn ended in the net. The winners were never behind as they led from the opening minute until Slaughtneil levelled in the final quarter. However, with Mairead McNicholl outstanding from placed balls, Swatragh responded to spark supporter and player celebrations.
Slaughtneil were outstanding champions but they struggled without the influential Tina Bradley and will rue a number of missed opportunities in the second half including a penalty that was saved by Niamh McQuillan.
It was McNicholl who opened the scoring with the game’s first two points as they opened up a three point lead, Shannon Kearney also getting in on the scoring. By the end of the opening quarter it was 0-6 to 0-2, Swatragh much the sharper and showing great hunger as they tried to knock down that winning door they have been knocking on these last number of years.
Cliona Mullholland kept Slaughtneil in touch with frees and just two points separated the sides when Quinn sent the sliotar goalwards, but it slipped out of Josine McMullan’s hand and over the line. The final two points of the half went the way of the reigning champions, but it was advantage Swatragh 1-9 to 0-9.
Three successive points from Slaughtneil had the game level into the final quarter, Brid Rogers and two from Mulholland. In that period, McQuillan stood firm to deny Aoife NiChaiside from a penalty.
The reigning champions had opportunities to move ahead but it was Swatragh who took their chances, McNicholl with three converted frees moving them clear. Olivia Rafferty reduced it back to two and McQuillan pulled off another fine stop to make sure the day belonged to Swatragh and a first title in 19 years.
Swatragh: Niamh McQuillan; Ellie McCartney, Niamh Quinn, Cliodhna Turner; Noeleen McKenna, Grainne McAtamney, Chloe Bradley; Bronagh McCullagh, Dervla O’Kane 0-1; Emma Quinn 1-0, Mairead McNicholl 0-9 (8f), Aoibheann Mullan 0-1; Shauna Quinn, Shannon Kearney 0-1, Eimear Murray.
Slaughtneil: Josine McMullan; Dervlagh McGuigan, Ceat McEldowney, Carla McEldowney; Bridin McAllister, Aoife NiChaiside, Cliodhna NiMhianain; Sinead Mellon 0-1 (f), Cliona Mulholland 0-6 (f); Olivia Rafferty 0-3, Lucy McKaigue 0-1, Faoiltiarna Burke; Caoimhe Kearney, Brid Rogers 0-1, Aoibh Mulholland 0-1.
