Kilmessan's memorable hat-trick of camogie titles

If there was an example needed to show just how important it is for any team to make a bright start to a game it was demonstrated in Saturday evening's Senior Camogie final at Ashbourne. The reigning champions Kilmessan started like an express train and only briefly slowed up as they steamed their way to another title, their third successive crown under current coach John Watters (pictured). It was looking ominous for Trim after just six minutes when Kilmessan's Frances Lynch got to the end of a centre from Aisling McLoughlin to slot the ball home. That put their team 1-2 to 0-0 ahead and already the foundations were laid for ultimate success. By half-time Kilmessan's lead had stretched further, 1-9 to 0-2. With 44 minutes played Lynch and under-age player Tara Murphy combined to set up Katie Ni Choilean for Kilmessan's second goal to leave it 2-11 to 1-4 at that stage. That score was soon followed by a third Kilmessan goal from Murphy, who finished off a move that involved Megan Ni Choilean and McLoughlin. Shortly after that Laura Irwin lofted in a ball into the Trim square there was Megan Ni Choiléan to rifle home a fine goal and put the issue beyond doubt with 11 minutes of normal time remaining. Watters, along with his trusty assistants Ann McLoughlin and Ann Gorman, had this Kilmessan team finely tuned for the challenge. Even the combination of the wet slippery conditions and a spirited performance from Trim couldn't prevent them from wrapping up another title. "The girls informed me this was Kilmessan's 15th final and they did well today, but they lost six of those finals so they know about the disappointment of defeat as well," said Watters. "A good start is half the battle and the girls kicked on from there. You can see they are a good bunch, they work so hard together. Every year they come back there's no counting medals, it's all about this year." Ailbhe Lynch was nominated the 'player-of-the-match' there was no shortage of candidates including Aileen Donnelly who fired over 10 points, two from play with Lynch, Katie Ni Choilean and Murphy others to split the posts. For a brief few minutes early in the second-half Trim looked like they might stage a remarkable comeback. The excellent Christine Fagan slotted over a point just after half-time. With 33 minutes on the clock Fagan neatly passed to the skilful Lynn Winters who fired to the net from close range. Those scores left Kilmessan leading by 'only' 1-9 to 1-3 and there was the tantalising prospect of a Trim revival. That brief uprising was comprehensively put down. While Fagan, who had a penalty saved by Kilmessan's netminder Noreen Sheridan, Katie Hackett and Winters did well for Trim their goalkeeper Anne Cole also stood out executing a series of fine saves. Aisling Fagan also played her part with a late goal. She couldn't prevent her side from losing to a Kilmessan outfit eager for their three-in-row. Kilmessan - Noreen Sheridan; Ciara Ni Choilean, Alison Lynch, Etaoin Doyle; Sarah Ross, Ailbhe Lynch, Tracey King; Frances Lynch (1-1), Laura Irwin; Stephanie Horan, Katie Ni Choilean (1-1), Aileen Donnelly (0-10 four frees, four '45s'); Megan Ni Choilean (1-0), Aisling McLoughlin, Tara Murphy (1-1). Subs - Karan Ward for Ciara Ni Choilean 43 mins, Caoimhe O'Leary for Tracey King 53m, Lisa Tyrrell for Horan 53m, Emma Fitzgerald for Irwin 56m, Michelle Horan for Katie Ni Choilean 58m. Trim - Anne Cole; Darina Smith, Emma McNally, Sharon Campbell; Hayley Kennedy, Sharon Hilliard, Alma Walsh; Ciara Ashe, Sarah O'Halloran; Katie Hackett, Lynn Winters (1-1), Edel Guy; Niamh Guy, Dearbhla Clarke, Christine Fagan (0-3, two frees). Subs - Aisling Fagan (1-0) for Winters 52mins, Linda Telford (0-1) for Guy 52m, Emma Reilly for Smith 53m. Referee - Christy Mangan (Blackhall Gaels).