Donnelly goal earns Kilmessan reprieve

Aileen Donnelly's goal with just seconds of three added minutes remaining rescued Kilmessan's All-Ireland Junior Club Camogie title hopes and earned a draw (1-4 each) with Clanmaurice at Crettyard today.

The replay will take place next Sunday with the venue to be confirmed.

It was tough on Clanmaurice, who had already made history by becoming the first Kerry club to reach a Camogie club decider.

They failed to capitalise on a complete dominance in the opening quarter, and their tally of six first-half wides with the wind behind them, in comparison to two for Kilmessan in that period was significant in such a tight game.

Even though Kilmessan never led, the champions of 2014 grew into the game however and had the majority of the possession for the last 40 minutes. Had they failed to reel in their opponents, they would have rued their inability to translate that superiority into scores.

They found full-back Niamh Leen leading a wonderfully stout defensive effort while behind her, goalkeeper Alanna Maunsell pulled off two excellent saves.

The driving rain and bitter cold made it very difficult for the players though they emptied themselves completely in what was always going to be a slog. The Crettyard pitch stood up to the elements brilliantly but this was a test of character unlike any other.

It looked like Clanmaurice might race away when Patrice Diggin slotted three points inside seven minutes. They should have been further clear though and gradually Kilmessan settled into the fray.

Kilmessan manager John Watters had started with Megan Thynne at full-forward but starved of possession, the speedy teenager was eventually relocated towards the middle third.

Donnelly hit a couple of points, which included one with the boot moments after being denied courageously by Maunsell and it was 0-3 to 0-2 at half time to the Kerry side.

Donnelly brought the teams level from a free but Diggin ended a 28-minute drought for Clanmaurice soon after.

Once more Donnelly replied, this time with a classy score on the run but Aoife Behan poked the sliotar to the Kilmessan net in the 59th minute.

Thynne almost carved out a couple of chances for other players and  she hand-passed to Donnelly for the sensational late equaliser.

Report by Daragh Ó Conchúir