Na Fianna lose out by the narrowest of margins
Na Fianna’s brave second half comeback fell just short as they were denied at least a shot at a deserved extra time period by Caoimhe Jordan’s 60th minute winning point in Leinster Intermediate Camogie Championship semi-final at Baconstown on Saturday.
Myshall ended up winning the game on a 0-8 to 0-7 margin.
Na Fianna had left the two umpires idle at the Myshall goal during the first half, it looked like they were going to have to revert to plan B in the second half to break down the Myshall defence and get the flags raised.
The saying of "a game of two halves" was most definitely on display in Baconstown. Na Fianna hit plan B from the throw in and the belief that an early score in this half would show a completely different approach to their game.
Erin Leddy's 34th minute point from a free was a welcome score for both her teammates and the home spectators, she quickly followed that with a score from play and suddenly the momentum was in full flow for the home side with the assistance of the wind.
Leddy converted another free in the 39th minute to continue the pressure.
A well take free from the left sideline in the 41st minute by Ciara Quirke got the Carlow champions on the scoreboard in the second half, but they had a major let off shortly after.
The Carlow keeper denied Maire Kirby a well worked shot which fell nicely to Kerrie Cole who looked certain to score on the rebound only for Myshall to somehow scramble the sliotar out of the danger area. Na Fianna's consolation was a well taken 45 from Na Fianna's only scorer on the day - Leddy.
More frees helped Na Fianna claw back the score margin with Leddy adding frees in the 48th and 54th minutes to leave just the minimum between the teams and when she scored again in the 58th minute the home crowd again began to rally behind them, could the girls get that all important winner?
With the flow of play in their favor it seemed only a matter of time.
However, in the 60th when Caoimhe Jordan struck the sliotar all eyes were on the posts to see which side it travelled past, a joyous Jordon left the crowd in no doubt that it was between the posts.
Na Fianna gave one last push during a very brief injury time period, but a solid Myshall defense was to strong to break through and the final whistle was no doubt a welcoming sound to the Myshall players.
NA FIANNA - Niamh Kirby; Sophia Payne, Claire Coffey, Aisling Byrne, Gracie Grehan, Eimear Fagan, Leah Devine; Shauna Ennis, Aoife Carey; Sophie Healy, Erin Leddy 0-7 (5fs, 1’45), Katie Kelly, Maire Kirby, Aedin Slattery, Brooke Flynn. Subs: Kerrie Cole for Kelly, h/t; Aine Kirby for Healy, 43.
MYSHALL - Laura James; Kira Nolan, Michelle Nolan, Gillian Doyle, Aine Nolan, Kate Nolan, Rhiannon Kenny; Tara Wilson, Breege Nolan 0-1; Sarah Sheehan 0-1, Caoimhe Jordan 0-1, Amie Nolan 0-1, Ali Ruschitzko, Ciara Quirke 0-4 (3fs, 1’45), Emma Coogan. Subs: Therese Nolan for K Nolan, 30; Kim Doyle for Amie Nolan, 54.
REFEREE - Liz Dempsey.