Mayo camogie club claim back-to-back county title

Westport were crowned county champions on a full time score of 5-9 to 2-6. The Clew Bay ladies claimed a second successive Galway County Championship title with an impressive 12-point victory over Mullagh in the Junior B final at Kilconieron on Saturday afternoon.

Having stepped up a grade following last season’s championship success, Westport produced another determined team performance to overcome a spirited Mullagh side and round off an excellent campaign in style.

Westport wasted little time in settling into the contest, with Méabh Tunney and Christina McEvilly firing over points from play inside the opening two minutes. The early exchanges were keenly contested, but Westport’s movement and sharpness in attack soon began to cause problems for the Mullagh defence.

Mullagh opened their account through midfielder Aedin Garvey, while her midfield partner Leanne Fahy added a point from a free. Full forward Emma Briscoe was also on target as Mullagh worked hard to stay in touch.

Westport, however, were beginning to make their opportunities count. Lisa Scahill struck for the first of her three goals, before Christina McEvilly followed with another. It was Fionnuala Mclaughlin who then found the net as Westport established a commanding advantage. Amy Murray also contributed a point from play as Westport continued to press forward, combining some excellent attacking camogie with a strong work rate throughout the field.

Mullagh refused to let the contest slip away and were rewarded when Shauna Coen found the net shortly before the interval. Her goal provided a timely boost for the Galway side and reduced the deficit to six points, with Westport taking a 3-3 to 1-3 lead into the break.

The second half saw Westport resume with renewed purpose, showing greater urgency in possession and continuing to put the Mullagh defence under pressure. Scahill was again at the heart of Westport’s attacking play, adding two further goals and two points over the course of the contest to finish with an outstanding personal tally of 3-2. Her ability to find space and make the most of scoring opportunities proved a major factor in Westport’s victory.

Westport continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over, with Méabh Tunney, Amy Murray, Fionnuala McLaughlin and Áine Regan all contributing points as they stretched their advantage.

Mullagh continued to battle hard and enjoyed periods of possession, with Emma Briscoe among their scorers and Shauna Coen adding two late points. However, Westport’s defence stood firm when called upon, closing down space and working tirelessly to prevent Mullagh from building any sustained momentum. With Westport firmly in control entering the closing stages, there was no let up in their intensity or determination as they saw out the contest to secure a deserved victory.

Scahill’s outstanding contribution was recognised when she was named Player of the Match, a fitting reward for a superb individual display in a strong all round team performance.

There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as Westport’s joint captains, Eimear Geraghty and Ava Lambert, proudly lifted the county cup, sparking celebrations among players, management and supporters.

For a club that only fielded its first adult camogie team in 2020, securing back to back county titles marks another significant milestone in Westport Camogie’s continued growth and development.

Starting Team - Ruth Crowley, Heidi O’Malley, Ruby Lambert, Megan O’Malley, Kate Scahill, Emily Kelly, Eimear Geraghty, Meabh Tunney, (0-2) Sorcha McCarney, Amy Murray (0-2), Fionnuala McLaughlin (1-1), Aine Regan (0-1), Christina McEvilly (1-1), Lisa Scahill (3-2), Annie McGreevy

Substitutes - Rebecca Hastings, Aine Gallagher, Dearbhla Rooney, Lara Furlong, Mary Kate McHale, Molly Farrell, Roisin Quirke, Niamh Twohig, Ailbhe Gavin, Katlyn McGreal, Annaleigh Kelly, Katie Hughes, Eimear Jennings, Róisín Toland, Amy Hastings, Naomi Crowe, Doireann Guilfoyle, Moya Flynn, Laura Galvin, Ava Lambert