Ballincollig 0-14

Ballygarvan 0-10

JJ HURLEY REPORTS

A LATE Ballincollig rally broke Ballygarvan hearts after a titanic struggle in the SE Systems Premier Intermediate Camogie final at the MTU grounds on Friday night.

In a game where both sides gave their all, four unanswered points in the final ten minutes – including two from Cork U16 captain Leah Hannigan – proved decisive.

It was Ballygarvan who opened the scoring, with Catriona Kelly providing the assist for Molly Kelleher to send over the opening point. Ballincollig’s response was immediate as team captain Linda Dorgan levelled the game before Olivia O’Leary edged her side in front after three minutes.

Seven minutes later, the sides were level again when Rachel O’Regan fired over an outstanding individual point. With the game played at a frantic pace, Michaella Buckley restored Ballygarvan’s lead with a superb strike that split the posts.

But the Muskerry girls had no intention of going away, and two points – including one from Sorcha McCarthy – had them back in front on 18 minutes.

After both defences had stood firm, Buckley raced through for the Carrigdhoun side, only to see her shot saved. Kelly, who worked tirelessly throughout, drew her team level on 21 minutes, but the parity was short-lived as Dorgan found the target once more.

Again, Ballygarvan fought back, with Cliona O’Leary raising a white flag five minutes before the break to leave the sides level at 0-5 apiece.

Ballincollig substitute Hannigan made an immediate impact after the restart, opening the scoring for the second half with a fine point. Rachel O’Regan replied on 35 minutes, but Hannigan quickly added her second soon after.

With the sides continuing to trade scores, it was 0-9 each by the 44th minute as Kelly remained central to Ballygarvan’s challenge. Approaching the 50th minute, Molly Kelleher had a glorious chance to score, but her shot was saved as she was upended. Appeals for a penalty from the Ballygarvan sideline were waved away by the referee.

As Hannigan and O’Regan exchanged scores, the sides were level with eight minutes remaining before Hannigan edged Ballincollig ahead again.

Ballygarvan found it increasingly difficult to break down the Ballincollig defence, and late points from Hannigan (1) and Dorgan (2) sealed the win. Ballincollig finished with a flourish and deservedly lifted the Nano Nagle Trophy.

Scorers

Ballincollig: L Dorgan 0-6 (1f); L Hannigan 0-5 (1f); T Goulding 0-2; S McCarthy 0-1.

Ballygarvan: C Kelly 0-4 (3f, 1 45); R O’Regan 0-3; M Kelleher, M Buckley, C O’Leary 0-1 each.

Ballincollig: A Hartnett; A Cotter, M Healy, C O’Sullivan; O Keating, L Weste, E Hickey; A Scanlon, S Healy; K Goulding, I Fleury, O O’Leary; S McCarthy, L Dorgan, T Goulding.

Subs: L Hannigan for O O’Leary, B Cuniffe for S Healy (both ht).

Ballygarvan: S Ahern; L Casey, K Dorney, A Bowen; S Finn, E O’Regan, E Casey; C O’Leary, L Casey; R O’Regan, C Kelly, E Kelleher; M Buckley, M Kelleher, H Sweeney.

Subs: N Crowley for H Sweeney (47), E O’Halloran for E Kelleher (53), S Lyons for S Finn (55), S A O’Halloran for E Casey (54).

Referee: Cathal McAllister (Aghada).