BARRYROE basked in the summer sun as they captured the Cork camogie junior A league title in style, beating Bride Rovers 1-16 to 1-6.

BY CIARA WHELTON

Having already met Bride earlier in the campaign, Barryroe knew they were facing a strong and determined outfit in Castle Road on Saturday evening, but the Carbery team rose to the occasion.

Barryroe produced an excellent display of skill, teamwork and physicality against a hardworking Bride Rovers side.

Roisín Ní Bhuachalla settled Barryroe with a brilliant point from a 45. Scores were hard-earned in the opening stages as both sides battled fiercely to gain possession and work the ball up the pitch. Cliona Harte added another fine point before Meabh O’Sullivan linked up well in a strong passage of play. Bride Rovers responded with a pointed free to open their tally.

Roisín Ní Bhuachalla continued her scoring form with a point from play along with three converted frees for Barryroe. Caoimhe Ní Bhuachalla then got in on the action with a well-taken point following excellent work from Jill McCarthy.

Bride Rovers added another free before Caoimhe Ní Bhuachalla closed out the first-half scoring with another point, leaving Barryroe in control at the break on a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-2.

Despite the advantage, Barryroe were made to work hard for every score by a determined Bride Rovers side.

Barryroe started the second half brightly with Cliona Harte splitting the posts to extend the lead. Roisín Ní Bhuachalla once again proved reliable from placed balls, converting another free before Bride Rovers replied with a pointed free of their own.

The crucial moment of the game arrived when Roisín Ní Bhuachalla found the back of the net following an excellent passage of play involving Sarah Harte, Eimear Whelton and Louise Coleman, with Barryroe moving the ball brilliantly through the field. Hannah Whelton also got on the scoresheet after a clever pass from Shona Fleming.

Bride Rovers continued to battle and added another free, but Barryroe’s defence stood strong throughout the half. Lucy Kirby and Kate Whelton did tremendous work protecting goalkeeper Meabhdh Sexton, while Grace Tobin delivered a pinpoint strike up the field which resulted in another point for Roisín Ní Bhuachalla.

Substitute Seodhna Walsh made an instant impact after coming on, setting up Cliona Harte for another fine point. Sarah Harrington also impressed with excellent hooking, blocking and tireless work around the pitch.

Caoimhe Ní Bhuachalla produced one of the scores of the evening with a terrific point from a difficult angle near the far left corner of the pitch. Bride Rovers added another free before Roisín Ní Bhuachalla rounded off Barryroe’s scoring with a final converted free.

There was still late drama as Bride Rovers were awarded a penalty in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Meabhdh Sexton pulled off an outstanding save, tipping the ball over the bar to deny a goal and cap off a tremendous defensive display from Barryroe.

The final whistle sparked great celebrations as Barryroe, captained by Grace Tobin and Sarah Harte, were crowned junior A league winners.

Scorers for Barryroe were Roisín Ní Bhuachalla 1-8, Cliona Harte 0-3, Caoimhe Ní Bhuachalla 0-4, and Hannah Whelton 0-1.