Bishopstown 3-10

Sliabh Rua 0-18

JJ HURLEY REPORTS

SLIABH Rua suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the camogie intermediate league final at Church Road, as Bishopstown snatched victory in the closing minutes of a contest the Carrigdhoun side had looked set to win.

Leading by six points with seven minutes remaining, Sliabh Rua appeared to have one hand on the trophy after points from Kayleigh Murphy, Caoimhe O’Donnell and Emma MacSweeney stretched their advantage to 0-17 to 1-8.

However, two goals in as many minutes from Maeve Scannell turned the game on its head, bringing Bishopstown level on 56 minutes.

Hannah Deasy responded immediately with a point to edge Sliabh Rua back in front, but late scores from Scannell and Kate Richardson ultimately secured victory for the city side.

Sliabh Rua made an excellent start to the final. After Julie Scally opened the scoring for Bishopstown, points from Niamh Nash, Caoimh Horgan and Emma MacSweeney helped the Clontead outfit establish a two-point advantage.

Abbey O’Brien, who was influential throughout the opening half, set up MacSweeney for another score before MacSweeney added a further point to leave Sliabh Rua leading 0-5 to 0-2 after nine minutes.

O’Brien then got her name on the scoresheet before Hannah Deasy opened her account as Sliabh Rua continued to dictate matters.

Although Hannah Hayes produced a fine save midway through the half, she could do little to prevent Natasha Barrett finding the net from the rebound. Sliabh Rua responded well, with Deasy extending the lead to 0-8 to 1-2.

MacSweeney continued to cause problems for the Bishopstown defence and was unfortunate not to find the net after being picked out by a delightful Kayleigh Murphy pass, only for Marian O’Neill to tip the effort behind for a 45.

Further scores from Deasy and MacSweeney pushed Sliabh Rua further ahead before Cork minor Caoimh Horgan and O’Brien added points approaching half-time.

Niamh O’Donoghue replied for Bishopstown, but Sliabh Rua deservedly went to the break leading 0-12 to 1-4.

The second half was a tighter affair as both defences gained the upper hand. The Sliabh Rua full-back line, led by Claire Bernard, proved particularly resilient as Bishopstown attempted to work their way back into contention.

Scores from O’Donoghue and Scannell reduced the deficit, but MacSweeney replied with two frees to keep Sliabh Rua in control. A Scannell free and a Bishopstown 45 left just a goal between the sides with ten minutes remaining, but Sliabh Rua again responded impressively.

Murphy, O’Donnell and MacSweeney all pointed to open up a six-point advantage and put the Carrigdhoun side within touching distance of county honours.

But just when victory seemed within reach, Scannell struck twice in quick succession to level matters. Deasy restored Sliabh Rua's lead moments later, only for Bishopstown to finish strongly through Scannell and Richardson and claim the title.

It was a cruel ending for Sliabh Rua, particularly after the disappointment of losing last year's county final to Ballinascarthy on the same ground. Nevertheless, their performance throughout the campaign suggests this talented group will remain contenders for major honours.

Scorers 

Bishopstown: M Scannell 2-3 (1f); N Barrett 1-0; N O’Donoghue 0-3 (1f, 1 45); J Scally 0-2; K Richardson 0-1.

Sliabh Rua: E MacSweeney 0-7 (3f); H Deasy 0-5; C Horgan, A O’Brien (0-2 each); K Murphy, C O’Donnell, N Nash (0-1 each).

Bishopstown: M O'Neill; A Linehan, A Ní Dheasmhúnaigh, S Walsh; A Ahern, F Kinsella, A Walsh; E O'Sullivan, S Walsh; J Scally, N O'Donoghue, K Richardson; N Stephens, N Barrett, M Ní Fhrighil; M Scannell.

Subs: Orla Coffey, M Scannell, H Walsh.

Sliabh Rua: H Hayes; A Sheehan, C Bernard, A Coleman; A Halpin, K Murphy, C O'Donnell; C O'Mahony, L Kelleher; A O'Brien, H Deasy, C Horgan; E MacSweeney, J O'Leary, N Nash.

Sub: E Rath.

Referee: S Spillane.