Drom pip Annacarty in extra time replay

CAMOGIE: Tipperary Senior League Final Replay

Drom & Inch 2-11

Eire Og Annacarty 1-13

(After Extra Time)

Drom & Inch were crowned County Senior League champions on Sunday at the Ragg after another nail-biting encounter with Eire Og Annacarty which needed extra time.

Like the drawn game seven days previous, the two sides were once again evenly matched, and supporters were treated to a thrilling contest.

Annacarty deservedly led by two points at half time, 0-6 to 0-4, as the scores came that little bit easier. They continued to lead midway through the second half, 0-8 to 0-6 before Drom struck for 1-2 without reply to suddenly go a goal up and really spring the game into life. Patricia McGrath finished to the net after a great move started in midfield, while Miriam Campion who had a great battle throughout with Shauna Heffernan, pointed to swing the momentum in Drom’s favour.

Annacarty didn’t panic and with Jean Kelly now on as a second half substitute they were still full of running. In the 52nd minute the impressive Niamh Ryan goaled to extend Drom’s lead to five points.

There was more drama minutes later when Drom were reduced to fourteen players after Aine Greed received a second yellow card with her side ahead 2-8 to 0-10.

A point from Eibhlis McDonald, her second, made it a three-point game before Siobhan O’Neill managed to bundle the ball over the line after a goalmouth ruck – 2-8 to 1-11 and we were heading to extra time.

Drom & Inch started the brighter in extra time with Antoinette Kennedy and Niamh Ryan (free) both pointing. Eibhlis McDonald scored her third point before Joanne Ryan and Siobhan O’Neill (free) exchanged scores to leave Drom one point up at the break, 2-11 to 1-13.

Tired bodies and minds in the second period meant neither side scored meaning Drom & Inch ran out winners after a tough and exciting battle.

Eire Og Annacarty were brilliant over the two games and really took the game to Drom & Inch on both occasions and bought out the best in the county league champions. They will rue missed chances in the second period of extra time with a few opportunities from placed balls going narrowly wide.

The steely full backline for Drom & Inch of Maria Connolly, Christina Brennan and Maureen Ryan made life very difficult for the Annacarty attack. Miriam Campion and Niamh Ryan were a constant threat up front while Caroline Shanahan and Katie O’Dwyer bought real energy and aggression into the middle of the field.

For Annacarty Orla O’Brien, Ciannait Walsh and Eilish McDonald were very good throughout while Jean Kelly made a big impact when introduced. Both sides can look ahead to the championship with lots of enthusiasm after an excellent league campaign.

Drom & Inch: Trisha McGrath, Maria Connolly, Christina Brennan, Maureen Ryan, Eimear Cahill, Aine Ryan, Aine Greed, Niamh Long (0-1), Caroline Shanahan, Niamh Ryan (1-4, 3f, Antoinette Kennedy (0-1), Miriam Campion (0-3), Anne Eviston (0-2), Patricia McGrath (1-0).

Eire Og Annacarty: Aoife Butler, Karen Fox, Mary O’Dwyer, Orlagh Walsh, Shauna Heffernan, Laura Heffernan, Sorcha White, Orla O’Brien (0-1), Ciannait Walsh, Eilish McDonald (0-3), Siobhan O’Neill (1-6, 0-6f), Cora Heffernan (0-1), Eva O’Dwyer, Leah Heffernan (0-1), Ciara Slattery (0-1).