A devastating comeback from Inagh/Kilnamona was enough for them as they denied Sixmilebridge a place in the PK Travel Clare Senior Camogie Championship Final.
Inagh/Kilnamona 1-10
Sixmilebridge 1-08
Venue: Clarecastle
Inagh/Kilnamona got the fright of their lives as it looked like they were set to exit the championship, however they came good at the final ten minutes as Sixmilebridge’s challenge faded at a crucial juncture in the game. Such was the scare that Fiona Laffery was sprung from the bench in the final quarter for her first championship appearance of the year.
Sixmilebridge were the happier of the sides heading in at half-time with an Olivia Phelan goal the difference between the teams at the break. Inamona built up a two point lead inside the first quarter but the goal along with points from Sláine Carey, Chloe Morey and Phelan put the Bridge back in front despite playing against the breeze.
Sinead O’Loughlin got on the end of a goalmouth scramble to put the sliotar past Aine McNamara and get the sides back on level terms with forty five minutes on the clock. Two Chloe Morey frees were cancelled out by efforts from Aoife Keane and Amy Keating.
Andrea O’Keeffe put Inamona in front on the fifty seventh minute and substitute Fiona Lafferty converted a 45 to seal the win and send the North Clare outfit into the County Final for the second year in succession.
Crucially Sixmilebridge failed to score in the final eight minutes of the contest as Inamona took the game from them. Their exit from the championship is crushing but overall they showed that they are still a force in Clare Camogie and must come back stronger in 2017.
Margaret Lafferty’s charges are now licking their lips at the prospect of dethroning Newmarket-on-Fergus in the biggest game of the year. This victory showed true character and it will give them powerful momentum heading into the decider. By playing Fiona Lafferty Inamona may have let the ace slip from their sleeve but the manner of their victory will keep the Blues on their toes for their meeting in two weeks.
Inagh/Kilnamona: Rebecca Keating: Orlaith Cotter, Siobhan Lafferty, Michelle Wynne; Teresa O’Keeffe, Clare Hehir, Laoise Ryan; Sinead Quinn, Andrea O’Keeffe (0-1); Tara Rynne, Sinead O’Loughlin (1-0), Jane Fitzgerald; Aoife Keane (0-3), Amy Keating (0-4), Laura Rynne (0-1). Subs: Sinead Power for T. Rynne, Helen Hehir for O’Loughlin, Clare Commane for Fitzgerald, Fiona Lafferty (0-1) for L. Rynne
Sixmilebridge: Aine McNamara; Karen Gallagher, Maire, Deanna Considine; Saoirse Young, Emma Kennedy, Keelin Lyons; Rachel Kelly, Katie Connors; Mary O’Connor, Slaine Carey, Aoife Hurley; Olivia Phelan, Chloe Morey, Aiveen O’Shea.
Referee: John Dolan (Clarecastle)
