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MEATH bounced back from their TG4 Leinster Ladies SFC defeat to champions Dublin with a 1-13 to 0-10 victory against Armagh in Sunday’s first round of All-Ireland qualifiers.

The Royals succumbed to rampant Dublin in the provincial semi-final but they showed good form at Kingspan Breffni Park on Sunday evening to account for Armagh by six points. Meath used the first half breeze to rack up a comfortable 0-13 to 0-4 lead and although the winners managed just a goal in the second half, it was enough to see off the challenge of the Orchard County.

Armagh lost to Tyrone in Ulster and appeared to be suffering from a provincial hangover as they trailed by nine points at half-time. Armagh did make a fight of it in the second half but Meath sealed the win when Gráinne Nulty goaled in the closing stages after Elaine Duffy’s penalty had been saved.

In the first game of a double-header at the Cavan venue, there was a dramatic finish as Down edged past Ulster rivals Donegal, with just a single point to spare. Down, Division 2 champions this year, squeezed home by 1-9 to 0-11 as Aileen Pyers landed the winning point in stoppage time. Donegal led by 0-5 to 0-2 at half-time but Down fought their way back into contention in the second half as Lisa Morgan struck for a superb individual goal just four minutes after the restart.

Michaela Downey and top-scorer Pyers stepped up to the mark as the Mourne County came on strong and it was Pyers who scored her fourth point in injury time to seal a sensational win and book Down’s place in round 2.
At Ballyshannon in Donegal, Sligo ran out 2-11 to 0-8 winners against fellow Connacht outfit Leitrim to book their place in the next round.

Stephanie O’Reilly led the charge for the Yeats County as the centre half forward contributed 2-3 of her side’s winning tally. Sligo led by 0-8 to 0-6 at half-time before O’Reilly burst into life with two goals within the opening five minutes of the second half to effectively seal the victory. Noelle Gormley was also central to this Sligo victory as she marked her return from injury with a fine display which yielded three points from play.
Gormley started the game on the bench but was brought on with just eleven minutes gone after Therese Marren was stretchered off.

Sligo produced an impressive display to bounce back from the Connacht championship defeat to Mayo and can now look forward to their next outing with renewed optimism.

ends

Results:

Sligo 2-11 Leitrim 0-8.
Down 1-9 Donegal 0-11.
Meath 1-13 Armagh 0-10.

***

Sligo scorers: S O’Reilly 2-3, N Gormley 0-3, S Melvin, T Marren, A Gormley, J Mulligan & B Byrne 0-1 each.

Leitrim scorers: M Reynolds 0-4f, D McDermott 0-2, S Fowley & S McManus 0-1.

***
Donegal scorers: A Doherty & N Hegarty 0-3 each, E Ward 0-2, K Guthrie, G McCafferty A O’Donnell 0-1 each.

Down scorers: L Morgan 1-1, A Pyers 0-4, K Trainor 0-2, O Fegan & M Downey 0-1 each.

***
Armagh scorers: C O’Hanlon & S O’Hagan 0-3 each, M Tennyson 0-2, C Malone & M McAlinden 0-1 each.

Meath scorers: G Nulty 1-1, E Duffy 0-4, G Doherty & J Ristin 0-3 each, A Bennett 0-1 & K O’Brien 0-1 each.

JOACHIM KELLY’S Offaly produced a sensational performance in Park Esler, Newry on Saturday blowing away the home side in a must-win Gala All Ireland junior championship tie – New Ireland Cup. Last year’s beaten All Ireland finalists needed the victory to qualify for the All Ireland semi-finals on August 8 and their 5-20 to 0-6 score against Down blew away selector Catherine Byrne.

“We were shell shocked with the performance. We needed to win, yes, but for whatever reason, the girls turned in a display we are waiting to see all year. If we had lost we were gone. The Down captain came to our dressing room afterwards and admitted they weren’t expecting this at all.”

Down are Division Three league champions so this was a brilliant result for Offaly who are due to meet Leinster neighbours Meath in a mouth-watering penultimate round. Their trip up north was decided at half time when they led 2-12 to 0-3 following a brace of goals from Siobhán Flannery. In total control they added three more from Michelle Davis, Tina Hannon and sub Aoife Corrigan.

The other semi-final involves Waterford – table toppers in Group One – against Laois who finished second to the Royals in Group Two. The O’Moore side travelled to Loughgiel needing a draw to qualify and they duly obliged, tying with Antrim 2-9 after a tremendously exciting contest. Trish Cuddy and Amy O’Callaghan netted the all-important green flags for the Laois girls.

Waterford strengthened their position for a first All Ireland junior title with an emphatic triumph over a visiting Dublin side to Dunhill (5-11 to 0-4). Of the four teams remaining in the competition the Déise are the only county to have finished on full points. With the in-form Karen Kelly, Áine Lyng and Áine Breathnach doing the damage amassing 5-5 between them, they will be eyeing a first showdown in Croke Park on September 13.

Elsewhere, the All Ireland minor final on August 9 will be a repeat of last year after Clare turned the tables on Cork and holders Kilkenny, going for a massive four-in-a-row, overcame Tipperary, both games at Kilmallock.

Clare, who did the job minus their coach Davy Fitzgerald, pipped Cork by a single point in a thrilling contest (1-9 to 0-11). This was the third meeting of the teams this year with the plaudits going Leeside on the two previous occasions. The Cats had a more convincing victory over Tipperary, 5-15 to 3-4.

Meanwhile the All Ireland minor B final will be contested by Waterford and Limerick.

All Ireland minor camogie semi-final, Clare v Cork, Kilmallock, Sunday 3.30pm

Davy Fitzgerald is disappointed to miss this fixture as he will be caught up with the Waterford senior hurlers in Semple Stadium. Davy is coach to the Clare minor team, however manager Fintan McNamara knows only too well what Cork are capable of after being beaten twice already by the Rebels this season.
Senior players Chloe Morey and Shonagh Enright will have to be on top of their game to deny an impressive Cork team that includes rising stars, twins Katrina and Pamela Mackey. Clare have never won a minor title, although they did get to the final last year.

All Ireland minor camogie semi-final, Tipperary v Kilkenny, Kilmallock, Sunday 1.45pm

Up to last year Kilkenny dominated underage camogie claiming seven All Ireland titles in four years at U16 and minor level. However, they have already relinquished their U16 crown to Galway, so they will be keen not to bow out to easily against neighbours Tipperary.
Shelly Farrell and Denise Gaule are in exceptional scoring form this season, and if they combine the Premier County will have it all to do. Still, Tipperary has performed well in all their games with Cait Devane a player to watch out for in attack, and they will be boosted by reaching the U16 decider earlier this summer.

Madden’s Laura McGuiness will represent Ulster in the All-Ireland Poc Fada series after she picked up the Ulster title on Saturday. McGuiness put in a fine performance to defeat last year’s champion Aidenne Mullan from Swatragh.

There was double joy for Derry as Swatragh teenager Shannon Kearney picked up the Ulster Under-16 Poc Fada crown. While Swatragh hurler Ruari Convery picked up the Senior Ulster Hurling Poc Fada title, he will now progress to the All-Ireland stage.

by Niamh Archibald

Down suffered a three point defeat at the hands of Waterford in the Gala Junior ‘New Ireland Cup’ Championship.

Down manager Joe Baldwin was left wondering what could have been as his side was denied a goal, the referee signaling for a square-ball after Catherine McGourty’s long range effort hit the back of the net.

“During the course of the game there are critical moments and two of them went against us on Saturday. In the lead up to their second goal there was a throw ball which wasn’t picked up and we we’re punished for a square ball despite no one else touching Catherine’s free.

“It is disappointing to lose in that manner but there were other chances for us, we just didn’t take them. It all comes down to next week; it’s ‘do or die’ camogie. The talent is in the panel, we just have to perform better if we are to progress,” said Baldwin.

There was joy for both Tyrone and Armagh in the Gala Junior ‘Nancy Murray Cup’ Championship. Both teams recorded victories and set up a possible all Ulster Semi-Final on the 8th August.

Armagh sealed an emphatic two point victory over Westmeath in what was a winner takes all clash and it was the home side who struck first with Paula Mallon slotting coolly over the bar. Westmeath responded immediately, Andrea Martin levelling things up with a long range effort and a Joanne Walsh goal put the visitors in the driving seat. Armagh found themselves with it all to do when Denise McGrath bagged a second goal, to give Westmeath an eight point lead at half-time. (Westmeath 2-5 vs 0-3 Armagh)

Armagh came out determined and confident that they could turn things around, Colette McSorley was very much the star of the show, her accuracy from the placed ball, as well as her skill to capitalise on the hard work of her teammates proved decisive. The sharp shooter scored 2-6 in the second-half to clinch a semi-final spot for the Orchard County.

“We’re delighted to be in the semi-finals the girls showed great heart and character and showed what they’re capable of on Saturday especially in then second-half. There’s still a lot to work on but we have achieved what we set out to do by reaching the semi-finals,” said Armagh manager Patsy MaGee.

Despite being at under strength, with only 16 players Tyrone claimed an impressive seven point victory over Kildare. Aisling Corr and Sinead O’Neill put in fine performances for the ‘Red Hands’ with Brenda Horsefield pulling off some great stops in goals.

Corr’s personal tally of 1.03 to helped to give Tyrone a four point lead at half-time, Tyrone’s defence battled well in the second-half, keeping Kildare to a single point. Tyrone’s hard work was rewarded once again when Sinead O’Neill added a goal and Catherine Hanna’s point set them up for the win.

“We’re delighted to be in the semi-final, there’s a possibility that we’ll face Armagh but whoever we face, we’ll be going out for the win and if possible give a good account of ourselves in the process. The girl’s all battled hard against Kildare, it was a tough match and we were under strength but everyone stepped up to the challenge and we’re delighted we managed to come away with the result. Hopefully we’ll be back to full strength for the semi-final and we’ll be able to progress,” said Tyrone captain Juile Lagan.

Derry’s Gala Intermediate ‘McGrath Cup’ Championship clash with Clare was called off; the Oak Leafs will face Galway on the 8th August for the chance to top the group.

Results:
Gala Junior ‘New Ireland Cup’ Championship: Down 0-11 vs 2-8 Waterford
Gala Junior ‘Nancy Murray Cup’ Championship: Tyrone 2-7 vs 1-3 Kildare, Armagh 2-9 vs 2-7 Westmeath

THREE weeks after being beaten by Kilkenny in their opening group game of the Gala All Ireland senior camogie championship, Tipperary showed there is plenty of fight left in the Premier County with their 2-12 to 1-10 victory over Dublin at Parnell Park on Saturday. The victory sets them up for their final group tie which will be an all-Munster affair against champions Cork at Páirc Ui Rinn on August 1.

With the Blues entertaining Kilkenny on the same day, there are many permutations to see who will qualify for the All Ireland semi-finals, especially if the Dubs can build on Saturday’s display. At one stage the home side were behind by 12 points, but a determined fight back in the closing quarter saw them hit 1-5 to Tipperary’s single point.

The sides were level on three occasions in a competitive opening half, but a cracking goal from Mairead Luttrell in injury time gave the visitors a distinct advantage going to the dressing room, 1-7 to 0-3. Upon the resumption, Dublin had to withstand a lot of pressure however points from Rachel Costello and Emer Lucey kept them in touch.

Tipperary struck again when Emily Hayden’s shot dipped under the crossbar to put them in a 2-11 to 0-5 lead. But Dublin, putting in one of their best performances in a while, stepped up to the challenge magnificently. A goal from Jean Murphy ignited the comeback followed by a flurry of points to leave them just five adrift, and plenty to ponder on.

Elsewhere, Clare collected their first set of point since being promoted to the senior ranks this year when they saw off Limerick by the narrowest of margins in Cusack Park, 2-8 to 1-10. This was a closely fought match, with just a point the difference as well at half time, 2-4 to 1-6.

A brace of goals from Fiona Lafferty and Claire Commane contributed to a strong first half for the Banner ladies, but Joanne Clifford ensured the Limerick girls were not too far off the mark with her green flag. It was nip and tuck for the closing 30 minutes, with the home team managing to hold out.

Clare are at home to Wexford in two weeks time and while the Slaneysiders will be favourites to go through to the penultimate stages along with Galway (who host Limerick), it will make for an interesting climax.

With the Ulster Final and Antrim’s fairytale progress stealing the headlines all week, pundits and supporters alike have missed out on the obvious fact that should Galway beat Mayo in Sunday’s Connacht Final, a plum draw awaits any unsuspecting gaels that should draw Mayo away in the qualifier. And no-one can accuse the local media of not pulling all the stops to market its attractions.

Mayo has long been regarded as one of Ireland’s most picturesque holiday destinations, with its proud oral tradition and legends of strong willed women, such as the pirate Granuaile, giving seamen around the western seaboard their full of it.

And any linguists with a cunning streak in them, could fit in a weekend’s visit to the Mayo gaeltacht with watching the football qualifier. Anything at all to stimulate our flaccid economy in these difficult times.

All this depends of course on Mayo losing the Connacht Final to arch rivals Galway. After their performances to date it would be a huge blow for Mayo to miss out on provincial glory. But Talking Balls is giving you the heads up – if Mayo lose, there could still be a good spurt from them in the qualifiers.

Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael has announced a separate awards scheme for players in the All Ireland junior championship grades. It will recognise player excellence in the Gala All Ireland junior championships as well as continuing the existing senior and intermediate All Star awards. The introduction of an additional recognition scheme means that junior players will be selected for an award based on their performances against players of a similar standard.

Players competing in the New Ireland Cup, the Nancy Murray Cup and the Máire Ní Chinnéide Cup will be eligible for this scheme. The current All Stars will continue to be awarded to players competing in the Gala All Ireland Senior and Intermediate championships (the O’Duffy and McGrath Cups).

Meanwhile, the selectors for the All Stars and the new recognition scheme for the Gala All Ireland junior championships have been ratified by Ardchomhairle.

Chairman of Munster Council, Waterford man Morgan Conroy chairs the selection panel. He will be joined by Maura McCloy (Derry), Máire Ui Scolaí (Dublin), Eamonn Browne (Tipperary), Bronagh Gaughan (Meath) and Sheila O’Donoghue (CCAO – Third Level Colleges’ Camogie Council). With the Gala championships well under way, the selectors will continue to be casting their eye over performances until the end of the season.

Some bangin' in Belfast if the Fabulous Baker Boys do the Business

Sometimes you wake up in a cold sweat and realize that what seemed to be real was just been a dream. Or was it? This week Antrim Gaels will dare to dream of what might be down in Clones. You can see it, can’t you. Every shade of saffron, from Gerry Adams to Alisdair McDonnell, to Billy Hutchinson to Nelson McCausland, all sitting in the VIP area with Danny Murphy and the boys. Well maybe not Nelson, you’d have more chance of seeing Nelson Mandela at an Ulster Final than that fool.

There’ll be busloads from the City, pouring out of the social clubs down to Clones. Once in a lifetime trip. And if they should win? We dreamt there were cavalcades of black taxis up the Falls, the Whiterock and down round the Short Strand. Ardoyne a saffron haven – even up the Shankill in a rare moment of solidarity the Orangemen relit their bonfires from the Twelfth. There were Saffron banners streaming from the City Hall, a massive sign saying ‘Baker Says Yes!’ The wee wimmin of Belfast were digging out their binlids from under beds, attics, behind sheds – no-one ever considered the impact of wheelie bins on the binlids of West Belfast – a strident, bangin’ tin cacophony of support for the men inside the wire in Clones.

But sure Antrim doesn’t begin and end in Belfast. We dreamt a man walked into Sambo’s pub in Cushendall and said ‘Antrim have won the Ulster Championship.’ The assembled looked blankly away and carried on with their pints, half an eye on the hurling on the telly. ‘I know, sure we won it two weeks ago,’ muttered a one eyed hurler with eight and a half fingers. Fudball in these parts? More chance of seeing Nelson McCausland play midfield for Loughgiel Camogs.

Over in Bushmills, a young fella who was his own grandfather and his sister was his aunt, such is the convoluted and prolific nature of reproductive activity in that strange wee town, cracked open a bottle of Antrim’s finest and headed down to Armoy. The Armada with Joey, Franky and Mervyn used to sail from there in their hurley tee shirts, but he knew there was one oul lad in the rugby club had a strange fondness for Irish football. Sure enough yer man had been at Clones, the only Armoy man there. No-one could understand him in Clones mind, he would have needed someone from Dunloy to translate. It was rumoured that Davy Tweed, the most bigoted man ever to play rugby for Ireland had been at the match, but it turned out he was visiting an ancient relative and member of Clontibret LOL.

Across Antrim, the optimists from Rasharkin, the eel fishermen down in Portglenone, the Under twelves from up in Aldergrove, Lamh Dearg men, torn by the name on their club but Antrim to the core; Johnnies, Gort na Mona men; the Shinners, the Stickies, you name it, they were all in Clones.

Then we woke up cornflake faced. Still, you never know!