Crumlin in Junior One Shield success

CRUMLIN produced a stellar team performance at Kiltipper Road on Sunday to secure the Dublin Junior One Camogie Shield title with a comprehensive 1-13 to 0-4 final triumph over Thomas Davis.

This was the second meeting of the two sides in 2022, following a league clash earlier in the year.

Crumlin also emerged victorious from that encounter, but their management team of Hughie Brennan, Brenda Kirwan and Ruth Gavigan were acutely aware that Davis’ had the potential to cause them significant problems in this rematch.

Before the action got underway, a minute’s silence was impeccably observed in memory of Martin O’Connor (father of Crumlin star Sinead O’Connor) and Thomas Davis’ Paddy Kirwan, both of whom sadly passed away recently.

There was precious little to separate the sides during the early exchanges, but Crumlin ultimately brought a 0-6 to 0-2 cushion into the interval.

Attacker Alex Hodgins was to end the game with an impressive personal tally of 0-8 and her accuracy in front of goal was instrumental in that opening period.

Despite being able to field only 13 players, each and every Crumlin camog put their shoulder to the wheel.

Team captain, Aoife Burke led by example and Grainne Cullen displayed no ill-effects from running a half marathon on the day that preceded this showpiece.

Rebecca Horan (two), Saoirse Gavigan, Grainne Smith and Paris Chebah all contributed points to supplement Hodgins’ haul, while teenager Bogi Vjuari bagged a superb individual goal to ensure Crumlin finished with 12 points to spare in the end.

The final scoreline was somewhat harsh on Davis’ – who had persisted with their challenge throughout – but with Abby Ryan delivering a powerful performance in the half-back line, Crumlin ultimately claimed the silverware on offer and can now look forward to 2023 with optimism.