Faughs U14s lift Division 1 title for the first time

FAUGHS U14 camogie team created history by winning the Division One Championship for the first time at juvenile level in their club’s history.

The Templeogue side secured the title when they overcame the challenge of Clontarf in a titanic battle 1-6 to 0-8 at the GAA National Sports Campus, Abbotstown last week.

Faughs got off to a strong start in this match attacking hard from the outset and this paid off as they registered 1-3 to no score lead after 20 minutes, with quick points from Sadhbh King, Jessica Lombard and Shona King.

This was followed in the first half by a crucial goal scored by Sophie Walsh who showed great determination to get the ball over the line after a good stop by the Clontarf goalkeeper.

The northsiders settled into the game for the remainder of the first half getting good scores to leave it 1-3 to 0-3 at half time. Both teams came out early from the half time break and picked up where they left off.

Clontarf had made some tactical changes at half time that proved effective in the first period of the second half, bringing them to within one-point of Faughs.

Faughs further adjusted their setup however to counter these changes, and restored a three-point lead again through scores from Sophie Ward and Sadhbh King, who showed her usual technique and cool head in scoring from a long range free.

Clontarf continued to battle really hard and showed great spirit, putting increasing pressure on Faughs as the second half played out.

The Faughs backline stood firm, marshalled by their full back and captain on the day, Grace O’Sullivan supported by Isabelle O’Flaherty who made a super save close to the end, wing back Tori Whelan – whose heroics ultimately earned her the Player of the Match award.

Drama was high in the final five minutes of the half with Daisy Sunderland delivering at both ends of the pitch, scoring a point up one end and blocking down a goalward-bound Clontarf shot at the other.

Clontarf continued to pick off scores right up to the end, mainly from frees conceded by Faughs as they battled to keep the opposition at bay.

When the final whistle blew, only one point separated the teams in what was a fantastic and well-fought contest between two equally impressive teams.

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