24th June and yet it felt like it was heading back to winter on arrival down at St. Catherine’s Park, for the Senior 2 Camogie encounter between Castleknock and Good Counsel.  Driving rain and high winds, however, couldn’t stop these two teams in what was to be a well matched game, going toe to toe. 

Throw in over, and both sides went to battle.  Scores created from forward team play, kept the side ticking over in the first half.  Down the other end of the park, a goal from Good Counsel could have upset the flow of our team, but no sign of that, as with the next puckout we continued the drive forward.  Half-time score 1-9 to 1-4 for Castleknock. 

As the game progressed, the rain got heavier, and the winds picked up.  Grips were soaked, hurls went flying, and staying steady underfoot became even more challenging.  The heavy sliothar caused grief on more than one occasion, with Aisling at one point having to deliver 3 sideline cuts in a row as the ball went to ground, evading both teams.  Our forwards of Emma, Bronagh, Mollie, Ciara, Aoife and Ciara didn’t have it easy against a strong Good Counsel back line, and Louise and Aisling in midfield withstood a heavy workload. 

Both teams rallied again after the 2nd water break, and there was a decidedly purposeful air about the last quarter of the game.  Huge unrelenting pressure on our goalkeeper, Lauren, and our backs Amy, Niamh, Claire, Lucy, Ciara, and Meadbh, but credit where it’s due, they fought hard to keep the strength of the Good Counsel team out and away from danger for Castleknock.  Along with the whole forward line contributing to the scoresheet, it was a full team performance. 

Congratulations to Aoife who celebrated her 18th birthday in style, in the driving rain, appropriately appointed team captain for the day. 

Super game to watch and a hard fought win for the Castleknock ladies, finishing 2-12 to 1-6.

Team: Lauren Finney, Amy Mahony, Niamh Mulroney, Claire Nulty, Meadbh Stynes, Ciara Golden, Lucy Quinn, Louise Mahony, Aisling Andrews, Emma Diamond, Bronagh Quinn, Mollie Turner, Aoife Sullivan, Ciara Murray, Ciara Burgess