Grogan rock-solid for Cashel as they claim second title in two years

CAMOGIE ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CLUB FINAL/Cashel (Tipperary) 0-11 Athenry (Galway) 0-9:CASHEL WERE crowned All-Ireland Senior Club Camogie champions at Clarecastle yesterday after an exciting decider, making it their second title in three years having defeated the same opposition in the 2007 final.

Athenry were outclassed, especially in the second period, by a Claire Grogan-inspired Cashel outfit.

The wing forward put in a tremendous display scoring seven out of her side’s 0-11 total, with four of those scores coming from play.

Atrocious weather made it difficult for both sides from the start, even though underfoot conditions were surprisingly good.

Cashel got the game’s first score, a Mairéad Morrissey point, inside two minutes but they had to cope with a tenacious opposition who were led by the outstanding Laura Linnane at midfield.

Athenry went in at half-time 0-6 to 0-5 in front, after playing into the wind in the opening half.

After the break Cashel upped the ante and took the lead by the 36th minute.

Full forward Emily Hayden equalised four minutes in and centre forward Mairéad Morrissey had another from play.

A Linnane free levelled matters again but three successive scores by the impressive Grogan tilted the balance in favour of the Tipperary side as the game progressed.

The Galway substitute Jessica Gill had to go for goal when her side was awarded a 20-metre free but her shot went over the bar.

CASHEL: H Breen; C Ryan, U O’Dwyer (capt), N Dwyer; P Bulfin, P Fogerty, J McGrath; J Horan, L Grogan; C Hennessy, M Morrissey (0-2), C Grogan (0-7, three frees); A Lonergan (0-1), E Hayden (0-1), C Dwyer. Subs: S Hayes for Lonergan (60 mins), D O’Connell for C Dwyer (60 mins).

ATHENRY: S Gannon; K Glynn, A Poniard, D Coen; C Cunniffe, R Glynn, K Ruddy; S Donohue, L Linnane (0-5, one free, 45); N Jordan, T Maher (capt, 0-1), N Coen; B Kerins (0-1), K O’Dwyer (0-1), M Keogh. Sub: J Gill (0-1) for Jordan (46).

Referee: F McNamara (Clare)