Fallon fires Oran to redemption

Oran 2-5 

Athleague 0-2

Dermot Hughes Cars Senior A Camogie Final

Oran secured the Dermot Hughes Cars Senior A camogie title for the second time in three years as they downed Athleague.

On a fiendishly difficult afternoon for camogie, Andrea Fallon produced a Player of the Match display to help her side enjoy a sweet triumph, after losing by the bare minimum to St. Dominic’s in last year’s final.

Oran’s defence was tremendous as they kept Athleague scoreless from play, with Tara Naughton bagging both of her side’s scores from frees. Colm Kelly’s side did the hard work in the first half, leading 0-3 to 0-1 at half time despite playing against the gale force wind.

Three Fallon frees, two of which were won by the superb Erin McDermott, gave Oran the advantage with a Naughton free Athleague’s sole score.

There was little free flowing fare throughout as conditions made it near impossible for either side to produce their best.

Fallon continued to be accurate from the dead ball as she pushed the gap out to three before Rachel Fitzmaurice forced Oran goalkeeper Shauna McDermott to be vigilant at her near post.

In the 41st minute, Oran made their move as Caitriona Regan’s long delivery was touched to the net by Fallon.

That was a devastating blow for Athleague as Fallon continued to pile on the misery with the game’s first point from play.

Fitzmaurice teed up Rachel Neilan for a goal chance, but the Athleague substitute was unable to make the required connection as Shauna McDermott did well to smuggle the sliothar to safety.

A Naughton free ended Athleague’s 36 minute scoreless spell but when Orla Connolly’s long range free found the net, Oran had secured a sweet triumph.

Meanwhile, in the Senior B final, Four Roads retained their title as they secured a 1-7 to 0-5 triumph over St. Dominic’s.

The winners led 0-5 to 0-1 at half time after two Sally Bolger efforts from play alongside a free and a 45 by Shauna Fallon. Niamh Fitzgerald’s pair of frees helped St. Dominic’s pare back their arrears in the third quarter but when Celine Gacquin flicked to the net in the 47th minute, the die was cast.

Full reports, reaction to the County A final and pictures in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald