Gutsy Roscommon display goes unrewarded
Armagh’s Fiadhna Loughran and Sarah Dooley battle for possession. Picture: INPHO/Nick Elliott
Roscommon’s bid to reach the Glen Dimplex All Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship final for the first time since 2015 came up just short despite a stirring comeback.
Mary Grehan’s side produced a ferocious effort especially after they fell 3-15 to 0-12 behind early in the second half. Roscommon battled back with the outstanding Orla Connolly contributing 1-9 as her goal and a Rachel Dooley score left them just 3-19 to 2-19 behind deep in injury time.
However, Armagh won the next puckout as Player of the Match Sinead Quinn set up Rachel Trainor for a goal that sealed Roscommon’s fate. The scoreline was slightly harsh on a courageous Roscommon outfit, who produced their best display of the year, but Armagh’s greater experience saw them set up an All Ireland final with Cavan on Sunday, August 9.
Despite playing against the elements in the opening half, Roscommon proved stubborn foe as Orla Connolly (free) and Alannah Sutton got Mary Grehan’s side off the mark. Rachel Trainor bagged seven opening half scores as she helped Armagh gain a foothold, but it was clear from early on that Quinn and Connolly were about to produce tour de force displays.
Quinn struck the vital score of the first half as her long range shot found the net in the 17th minute while Trainor’s accuracy from the dead ball helped Armagh lead 1-8 to 0-7 after 23 minutes.
The first half was terrific fare as Roscommon battled back with Connolly (two), Grace Jones and Sarah Dooley (two) all arrowing over before the break as Roscommon trailed by just 1-11 to 0-12 at half time.
The opening eight minutes of the second half proved extremely damaging for Roscommon as Armagh bagged 2-4 without reply. Trainor and Corinna Doyle bagged crucial goals as Armagh raced 3-15 to 0-12 in front.
The fear for Roscommon was that their challenge was disintegrate. Instead, they knuckled down, outscoring Armagh 1-5 to 0-1 in a 12 minute spell. Connolly bagged four scores during this period and even though the Oran clubwoman saw a 45th minute penalty saved, Tara Naughton diverted possession across goal from the rebound for Rachel Fitzmaurice to tap in.
When Armagh needed a response, Quinn continuously provided it as she arrowed over two crucial scores to stem the tide. Roscommon found themselves 3-19 to 1-18 behind but Orla Connolly’s long range free found the net before a Dooley score set up a dramatic finale.
However, Quinn won the resulting puckout and turned inside before releasing Trainor to find the net to ensure Roscommon’s valiant effort came up just short.
*Full report and reaction in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald*
