Replay needed for Convent of Mercy camógs

After a truly astonishing end to the All Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior B Camogie semi final, Convent of Mercy and Our Lady’s Terenure (Dublin) will have to do it all over again as the sides finished deadlocked, 2-13 to 4-7.

The Roscommon school led by seven points after 58 minutes but Our Lady’s Terenure centre forward Helen Duignan scored 2-1 in injury time, including a 45 with the final puck of the game to ensure a replay will be needed.

Duignan showed impressive mental fortitude after missing two penalties in the second half on a day when the centre forward struck a staggering 4-5.

Understandably the early stages were tense with the sides combining for four scores in the opening quarter. Both goalkeepers were called into action early as Convent of Mercy goalkeeper Molly Finneran needed to be sharp to deny Mia Ramsden a fifth minute goal.

The Roscommon school began to gain control of their opponent’s puckouts as Kaitlin Egan forced Our Lady’s Terenure ‘keeper Elaine Waters into a sharp reflex save. Three minutes later Síofra Hession’s powerful effort from range was once again blocked by Waters.

Hession and Hazel Kelly (free) grabbed the Convent of Mercy’s opening quarter points while the latter gave her side the lead from a placed ball in the 16th minute. However, moments later Duignan won ruck ball before swivelling and finding the bottom corner of the net.

The Convent of Mercy’s response was impressive as they outscored their foes 1-5 to 0-2 from the 19th minute until half time. Teresa Hession and Martin McManus’ side grabbed four points on the spin with Hession, Kelly (free) and two Kaitlin Egan scores moving them in front. 

The decisive goal came in the 29th minute as Laura McSharry forced the sliotar over the line after Egan’s initial batted effort. This helped the Convent of Mercy lead 1-8 to 1-4 at half time.

The Roscommon side appeared on course to cruise through to a national decider as they outscored Our Lady’s Terenure 0-5 to 0-2 in the third quarter. Two Hazel Kelly frees alongside a brace from Hession, and an Egan effort left them 1-13 to 1-6 in front. Duignan hit back with a goal but in the next passage of play Hession’s long range effort found the net.

Duignan then saw two penalty attempts go unrewarded, but she stepped up when needed most as her late 2-1 ensured these sides must do it all over again.

*Full report and pictures in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald