Three in a row for Clonduff Senior Camogs – Clonduff 1-17 v Portaferry 0-11

(By Anita Brannigan)

Clonduff Senior Camogs had their All Ireland title on the line on Saturday afternoon 28^th September, in the County Final in Drumaness against a very lively Portaferry side who lost out in last year’s final to The Yellas by a single point.

The sun shone down on the immaculate St Colman’s Park and the juvenile Camogs of Drumaness formed a guard of honour for the teams entering the field.

Paula O’Hagan got the first score of the game from a free and this was quickly followed by a Sara Louise goal. Portaferry’s Niamh Mallon was in fine form and she kept her side in touch – the half time score was Clonduff 1-8 Portaferry 0-6 – not a big lead in terms of Camogie.

The second half was very much ‘even-Stephens’ until the final ten minutes when Clonduff pulled away. Both teams’ defences were very solid and the free-takers very much on their game. It was probably the Clonduff All Ireland experience that was the difference in the two teams.

Down Camogie Chairperson, Helen McAleavey (Clonduff) thanked both teams for a very sporting and entertaining game. She announced the ‘Player of the Match’ award – Sara Louise Graffin and it was presented by Paddy McGrath, Down Camogie Development Officer. Clonduff captain Paula O’Hagan then accepted the Cup on behalf of her team. In her acceptance speech she paid tribute to the gallant Portaferry team advising them to stay with it and with youth on their side their day was not far off. She also thanked her team-mates for the commitment they had given to training and likewise the management team of Damian Farnon, Alastair McGilligan and Aaron Graffin, without whose guidance they would never have made the three-in-a-row for the first time in the club’s history. She included the Drumaness Club and the match officials in her thanks

Clonduff: Karen Haughey, Sarah Murphy, Nicola Elliott, Niohmi Murray, Erin Rafferty, Fionnuala Carr, Clare McGilligan, Beth Fitzpatrick, Cassie Fitzpatrick, Danielle Harrison, Paula Gribben (Capt), Clara Cowan, Katie McGilligan, Sara Louise Graffin, Orla Gribben; Subs used: Isabella O’Hare, Lauren Kane, Shannon O’Hagan, Leanne Quinn, Hannah McAteer; Other subs: Roisin McPolin, Caitlin Harper, Hannah Wilson, Ally Magee, Niamh Fitzpatrick, Molly Brown, Erin Lively, Ellen Lively, Orlaith McCusker, Aine Byrne, Niamh Murphy, Ciara Murphy.

Portaferry: Fiona McGarry, Dearbhjla Coleman, Maria McNally, Catherine Mullan, Leah Coulter, Mary-Jo Mageean (Capt), Clare McKenna, Abbie Craft, Jenny Toner, Saoirse Sands, Frances Toner, Gerra McGrattan, Erin McGrattan Niamh Mallon, Sinead Toner; Subs; Leanne Coulter, Colleen McConnell, Hannah Toner, Emma Finnegan, Aine Roissetter, Aimee Mallon, Ciara Finnegan, Cliodhna Coleman, Victoria Donnelly, Claire Donaldson, Mia Fitzsimmon, Gemma McNamara, Eva Gallagher
 

Ballycran successfully defended their Down SHC title thanks to a seven-point win over Portaferry in Ballygalget today.

In what was a repeat of last year’s decider, the holders bounced back from the set-back of conceding a goal in the first minute to register a 1-20 to 1-13 success.  Brendan Coleman put Portaferry ahead with a goal inside the first minute before Ballycran were reduced to 14 men when Colum McManus was shown a straight red card.

Ballycran got a goal of their through Stuart Martin on the strok eof half-time before Portaferry's Connor O'Prey received his marching orders after two yellow card offences.

Martin’s effort helped open up a 1-10 to 1-6 interval lead for the Padraig Flynn captained outfit and they outscored their opponents by 0-10 to 0-7 after the break to cement their status as the kings of Down hurling.

Down GAA Scor na nOg 2019 Date

East Down Semi Final: 15th and 17th November

East Down Final: 24th November

South Down Semi FInal: 8th, 9th and 10th November

South Down Qualifying Round: 16th November

South Down Final: 23rd November

Down County Final: 1st December