McCauley double leads Westmeath to glory

Westmeath 5-6, Meath 2-9

Two goals from Abbie McCauley helped Westmeath to take the All-Ireland U16 ‘B’ Camogie Shield title with this win over neighbours Meath, in the decider at the GAA Centre of Excellence in Abbotstown last Sunday morning.

Westmeath struck for goals at crucial moments in the game and these allowed the Lake County to propel themselves to victory, despite being up against a strong Meath team playing with high intensity from the off.

Several wides at both ends came before the opening scores were swapped between Meath's Ellen Murray (a free) and Westmeath's Ella Murtagh in response. Meath used the strong breeze to their advantage with Westmeath unable to read the impact it was having, particularly on long balls and puckouts.

Yet, somehow just before the quarter-hour, the girls in maroon went in front when McCauley who lashed home a rebound off Meath goalie Salomeja Slusnyte.

Three Meath replies put them back in front, with two of those coming from the hurl of Holly McKeigue. The Westmeath backs remained under more pressure than their opposite numbers and every member of the defence, from Claire Loughrey through to Maggie Bartley, was called on to provide cover.

Fine scores from Murtagh and Roisín Connaughton meant it was 1-3 to 0-5 heading to the last five minutes of the half. Meath then pounced for a goal of their own with Murray driving to the net. Westmeath had chances to reduce the arrears but at the break trailed by one, 1-5 to 1-4.

With no sign of the wind to die down, Westmeath utilised it better than they had defended it in that opening half. Scores from Grace Kelly and Ellen Mulvaney at either end were swiftly followed by the second McCauley green flag. This time, Bartley was the architect with exceptional fielding and the pass.

With ten minutes remaining, Murtagh found the net to make it 3-5 to 2-7, with Murray only able to muster a point in response for Meath. The atmosphere was at fever pitch and there was no score again until the 57th minute. But what a score it was as Mulvaney struck for goal after Connaughton and Murtagh had done well to set her up.

Being 4-5 to 2-7 to the good, Teresa Lynch had options on her bench to kill off the tie. Still, Meath came back and one apiece for Lauren Donegan and Áine McTigue put two between the sides. Westmeath then managed to win a breaking ball and Connaughton took full advantage to point. Seconds later and will injury time just done, Connaughton added 1-1 to Westmeath's tally ensure the national title would be going to the Lake County.

A fantastic achievement for this U16 side who have worked tirelessly all season to get their just rewards. Afterwards, the Shield was presented to joint-captains Ella Murtagh and Rebecca Ward, as they lofted it for all to see.

Scorers - Westmeath: A McAuley 2-0, E Murtagh 1-3 (2f), R Connaughton 1-2, E Mulvaney 1-1. Meath: E Murray 1-4 (3f), G Kelly 1-1, H McKeigue 0-3, L Donegan 0-1 (free).

Westmeath: Laura Doyle; Claire Loughrey, Aoife O’Connor, Katie Muldoon; Annabel Hynes, Emma Wiseman, Maggie Bartley; Katie McDonnell, Erin O’Faolain; Rebecca Ward, Roisín Connaughton, Ruth Hynes; Ella Murtagh, Ellen Mulvaney, Abbie McCauley. Subs used: Lucy Kennedy for O’Faolain (49), Rachel McDonnell for A Hynes (54), Áine Brennan for Wiseman (59). Rest of panel: Caoimhe Ginnell, Jennifer O’Neill, Sally Ryan, Emily Nolan, Katie Savage, Éabha O’Mahony, Caoimhe O’Mahony, Tara Reilly, Muireann Reihill.

Meath: Salomeja Slusnyte; Ciara McIntyre, Ellie Potterton, Hannah Shore; Clodagh Maher, Niamh Boyce, Eva Casey; Lauren Donegan, Maria McLoughlin; Holly McKeigue, Áine McTigue, Ellen Murray; Grace Kelly, Emily-Jane Kirwan, Hannah Snow. Subs used: Aisling O’Connor for McTigue (h-t), Jenna Uyanik for Shore (41), Aoibheann Ward for McIntyre (41), Sophie Donnelly for Snow (54), Ava Mullen for Casey (54).

Referee: Donnacha O’Callaghan (Limerick).