U14 Mackey League Plate Final

Newcastle West ………………………………….1-7 Ballybrown………………………………….1-4
Our incredible camogie team stepped out on a warm Wednesday evening, led by captain Saoirse Riri, ready to battle for county glory in Newcastlewest GAA Club grounds.
From the first whistle, it was a tough, physical encounter with neither side willing to give an inch. With two evenly matched teams, every player had to work tirelessly from backs to forwards, and they did just that — tackling fiercely, passing with precision and fighting for every ball.
Newcastle West opened the scoring with a superb goal from Leticija Telnere after an excellent delivery into the square from Freya Smith. Ellie Mai Quaid added two excellent points as NCW settled into the game.
A huge setback came in the first half when Emma O’Connor was forced off through injury after putting in a brilliant performance. However, the team regrouped and responded strongly under pressure. The ever-reliable Ellie Mai Quaid and Zoe Dunphy worked tirelessly to clear any danger, while goalkeeper Isobel Mackessy stood strong between the posts, well supported by the mighty defensive trio of Emma Prendiville, Saoirse Riri and Alicia Kelly, who made some fantastic clearances and catches throughout.
In midfield, Aoife O’Donoghue, Ruth Copse and Ali Howie battled hard for every possession. Rebecca Meehan’s introduction brought great pace to the game. Up front, Freya Smith, Emily Sheehan, Jane Garrihy and Emily Kirwan worked tirelessly to add to the scoreboard, but Ballybrown’s defence remained stubborn. Newcastle West went in at half-time leading 1-2 to 0-0.
The second half brought new challenges as the heat began to take its toll and Ballybrown capitalised with a series of well-taken points. Freya Smith responded with a fine score of her own before Ballybrown struck for a goal to pile on the pressure.
Ellie Mai Quaid kept Newcastle West ahead with some beautifully struck frees as Ballybrown continued to attack relentlessly. Maya Mulcahy entered the action in place of Jane Garrihy and worked hard in the forward line to add fresh energy.
The final minutes were tense, but the girls held their nerve brilliantly and were deserving winners when the final whistle sounded.
This was a fantastic achievement for the players and mentors, whose hard work and dedication throughout the season paid off in style. Many thanks to Ballybrown for a competitive and sporting final. We now look forward with excitement to the summer league with this talented camogie team.
Scorers: Scorers: Leticija Telnere 1-0, Freya Smith 0-1, Ellie Mai Quaid 0-6
Panel on the Evening: Isobel Mackessy, Alicia Kelly, Saoirse Riri, Emma Prendiville, Emma O’Connor, Ellie Mai Quaid, Zoe Dunphy, Ali Howie, Ruth Copse, Aoife O’Donoghue, Freya Smith, Emily Sheehan, Leticija Telnere, Emily Kirwan, Jane Garrihy. Subs: Rebecca Meehan, Maya Mulcahy, Grace Cregan, Laurel O’Doherty, Lexie Szuta, Layla Saracoglu and Ava Carroll.
Referee: Billy Phillips
Coaches: Tony O’Connor, Noel Mackessy, Damien Garrihy and Toby Quaid
Mentors/Liaisons: Denise Prendiville, Lisa Power, Valerie Kelly and Noelle Mulcahy.