Cork Camogie: St Fanahan's lift new Munster trophy

Munster camogie introduced the Mai O’Connell Cup and Shield competitions this year, two new standalone tournament competitions for junior clubs that won their respective county championships at a level not catered for under the Munster Club Championship umbrella.

The Cork Junior A champions Bishopstown participated in the Munster Junior Club Championship and it was an opportunity for the Cork Junior B and C champions, St Fanahan’s and Nemo, to take part in a competition involving clubs from other Munster counties.

Both Cork sides reached the finals which were played in Austin Stack Park Tralee last Saturday, with Nemo contesting the Shield final and St Fanahan’s playing in the cup final.

The tournament was named after Mai O’Connell, who passed away in June 2023.

Mai was president of Kerry Camogie Board and she was also an influence on hurling in North Kerry, and it was a fitting tribute to a lady who gave so much tome to both games.

St Fanahan’s 1-9 Cashel 1-5

The cup final was a tight, exciting contest with great skill shown by both sides.

It was nonstop all through the game as play swung from end to end.

St Fanahan’s were the dominant team in the first half but hitting several wides, they were just one point in front at half-time, 0-5 to 0-4, and were thankful to goalkeeper Eyrn O’Sullivan who was outstanding when making some excellent saves.

From the restart Cashel fought back and an Emily Manton goal on 40 minutes edged them in front, but St Fanahan’s responded and an excellent point from Rachel Mullins had the sides level on 45 minutes.

As both teams battled to gain a grip, St Fanahan’s grabbed the initiative with a goal on 55 minutes from sub Mary Hogan who put daylight between the sides.

Battling to hold the upper hand, St Fanahan’s began to dominate and had excellent performances all over the pitch with player of the match Thea Coleman leading the way.

She was ably assisted by Maeve Geary and Ciara Ryan who were on target with points as they held on to take the Mai O’Connell Cup.

An Rinn (Waterford) 1-12 Nemo Rangers 1-3

In the shield final, An Rinn took the honours with a superb display from player of the match Treasa Crotty.

A first-half goal from Adhmhin Ni Riordan laid the foundations for An Rinn’s victory. They were the better team in the first half when they raced into a 1-9 to 01-2 interval lead thanks in the main to Onelia Ni Fhaolain, Treasa Ni Chrotaigh, and Adhmhin Ni Riordan who all found the range as they picked off points.

Caoimhe Power was on target for Nemo, pointing a free and adding one from play as they battled against a strong An Rinn defence.

Nemo never gave up and it was a much tighter second half as they closed down the An Rinn attack and limited them to three second-half points.

An Orla O’Donovan goal and a point from Caoimhe Power ensured Nemo kept An Rinn on their toes, but thanks to their strong opening half display the Waterford side had done enough to take the shield title.