Éire Óg knock out Courcey Rovers after double extra-time in epic clash at Castle Road

Éire Óg 3-20 Courcey Rovers 3-18 (After extra, extra time) 

Level on no fewer than 15 occasions, it took an Isobel Sheehan goal and a point from Clare Murphy in the second half of extra, extra time before Éire Óg advanced to the SE Systems Senior Camogie Championship quarter-finals. 

Both clubs were equally superb at Castle Road on Saturday. Ideal weather conditions ensured a fast-flowing game for a place in the last eight.

It was tied at 2-6 each at half-time and level 2-13 to 3-10 at full-time. We went to 10 minutes a half of extra time, Courceys were ahead 3-13 to 2-15 as the sides once again changed ends. 

They still could not be separated though it finished 3-16 to 2-18 to take it to five minutes a half of additional extra time. Courceys led by two at the end of the first half of that after holding Éire Óg scoreless. So it was Sheehan’s goal with two minutes remaining that sealed the deal.

So many players were heroic. Saoirse McCathy grabbed 1-13, 1-4 from play, while minor player Clara Muprhy excelled with 0-11. Huge credit must go to both clubs for producing the game of the season.

It was 0-3 each before we had the first goal, Erin Healy confidently finishing to the net to give Éire Óg the lead. McCarthy and Orlaith Cremin swapped points before a superb solo run from Ciara O'Donoghue, who offloaded to Fiona Keating to billow the net. 

The Ovens side roared back wiit a Rebecca Sheehan goal. Courceys responded with Keating again finishing to the net.

As the second half opened up, neither side could get a foothold. Courceys were two points clear only to be clawed back. Éire Óg were up with five minutes left but a McCarthy free sent it to extra time.

Ciara O'Donoghue put Courceys ahead with two points. Fiona Twohig pointed two frees and with McCarthy converting one to give, they had the edge at the break. 

Clara Murphy and Edel Sheehan had Éire Óg back in front but McCarthy responded. With tiredness evident in both camps, frees were conceded. 

Murphy tied it for the 13th time. With two minutes remaining, Ann Marie Collins had Courceys but Murphy's long-range free sent it to extra, extra time.

Collins and McCarthy put Courceys up by two. They defended strongly and looked to be heading for the finishing line before a superb pass from Fiona Twohig set up Isobel Sheehan to drill the ball to the net.

Then came Clara Muprhy to win it when there was no time for another Courceys' response.

Scorers for Éire Óg: C Murphy 0-11 (0-6 f, 0-1 45), E Healy 1-1, E Sheehan 0-3, R Sheehan, I Sheehan 1-0 each, F Twohig 0-3 (0-2 f), O Cremin 0-2.

Courcey Rovers: S McCarthy 1-13 (1-9 f), F Keating 2-0, AM Collins 0-3, C O'Donoghue 0-2.

ÉIRE ÓG: M Gleeson; K Mc McCarthy, F Murphy, G Young; E Quigley, I Sheehan, A Whelton; A McGrath, R Murphy; C Murphy, O Cremin, F Twohig; R Sheehan, E Sheehan, E Healy.

Subs: S Hutchinson for R Sheehan (44), C O’ Brien for R Murphy (44), L Murphy for C Murphy (inj 57), C Murphy for L Murphy (68), E McGrath for F Murphy (76), R Sheehan for S Hutchinson (84), R Murphy for I Sheehan (inj 89).

COURCEY ROVERS: K Crowley; L Crowley, A O'Reilly, O Twomey; E Moloney, O O’Mahony, G O'Reilly; C Foley, S McCarthy; C O'Donoghue, A M Collins, A O'Donoghue; L Nield, F Keating, G Hannon.

Subs: R Gallagher for L Nield (h-t), L Murphy for A O'Donoghue (42), A O'Donoghue for C Foley (h-t e-t), C Foley for L Crowley (81).

Referee: John Horgan.