Glory days for St Finbarr's camogie: This bunch deserve it...

It was a great day for St Finbarr’s camogie senior team as they retained their SE Systems Senior Camogie title following their win over St Catherine’s at MTU on Sunday.

The Togher side were made battle all the way to the final whistle by their opponents before coming through by 0-15 to 0-9. They had many key players and among them was Sorcha McCartan, who was named Player of the Game, having hit six points over the hour.

“It was a tough battle out there and at times it was really in the melting pot, particularly in the second half and we just weren't getting our game going.

“They were stopping us and making it difficult for us. We were trying to get the message on the pitch that we just needed to take the points over. There was times where we were maybe forcing things a bit and then getting turned over.

“But I think once we got, you know, a few scores on the board, then we started to drive at them again.

“We’re just delighted to get the win, and you know this bunch of girls deserve it. A special shoutout to the Cahalanes as well (Meabh, Grainne, Orlaith and Kate), as they had to play a football county final on Saturday as well. So massive credit to them for that, they're absolute legends like and I’m so glad for them.

IMMENSE

“I thought our backline were immense too today and they came out with that ball after ball and then I think it was down the forwards to try and keep the scoreboard ticking as much as possible.

“Thankfully we managed to do that and come out on top. To be honest we were probably more nervous going into this game than last year as we knew what was at stake to so retain the title is really special and a great day for all involved and the club.”

It was also a great weekend for Meabh Cahalane and her sisters, Orlaith, Kate and Grainne all picking up championship medals. On Saturday, Meabh, Orlaith and Kate helped Éire Óg land their first county title in their fifth final in a row.

Reflecting on both wins Meabh said: “Look, I suppose the week was tough leading up to it, you know two county finals in two days. Like, how did you prepare for that for?

We just said that we were lucky to have two matches at the weekend rather than none. 

"So look, winning yesterday was incredible, but to get over the line again today was just unbelievable.

“We couldn't really celebrate much yesterday knowing what we had today.

“We knew it was going to be a battle and they really came into it for the last 10 minutes of the first half and then started off at the same level in the second and huge credit to them.

“The brought some battle to us today, it's definitely been the toughest game this year and we knew that after playing them in the group stages.

Huge credit to Catherine’s, they've been an unbelievable team in this championship and you know, I suppose this this is only the start for them.

“But for us it's unreal to retain the title, because I suppose there's a group of us there who weren't used to winning. We might lose out in first-round games and that get knocked out in the backdoor game. And to be here now, winning a back-to-back title with the Barrs, it's surreal.

“It's something that we probably never thought we could do. But you know, the group of girls that came in there, the younger ones like Orlaith Cahalane and Nicole Olden and others, they just brought a huge drive and brought us to another level. Liz Donovan there came on today, one of the younger girls and she was incredible.

“So it was a great weekend and one that we will remember for a long and we can enjoy the celebrations now."