Ballincollig camogie players a 'credit to club and county' despite All-Ireland final loss

Huge disappointment but great pride in Ballincollig after their 1-14 to 1-10 loss to Camross in the AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie final. 

The Village put in a massive effort at Croke Park but, despite leading by a point at half-time, they found it harder to impose themselves in the second explained manager Mike O'Brien.

"Camross closed us down and didn’t allow us execute our game plan the way we wanted to. We felt we were well on top for the opening quarter but they definitely closed us down and made it very hard for us."

O'Brien and his management team felt the players left it all out there.

The girls gave their all and look a couple of things didn’t come off for us and these things happen but we are very proud of them." 

The Camross defence was very strong and he acknowledged they got the upper hand, particularly in the second half when Ballincollig failed to score from play.

“Their defence was strong and particularly in the second half. We struggled as they closed us down and never gave us any room. We were trying to get ball to our inside line and we tried our best but they had it over us. Our inside line couldn’t shake them off and get any clean possession. 

"We were struggling bit as well at midfield as we tried to break them down and get ball into our forwards. We tried to remedy it and we started bringing inside forwards out but we really didn’t get an awful lot out of it." 

Two superb saves from Ballincollig goal keeper Ana Hartnett in the opening minutes of the second half kept Camross at bay before Sarah Ann Fitzgerald finally found the net.

“We were under a lot of early second-half pressure but fair play our defence were great and they held them at bay. Ana made two excellent saves before they finally grabbed the goal that was probably the decisive score as it made a huge difference.

"When we were a point or two in front, we felt we had a certain amount of control but once we lost the lead Camross closed the door and we were unable to break them down after that." 

SUPERB

Despite losing O'Brien said the year has been hugely successful.

"To win the county championship after a replay and go straight into a Munster final and win the title was a dream come true for us. 

"And to reach Croke Park and play in an All-Ireland final was something that never crossed our minds so while we are hugely disappointed, we are so, so proud and no doubt the experience gained will stand to these girls who have been a credit to our club and county.”

Camross manager Adrien Delaney had huge praise for his side but also paid tribute to Ballincollig.

“It was a superb game and firstly I want to pay huge credit to Ballincollig, it was a fine clean game not a bad stroke all day and that is as it should be. 

"We got the goal after their keeper had denied us with two great saves and it began to put daylight between us but we still had to stand firm as they applied pressure. I am delighted for the girls they deserve all the credit.”