Sport

Derry's start paves the way

Derry again proved Cork's bogey team in the All-Ireland junior camogie final when adding to their two previous wins over the …

Mon Sept 04 2000 - 01:00

Derry again proved Cork's bogey team in the All-Ireland junior camogie final when adding to their two previous wins over the Munster champions of 1969 and 1978 at Croke Park yesterday.

Cork, the reigning champions, did not get into the game until the second half. Their first-half performance suggested that having to find a new team at this level after being champions was weighing too heavily on their shoulders.

The first half was dominated by Derry, a more sprightly and aware side in that first 30 minutes. Their second-half display paled by comparison and Cork, inspired by Jenny O'Leary in attack, made notable inroads on their heavy deficit.

Cork trailed by 2-12 to 1-3 at half-time but Amanda O'Regan was denied by Aileen Crilly in the Derry goal. Crilly came under most pressure in the second half and had to make a timely advance to hold the Cork attackers at bay.

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Derry had only added two points to their half-time lead and Cork got within five points with over 10 minutes remaining.

Derry substitute Aileen O'Kane relieved the growing anxiety when storming through the Cork cover for a great goal and Paula McAtamney fittingly tacked on a point to complete her 0-11 personal tally.

McAtamney's play in the first half along with that of Shauna McCaul, Anna O'Loughlin, Aileen Tohill, a sister of Derry footballer Anthony, Karen Rafferty and Mary O'Kane did most to set the Ulster standard-bearers up for victory.

Cork's lack of penetration was reflected in the fact that they could manage only four of their points from play. They depended largely on Jenny O'Leary to keep them in touch with placed balls.

Derry: A Crilly; S McEerlain, G Maguire, B McIvor; C McDonald C Doherty, S Convery; S McCaul (0-1), A O'Loughlin (0-1); A Tohill (0-2), P McAtamney (0-8 four free, and 45), A Kealy; C McNicholl, M O'Kane (1-1), K Rafferty (1-2). Subs: A O'Kane (1-0) for A Kealy, M Mulholland for McIvor.

Cork: O O'Callaghan; S Buckley, J O'Callaghan, A Kelleher; S Corkery, E Dillon (0-1), C O'Gorman; V O'Keeffe, M O'Connell; K Corkery, A O'Regan, J O'Leary (0-11, nine frees); E O'Friel (1-0) A O'Regan (0-1 free), L Murphy. Subs: M Enneguess for O'Keeffe, J O'Sullivan for F Murphy, I Dineen for O'Friel.

Referee: S O Piondair (Kildare).