Cavan minor camogie team reach All-Ireland final

Camogie

It was All-Ireland semi-final day as the Cavan Minor Camogie panel faced a spirited Donegal side at Sheelin Park in Ballymachugh. Despite challenging conditions, supporters in attendance were treated to an entertaining and hard-fought contest.

Both teams started brightly, with Donegal opening the scoring. After 10 minutes, the sides were level at two points apiece. What followed was a tightly contested period, with scores exchanged at either end.

However, a strong purple patch from Cavan, highlighted by excellent scoring from Kate McSeain and the ever-reliable Clodagh Gaffney, who showcased her accuracy from placed balls helped Cavan pull ahead. They led 0-10 to 0-5 at the interval.

Cavan emerged with real intent in the second half and began to extend their advantage, thanks in large part to crucial goals from Kate McSeain. These strikes proved decisive, giving Cavan a cushion they would never surrender.

Additional points from Megan Brady, Siún O’Sullivan, and Clodagh Gaffney ensured the result was beyond the reach of a determined Donegal side, who showed great resilience throughout.

This was the third meeting between the teams, and Donegal can take plenty of positives from their performances across all encounters. Standout displays from Allison Tourish, Maeve English, and Catriona McKinney helped keep them competitive until the final whistle.

For Cavan, Rebecca Clarke gave an exhibition of goalkeeping with crucial saves throughout that seemed to breathe confidence to the rest of her team, their defensive unit was particularly impressive, with Ellie Halpin, Éabha O’Sullivan, and the tenacious Eadaoin Morris all excelling.

Clodagh Gaffney was influential around midfield and dependable from placed balls, while up front Kate McSeain, Gráinne Gilroy, and Megan Brady made key contributions. Emma Lynch delivered a Player of the Match performance, playing a pivotal role in guiding Cavan to victory.

Cavan now advance to the All-Ireland final, where they will face Louth in what promises to be a closely contested and exciting clash between the top two teams from the group stage.

Cavan: Rebecca Clarke, Eavan O’Sullivan, Faith Dunne, Ellie Halpin, Eadaoin Morris, Ali Lynch, Freya McKiernan, Clodagh Gaffney (0-6), Molly Smith, Grainne Gilroy (0-2), Siún O’Sullivan (0-3), Emma Lynch (0-1), Megan Brady (0-2), Kate McSeain (2-4), Kora Fitzsimons.

Subs: Ciara Brady for Ali Lynch, Katie Lynch for Kora Fitzsimons, Scarlett Burns for Megan Brady, Chloe Connolly for Freya McKiernan, Laura Mundy for Grainne Gilroy, Lauren Tully for Emma Lynch