Clare Claim All-Ireland Champion’s Scalp In The Opening Round Of The National Camogie League

Action from Clare v Kilkenny in Cusack Park. Pic (c) Clare FM

National Camogie League Division 1A: Clare 2-07 – Kilkenny 0-11

John Carmody’s charges have got off to the dream start in Division 1A of the National Camogie League after defeating All Ireland Champion’s Kilkenny in Cusack Park this afternoon.

Goals in either half propelled Clare well on their way to victory over Kilkenny in the county grounds, the first of which came when Caoimhe Carmody’s early long distance effort, deceived Kilkenny netminder, Aoife Norris to send the Banner into a 1-01 to 0-00 lead after just five minutes.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Further contributions from Zi-Yan Spillane, Lorna McNamarra, Chloe Morey and Joint-Captain Claire Hehir ensured Clare held the whip hand at the interval as they led the All-Ireland Champions by 1-05 to 0-04 at the break.

The Cats issued the expected stellar comeback in the second half, keeping Clare scoreless in the third quarter, and overturning the deficit to lead by a point at 0-09 to 1-05 by the 35th minute.

However Caoimhe Kelly would eventually break the Banner scoring hoodoo with a point midway through the second half, which was quickly followed by a superb goal from Áine O’Loughlin to regain the advantage.

Clare’s defence would ultimately hold firm in the closing stages to ensure an inspired victory in Cusack Park on a full time score of Clare 2-07 to Kilkenny 0-11.

The Banner will be hoping to maintain their winning start when they travel to Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork for a Rebel showdown in round two on the 25th of February.