What a day, what a match, and what a team!
Our Under 11 camogie girls produced a truly marvellous performance on Wednesday last, securing a famous victory over Gaelscoil Nenagh in a gripping Cumann na mBunscol semi-final in Drom & Inch. Played in glorious sunshine, this encounter had everything — skill, determination, drama, and heart — and will live long in the memory of all who were lucky enough to witness it.
Nenagh made a flying start and opened the scoring with a well-taken point, setting the tone early on. However, the Presentation girls quickly settled, with Quinn Corbett splitting the posts after excellent build-up play from Annabelle Butler. The highlight of the half soon followed — a moment of pure brilliance from the elusive Fiadh Ryan, who danced past her marker before rifling an unstoppable shot to the top corner from a tight angle. It was a goal worthy of any stage.
Nenagh responded immediately with a goal of their own, keeping the contest finely balanced. The introduction of substitutes Meadhbh Larkin and Emer Dorney added fresh energy, and the intensity never dipped. Poppy Shanahan worked tirelessly at midfield, earning two crucial frees, both expertly converted by Quinn — the second taking a fortunate dip into the net. At half-time, Presentation led 2.2 to 1.1.
The atmosphere was electric, with fantastic support from the sidelines. Every player had family members present, cheering every tackle, score, and effort — a real testament to the spirit of the day.
The second half brought a new challenge as the wind turned against the girls. While it offered some relief from the heat, it made scoring far more difficult. Nenagh took full advantage, storming back into the game with two quick goals and a point to seize control. At that stage, the dream of a first county final appearance in 17 years seemed to be slipping away.
But this team is made of stern stuff.
Refusing to give in, the girls dug deep. In defence, Allie McLoughlin and Sinead Brophy showed immense resilience, while Aoife Gleeson produced a superb save that proved to be a turning point. From there, momentum swung dramatically.
Presentation surged forward. Goals from Quinn Corbett, Poppy Shanahan, and Fiadh Ryan turned the game on its head once more in a breathtaking spell of attacking play.
Yet Nenagh were not finished. In a true ding-dong battle, they struck back with a goal and a point, narrowing the gap to just a single score and setting up a nerve-shredding finale.
With time running out, Annabelle Butler re-entered the action and made an immediate impact. Her relentless pressure forced a turnover, and the referee awarded a free from 40 metres out. Into the wind, with everything on the line, Quinn Corbett stepped up and delivered a sensational strike that sailed over the bar — a score of real class and composure.
Moments later, the final whistle blew to scenes of pure joy and relief among players, coaches, and supporters alike.
This was a complete team performance, defined by skill, courage, and an unbreakable spirit.
A special word of thanks must go to the coaching team of Donal O’Gorman, Karen Bohan, Donnacha Dunne, and Kieran Healy for their dedication, guidance, and encouragement. Notably, Ms. Bohan was part of one of the last school teams to win a county camogie title as a pupil — could she now help guide this team to similar glory as a coach?
Attention now turns to early June, when the girls will line out in the county final in the magnificent setting of FBD Semple Stadium — the “Field of Dreams.” The opportunity to play there is incredibly special, and the team will also be chasing a remarkable double, having already claimed the U11 football championship earlier this year.
We wish the girls every success — they have already made us immensely proud!
