Dublin Senior Camogie eliminated from All Ireland series following loss to Na Déise

Round 4 of Glen Dimplex All Ireland Camogie Championship Waterford v Dublin 3pm Walsh Park, Waterford June 21st

Referee: Justin Heffernan

On a warm bright afternoon in Waterford both teams lined out still with ambitions of progressing within the Glen Dimplex All Ireland Championship. From the start it looked like Dublin were serious about the task, where only a win would do us. Dublin played with a strong breeze at their backs in the first half but it was their desire to run to space that yielded results. 

Within 30 seconds, Dublin captain, Niamh Gannon fired the first ball over the bar. Followed quickly by a point from Grace O’Shea from the left side and another from Aisling O’Neill from the other corner. This is the exact start that Dublin needed. Waterford’s first score came from Niamh Rockett on 3 minutes from a free which was awarded for a throw ball.  However, back came Dublin on 5 minutes with a point from Aoife McKearney. Much credit for this score goes to the hard work from Sinead Wylde near the left sideline. 

Dublin were doing all the hurling and were rewarded with another 2 points. A trademark strike on the run from Aisling Maher and a second of the day for Aoife McKearney. That left Dublin ahead by 5 points after only 8 minutes. However, the next few minutes spelt disaster for Dublin as a number of unforced errors gave Waterford the foothold in the game that they needed. 

Beth Carton turned her marker and popped over her first point from play. From the resulting short puck out, while attempting to carry the ball up the field, Waterford pounced, gained possession and Annie Fitzgerald found herself one on one in front of goal. Nothing Eimear Hurley could do. Despite all the play Dublin were now only 1 point ahead. A ball into the left corner for Aisling Maher to chase gave her the opportunity to use her excellent distribution skills. Maher spotted Gaby Couch making a run from midfield. A perfect ball was caught by Couch on the run and dispatched for Dublin’s 7th of the half. 

In the same minute Waterford worked the ball up the field. Following some hesitation in the Dublin defence Niamh Rockett took a quick free to the unmarked Beth Carton who hit the net for Waterford’s second goal. Waterford had now claimed the lead which they never relinquished. Waterford 2-02 Dublin 0-07. Over the remaining 15 minutes of the half Dublin only managed to add 1 more point to their tally from a Maher 45 while Waterford scored 5 more points. 

HT Waterford 2-07, Dublin 0-08

Half Time Dublin made 2 changes Christine Shanahan replaced Aoife Heffernan and Jennifer Moore replaced Niamh Comerford. 

The third quarter was all about Waterford as they scored 1-04 without any reply. In fact Dublin went 30 minutes between scores but by then Waterford had added a 4th goal. Annie Fitzgerald who had scored 2 goals already ran through again unchallenged and casually flicked the ball over the head of advancing Dublin Goalie, Eimear Hurley and into an empty net for her 3rd of the day. At this stage Dublin had replaced Emma O’Byrne in defense with Aoife Higgins.

To Dublin’s credit they never stopped fighting and finally in the 50th minute Aisling Maher popped over a close in free after being pulled back when running at the Waterford Goal. The last few minutes were Dublin’s as we scored 2-01 with a green flag raised for a great score from Aisling Maher, but it really was a case of too little too late. 

Final Score Waterford 4-16, Dublin 2-11. 

This loss means that Dublin cannot progress to the quarter finals but instead must regroup as they face Derry next weekend. The loser of that game will face relegation so while today’s defeat was very disappointing, the essential thing is to avoid relegation. So calling on all Dublin clubs- the team really needs big support next Saturday in that winner takes all game.