Ruane goal gives Castletown Geoghegan victory in thrilling final
Castletown Geoghegan 3-10, St Munna's 2-12
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The St Munna’s team, runners-up in the Senior ‘B’ final against Castletown Geoghegan.Image 2 of 8
The successful Castletown Geoghegan team.Image 3 of 8
Bernard Heaney, referee, with Chloe Ruane (Castletown Geoghegan) and Sandra McGrath (St Munna’s).Image 4 of 8
Maisie Currams (Castletown Geoghegan) attempts to close down Sheila McGrath (St Munna’s).Image 5 of 8
Andrea Glynn (St Munna’s) and Rebecca Ruane (Castletown Geoghegan) in a race for possession in the Senior ‘B’ camogie final at The Downs on Saturday.Image 6 of 8
Aoife Keegan (Castletown Geoghegan) gets the shot away as Niamh Quinn (St Munna’s) moves in.Image 7 of 8
Player of The Match Ashley Ruane receives the award from Chairperson Karen Goldrick after Saturday’s final.Image 8 of 8
Chairperson Karen Goldrick presents the Senior ‘B’ Cup to Chloe Ruane, Castletown Geoghegan captain.In a pulsating Westmeath Senior 'B' Camogie final, Castletown Geoghegan wiped out an eight-point deficit to pip St Munna’s by a single point after a thrilling contest at Páirc Mhaolbhuí, The Downs on Saturday.
Despite playing the final 16 minutes - including added time - with 14 players after Maisie Currams was sent off, Castletown Geoghegan were strong enough to carve out a narrow victory.
In sunny weather, the game saw a flurry of goals and standout performances from both sides, with Castletown Geoghegan's resilience in the second half proving decisive as they overcame a tentative start and a half-time deficit to secure victory.
St Munna’s hit the ground running and raced into a commanding lead, with Olivia Glynn finding the net after just 26 seconds following a superb solo run. Sheila McGrath quickly added a free and a '65', and when McGrath's long-range shot dropped into the Castletown net in the fourth minute, St Munna’s led 2-2 to no score, putting the favourites in control.
Castletown Geoghegan, however, quickly responded. Aoife Keegan’s speculative effort from distance found the back of the net in the sixth minute, giving them a much-needed boost. This was followed by two quick points from Shannon Dalton, bringing Castletown right back into the contest.
Despite the early St Munna’s dominance, the Black and Ambers fought their way back with some impressive scores. Points from Leah Geoghegan and Karen Keegan helped narrow the gap, while McGrath’s free-taking prowess kept St Munna's ahead. By the 23rd minute, Castletown had drawn to within three points of their opponents, but a late point from Catriona Egan kept St Munna’s ahead by 2-7 to 1-8 at half-time.
With the breeze behind them in the second half, Castletown Geoghegan came out with renewed determination. Just four minutes into the half, Leah Geoghegan’s low drive found the back of the net after a scramble in the St Munna’s square, drawing the sides level. This goal proved a catalyst as Castletown Geoghegan began to take control of the game.
St Munna’s remained dangerous, with Abbie Reihill adding important points, but the dismissal of Maisie Currams on a second yellow card in the 16th minute put Castletown Geoghegan under pressure. Currams was judged to have barged into Sheila McGrath and it left Castletown Geoghegan facing an uphill battle with a player down against a St Munna’s side with such a great record.
St Munna's now had the impetus and Reihill's scoring kept them a point ahead. However, Castletown’s forwards were lively and when they ran at their opponents, they caused them problems. Aoife Keegan and Shannon Dalton added crucial points at this juncture.
With six minutes to play, Ashley Ruane’s angled shot from 30 metres dipped under the crossbar to give Castletown a vital lead. It was a terrific run by the pacy midfielder and the goal was just reward for illustrating such pace and strength in the final minute of normal time.
St Munna’s tried to mount a late rally, with Sandra McGrath adding a free in added time, but Castletown held on for a hard-fought win, with just a point to spare at the final whistle.
The victory was a testament to Castletown Geoghegan's character, having overturned a difficult first half to come out on top.
After the match, Westmeath Camogie Chairperson Karen Goldrick presented the player of the match award to Ashley Ruane, whose crucial goal was key in securing the title for Castletown Geoghegan. Captain Chloe Ruane was then presented with the cup, sparking jubilant celebrations for Castletown Geoghegan’s players and supporters.
Scorers - Castletown Geoghegan: L Geoghegan 1-2, S Dalton 0-5 (3f), A Keegan 1-1, A Ruane 1-0, K Keegan and C Elliffe 0-1 each.
St Munna's: Sheila McGrath 1-5 (0-3f; 0-1 '65'), A Reihill 0-4, O Glynn 1-0, Sandra McGrath 0-2 (frees), C Egan 0-1.
Castletown Geoghegan: Katie Corrigan; Therese Geoghegan, Chloe Ruane, Emer Jackson; Rebecca Ruane, Maisie Currams, Ellie Conway; Adele Geoghegan, Ashley Ruane; Aoife Keegan, Karen Keegan, Caoilinn Elliffe; Leah Geoghegan, Grace Gallagher, Shannon Dalton. Subs: Pip Ruane for Elliffe (42), Rose Macken for T Geoghegan (57).
St Munna's: Denise Egan; Sandra Carey, Fiona Glynn, Niamh Quinn; Andrea Glynn, Shauna McGrath, Annabelle Hynes; Catriona Egan, Rebecca O'Neill; Abbie Reihill, Olivia Glynn, Alice Galvin; Emma Lawlor, Sheila McGrath, Kayla Smith. Subs: Nicola Burns for Smith (39), Sandra McGrath for Galvin (50).
Referee: Bernard Heaney (Clann na nGael).