Ballinhassig power past Ballygarvan to claim Nano Nagle Cup

Ballinhassig 2-11 1-5

(JJ Hurley)

(Ballinhassig celebrate their victory in the SESystem Premier Intermediate Championship on Saturday last)

Ballinhassig produced a commanding display to defeat neighbours Ballygarvan in the SE Systems Premier Intermediate Camogie Final at MTU last Saturday, securing the Nano Nagle Cup with a convincing nine-point victory.

A goal after just two minutes by Ballinhassig’s Aisling Lombard set the tone for the blue half of the parish, as they never looked like losing this contest.

Despite Ballygarvan levelling proceedings on 12 minutes, Grace Healy’s goal in the 16th minute left Ballygarvan in all sorts of trouble.

In truth, Ballygarvan never made any inroads into the contest, adding only a single point to their tally in the second half, as Ballinhassig powered their way to collect the Nano Nagle Cup.

It was the perfect start for Ballinhassig, as Aisling Lombard hit the net after just two minutes. Caitriona Collins added another score after 10 minutes.

With Ballygarvan looking to get to grips with the pace of the game, they found their breakthrough when Rachel O’Regan goaled for Ballygarvan.

Ballygarvan responded through Izzy O’Regan and Cliona O’Leary, while Grace Healy also found the target for Ballinhassig as the sides traded scores in the opening stages.

However, Ballinhassig took control of the contest, scoring 1-2 over the next 10 minutes, as Grace Healy finished to the net following a slick move involving Aishling Cussen and Eimear O’Sullivan.

During that period, the Blues almost added a third goal, but Emme Jordan drove wide following a superb pass from Eimear O’Sullivan.

With five minutes to the break, Ballygarvan had narrowed the score to 2-4 to 1-4, with points from Cliona O’Leary and Aoife Ahern.

However, two points from Collins saw the Blues lead by 2-6 to 1-4 at the interval.

The early stages of the second half offered a glimmer of hope for Ballygarvan, as Michaella Buckley sent over the first point of the half.

But two scores from Collins extended Ballinhassig’s advantage, with the Blues leading by 2-8 to 1-5.

Ballygarvan had goal opportunities as Buckley and the hardworking Rachel O’Regan went close, but Ballinhassig netminder Sarah Leahy was equal to their efforts, as six points separated the sides.

Another point for Ballinhassig from Ger Collins had all but extinguished Ballygarvan’s challenge, as the Blues’ defence, led by player of the match Triona Healy, kept Ballygarvan at bay.

O’Sullivan added two further points to cap an outstanding display as Ballinhassig saw out the closing stages in impressive fashion.

The victory secures their place at the top level of Cork camogie next season, bringing a memorable afternoon to a fitting conclusion for the champions.

Scorers for Ballinhassig: C. Collins 0-5 (0-4 f), G. Healy, A. Lombard 1-1 each, Eimear O’Sullivan 0-3, Ger Collins 0-1.

Ballygarvan: R. O’Regan 1-0, C. O’Leary 0-2 (0-2 f), Izzy O’Regan, A. Ahern, M. Buckley 0-1 each.

Ballinhassig: S. Leahy; M. Healy, T. Healy, A. Casey; A. Cottrell, M. Lombard, A. Cussen; E. Casey, E. Collins; D. Coomey, E. O’Sullivan, G. Healy; E. Jordan, C. Collins, A. Lombard.

Subs: E. Deasy for A. Casey (40), G. Collins for D. Cooney (45), N. Sheehan for E. Jordan (52), C. Crowley for G. Healy (57), M. O’Sullivan for M. Healy and F. Cullinane for E. Casey (58).

Ballygarvan: S. Ahern; K. Kelleher, E. O’Regan, E. Casey; A. Bowen, C. O’Leary, S-J Brady; E. Kelleher, L. Casey; M. Buckley, A. Ahern, H. Sweeney; I. O’Regan, T. Crowley, R. O’Regan.

Subs: S. O’Donovan for Rachel O’Regan (40), N. Crowley for E. Casey (46), T. Crowley for H. Sweeney (48), A. Cotter for C. O’Leary (56).

Referee: C. Treacy (Nemo Rangers).