Thomastown easily retained their under-21 roinn A camogie crown as they defeated Mullinavat 1-14 to 2-1 in a disappointing encounter played in Ballyhale last Sunday afternoon. Never at any stage was there any doubt regarding the outcome, as only goals from Grainne Dalton and Julie Anne Malone kept Mullinavat in contention at half-time.
Thomastown led 0-8 to 2-0 at the interval, as Niamh Donnelly at corner-forward constantly had the Mullinavat defence under pressure, and their losing opponents were finding it difficult to make headway in attack.
The victors had their entire starting 15 from last year’s county final victory with the exception of the injured Kate McDonald as they assumed control in almost all departments.
Points from Anna Farrell and Niamh Donnelly in the sixth and 12th minutes respectively, before a Grainne Dalton goal set up by Julie Anne Malone gave Mullinavat the lead in the 15th minute — 1-0 to 0-2.
However Thomastown responded adding five unanswered points from the 17th minute onwards courtesy of Niamh Donnelly (two ), Anna Farrell (two ), and an excellent effort by Amy Maher.
Michelle Quilty set up Julie Anne Malone for a second goal in first-half injury-time, but in truth they were flattered by their two point deficit at the interval. Victory was effectively sealed in the 37th minute.
Anna Farrell’s long range free from 60 yards out from goal hit the cross-bar and caused panic around the Mullinavat goalmouth. The initial shot was blocked, before Aine Lannon swept the ball to the net — 1-9 to 2-0.
Aine Kinsella’s pointed free was the losers’ only score of the second half, as they suffered a devastating setback with inter-county senior forward Michelle Quilty having to be aided off after pulling her hamstring.
Thomastown took full advantage, adding five consecutive points over the closing 10 minutes.
Anna Farrell (including a free and ’45 ) added three further points, while her sister Megan and Niamh Donnelly also added points as they completed a resounding victory.
An efficient display from the victors as their defensive unit completely dominated the Mullinavat attack.
The Farrell sisters Megan and Anna ruled in midfield with Megan in particular covering acres of ground.
Niamh Donnelly was their star player upfront as she was involved in a number of their scores, while Aine Lannon was a regular threat.
