Lauren Guilfoyle gave us her analysis of the Round Two Littlewoods Ireland Camogie League match between Dublin and Kilkenny. Although five matches were originally planned for last Sunday, following a weekend of non-stop rain, all other games had to be postponed.
Dublin vs Kilkenny
The second round of the Littlewoods Ireland National Camogie leagues took a hit as torrential rain fall and flash flooding made it’s presence known across the country. Only one of five games took place across division 1 – the pitch at Parnells GAA club in Coolock deemed playable to host the home side Dublin against All Ireland finalist’s and reigning league champions Kilkenny.
The Cats seemed to take no note of the hampering weather and finished the game twelve points the better however the task at hand was not as easy as it may appear. Kilkenny’s open play superiority was expressed through points from Katie Walsh (2), Anne Dalton and Miriam Walsh (5) in the opening quarter. However, it was Dublin, under Kilkenny native David Herity, that had their noses in front heading in at the break. It was only for an injury time goal from the stick of Aoife Doyle that gave the Cats a two-point lead.
The second half resumed with the ideal start for Dublin as Emma Flanagan joined Zoe O’Donoghue on the score sheet but this also signalled the upping of the Kilkenny gearbox, that saw no return for Dublin. Ann Downey’s side hit a total of 2-8 without reply, Alex Griffin’s converted attempt on goal only aiding the aesthetics of the final result for Dublin.
Kilkenny lead the charge
Kilkenny now lead the Division 1 Group 2 table with a 100% record thus far. They claimed maximum points against Clare already, with 4 of this round’s fixtures still to be fulfilled. Heads will be busy in Croke Park today as suitable dates for refixtures will be the main task at hand. This may prove difficult however, as a huge percentage of players are also taking part in the Ladies Football leagues, the O’Connor Cup and the Ashbourne Cup.
Dublin Senior Camogie selector Michael O’Grady voiced his concerns over the scheduling of competitions this year. Perhaps this weekend will provide food for thought for all in Camogie HQ as the early league start may come under fire. Issues such as the unavailability of pitches around the country thanks to the terrible weather conditions are not untypical of January.
Alas, the show must go on. Follow Littlewoods Ireland and The Camogie Association for the refixture dates as soon as they are announced.