Irelands top Rounders Tournament raises standards
19 July 2010Irelands top Rounders Tournament raises standards
Sunday's GAA Rounders program was enhanced by the presence of excellent weather and first class gound condition, at the host club's home field in Tullynure, Lissan, Co. Derry. For the first time both the James OConnor Cup (for male teams) and the Gary Kelly Cup (for female teams) were held on the same day.
The usual contenders were attending with teams from Carlow, Dublin, Cavan, Tyrone and Derry, but the reigning Cup holders in both competitions were unable to field and defend their titles.
With the local teams more practiced than in recent seasons and the visiting teams boasting lots of matches in the 2010 All Ireland Championships improved performanced were expected all round. No one was disappointed as from the first match all players exhibited an eagerness to do their best.
James OConnor Cup.
This, the male competition, was played as a round robin tournament, with the top two teams contesting the tournament final.
Wolfe Tone's, Kildress, Tir Eoghain 5 An Tinile, Walkinstown, Dublin 10
The first innings offensive by the Dubliners earned eight runs before Wolfe Tone's got to grips with the Leinster men's hard hitting. Pitcher Sean McGarrity snapped out the city side's numbe two batter and then with two on base Sean again was under the ball for another great catch and making a pass to his catcher Michael John Loughran for a third out. Kildress could earn only one run, because of the sharp reactions of the opposing fielders.
The seond innings ended 2-0 for the Dublin team, whose three outs were by catching by Michael John Loughran on two occasions and Shane Mallon for a third out. Kildress failed to score in the third innings and An Tinile conceded their third and fourth offensives conceding four runs in the final innings, in which Thomas McKenna got a wonderful hit to bring home two of his team mates. Thomas was outdone by opponent Darragh Clerkin who earned three runners successful sprints through home base.
Team and Scores: Wolfe Tone's: Sean McGarrity 1, Barney Conway o, Eamonn McGarrity 1, Aidan McGarrity 0, Eoin McGarrity 1, Coilin Wilson 1, Thomas McKenna 1, Michael J Loughran 0 and shane Mallon 0
An Tinile: James Dillon 1, Sean McGarry 1, Shane Murtagh 1, Adas Bastys 2, Chris Hughes 2, Luke Brennan 1, Dylan Clerkin 1, Darragh Clerkin 1
Cuchulainn, Ballon, Carlow 11 Wolfe Tone's, Kildress 2
Cuchulainn's first innings six runs came mainly from two big hitters, Billy Connors (2 Runs Batted In) and Carren Fitzgerald with a a confidence building Home Run.
With the seond innings ending 5-0 against the Tir Eoghain nine the Carlow team conceded their third and fourth 'At Bat', and stopped their opponents at one run, by Aidan McGarrity. Fielding by both sides improved as the match progressed, but only the Carlow team was able to execute the plays demanded with good accuracy.
Teams and Scores: Cuchulainn: Colm Brennan 1, John Brennan 2, Mattie Dowling 2, Billy Connors 2, David Wilson 1, Stephen Kirwan 2, Darren Fitzgerald 1, Kevin Barry 0 and Joe Odonaghoe 0.
Wolfe Tone's: Shane Mallon 0, Sean McGarrity 0, Aidan McGarrity 1, Eoin McGarrity 0, Barney Conway 0, Micheal J Loughran 1, Eamonn McGarrity 0, Thomas McKenna 0 and Coilin Wilson 0
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Naomh Mhíchíl, Lissan, Doire 16 An Tinile 5
Lissan's first innings looked like disaster, with An Tinile holding the Derry nine scoreless after deservedly earning five runs.
N. Mhíchíl steadied in the second innings and after conceding no runs proceeded to pile on eleven well earned runs.
The third innings presented Lissan with three excellent opportunities to a perfect defence. They took the first three batters out to win their third 'At Bat' and score five more runs.
A final innings whitewash by the Derry men saw them repeat the three called three out performance of the previous innings and the game was over with Lissan conceding their final 'At Bat'.
Kevin OHagan had no bother snappingup two great catches mid match, while a similar two catch performance by Dubliner ada Bastys was recorded in the fourth innings.
Teams and Scores: Naomh Mhíchíl: Ciaran McKee 2, Barry McGarvey 0, Kevin OHagan 1, Stephen Devlin 2, Patrick Coey 2, Francis OHagan 3, Stephen Coey 2, Aidan OConnor 3 and Colm Canavan 1.
An Tinile: James Dillon 0, Sean McGarry 1, Shane Murtagh 1, Adas Bastys 1, Chris Huighes 1, Luke Brennan 1, Dylan Clerkin 0, Darragh Clerkin 0 and Ryan Reilly 0.
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N. Mhíchíl 15 Wolfe Tone's 5
Three home runs were the difference between these two Ulster sides, the host club excited about three key players' contribution in the second inninhs. Kevin OHagan sent a powerful hit well outfield to score the first 'homer', Patrick Coey lived up to expectations with a similar hit in the next play and three batters later Colm Canavan found an isolated part of the field to ear nthe third grand tour of the bases.
Stephen Devlin almost made the hundred metre sprint earning three runs for his team mates, but he did finish the trip to home base on the next player's efforts.
Wolfe Tone's struggled to get the ball in from the outfield, but otherwise showed that they had learned a lot from prevos matches and were more confident in their fielding efforts. Their hitting improved but against a determined an experienced N. Mhíchíl nine they had to be happy with five good runs for their end of match total.
Teams and Scores: Naomh Mhíchíl: Ciaran McKee 2, Barry McGarvey 3, Kevin OHagan 2, Patrick Coey 2, Stephen Devlin 2, Francis OHagan 1, Aidan OConnor o, Stephen Coey 0 and Colm Canavan 2.
Wolfe Tone's: Aidan McGarrity 1, Eoin McGarrity 1, Barney Conway 0, Thomas McKenna0, M J Loughran 0, Shane Mallon 1, Eamonn McGarrity 1, Coilin Wilson 1 and Sean McGarrity 0.
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Cuchulainn 18 An Tinile 10
In the second highest score of the tournament Carlow's Cuchulainn had an early match surge in scoring, with twelve runs scored over two innings, against An Tinile's two scores. Good hitting by Mattie Dowling and Stephen Kirwan ensured that the Ballon nine would score high.
In the second half of the match two City side hitters were able to earn two runs each for their side. They were James Dillon and Ryan Reilly. The two final innings were won by An Tinile 8-6, not enough to challenge the south Leinster side.
Teams and Scores: Cuchulainn: Colm Brennan 2, John Brennan 2, Billy Connors 3, Matty Dowling 4, Stephen Kirwan 1, Darren Fitzgerald 3, David Wilson 1, Kevin Barry 1 and Joe Odonaghoe 1.
N. Mhíchíl 15 Cuchulainn 5
This match was the final action of the round robin arrangements, and the result was not going to make much difference to the overall outcome, these two sides guaranteed the top two places in the 'league' table. For that reason the macth was played as the final for the James OConnor Cuo.
Naomh Mhíchíl batted first. Stephen Devlin with two runners on base placed the ball well outfield and the bases were cleared, while Stephen raced to first base. Ballon's Billy Connors fielding at right field snapped out Barry McGarvey and Patrick Coey and the sides switches positions. The first two Leinster batters were eased around the bases to draw the innings, at the expence of three outs. In the second innings Kevin OHagan and Aidan OConnor each brought home two runners on single hits and Kevin earned another run in the last scores of this half innings.
Cuchulainn had seven batters called but only two made the four base tour, to bring the score to four against Lissan's 12.
Only one run was recorded in the third innings, when Stephen Devlin raced round from second base to just beat the fielders'efforts to close down home base. In return Ballon were denied any progress, the first three batters failing to get to first base.
The final innings was played out in full, despite the host club's runs advantage. The Derry nine scored six to record the highest team score of the competition. Cuchulainn lost two batters then smiled while Colm Brennan reach second base. John Brennan found the energy to put the ball very high in the air, and home came Colm Brennan, but John tried too hard to get to second base and the game ended with the final score at 19 - 5, Naomh Mhíchíl claiming the Cup for the second time, having just failed to win the 2009 final.
Ciaran McKee making his debut for the N. Mhíchíl senior team had an excellent day of great efforts and he certainly proved his worth to the senior panel. His three runs batted in in this match equaled the best efforts of former All Star Kevin OHagan.
Teams and Scores: Naomh Mhíchíl: Ciaran McKee 3, Barry McGarvey 3, Kevin OHagan 3, Patrick Coey 1, Stephen Devlin 3, Aidan OConnor 1, Stephen Coey 1, Francis OHagan 1 and Colm Canavan 3.
Cuchulainn: Colm Brennan 2, John Brennan 1, Billy Connors 0, Matty Dowling 0, David Wilson 0, Darren Fitzgerald 0, Stephen Kirwan 0,Kevin Barry 1 and Joe ODonaghoe 1.
GARY KELLY CUP 2010
Five top ladies teams fielded for the 2010 Gary Kelly Cup GAA Rounders Tournament at Tullynure, Lissan, Co. Derry last Sunday. Attending were several All Stars and formar All Stars, who witnessed serious contenders for All Star honours throughout the tournament. Excellent playing conditions offered each and all of the players numerous opportunities to shine on more than one occasion each, before the competition concluded.
For the first time the differences between the sides were negligible, but the rise in over all standard of play and execution of skills meant that all teams were performing well above their previous efforts, and while the low margins between the sides meant that no predictions could be made about possible eventual eventual winners, the relative positions of the teams was quit similar to previous tournament.
The unavailability of last Year's winners, An Tinile (Dublin) , meant that another team would claim the Cup for 2010, and thus was raised the hopes of all teams participating.
Kelly's, Lissan, Derry 4 Bagenalstown, Carlow 8
A first innings lead of one run to nil, suggested that the Kelly's nine were about to make a wee bit of history, but a series second innings errors changed that when the Carlow side were alloowed six runners home. Kelly';s team failed toscore. The third innings was a very tight match the Ulster nine taking the innings 3-2, but losing the match 4-8. Caoimha McGurk played exceptionally well for the Kelly's, despite being hadicapped with a bandaged arm. Big hitters Cathy Hagan and Mary Wright just couldn't get the ball into the right spaces and the runs didn't come. Over all both sides fielded very well, with Kelly's pitcher Mary Wright having an exemplary performance in delivering the ball to the batters.
Lucky to make a total of eight runs the Leinster side did show well their knowledge of the game Five consecutive scores were made in the second innings thanks to good hitting by Ealine and Alice Clarke and Sarah Manning.
Teams and Scores: Kelly's: Caoimnhe McGurk 2, Laura McCreesh 1, Lisa Lennon 0, Mary Wright 0, Natasha Wright 1, Kerri Gilmore 0, Cathy Hagan 0, Tanya Kelly 0 and Rachel Kelly 0.
Bagenalstown: Alice Clarke 1, Sarah Manning 2, Elaine Clarke 1. Grace Doyle 1, Thomasina Quirke 1, Tara Murphy 0, Nolleen Solan 0. Jesse Gleeson 1 and Ashling Kelly 1.
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N. Mhíchíl, Doire 0 St. Claire's, Cavan Town 11
The host club's downfall in what was otherwise a very interesting match was an inability to place the ball. All of the N. Mhíchíl team had the distance in their hits, but the very committed players on the Cavan town side were in no mood to concede scores of plays. The visitors took the innings 6-0. The second innings was much more competitive neither side conceding any runs, and both sides making a number of great plays to baseminders. The final innings ended 5-0, the town side well ahead on the last out.
For Naomh Mhíchíl pitcher Laura Monaghan attracted the attention of most team managers and team captains with her almost consistently perfect pitching record, which produced very few errors or 'walk-ons'. At second base Emma McKernon made good use of all the accurate passes to her position.
St. Claire's were exceptionally well served by Collette McCaul, Louise McAndrew and Shhaorn Brady, and Cavan find of the year Sarah Galligan proved a marvelous defender in the Short Stop position.]
Teams and Scores: Naomh Mhíchíl: Lauren McGlone, Bronagh Oneill, Clare Monaghan, Aoife Donaghy, Emma McKernan, Sinead Gildernew, Mary Monaghan, Laura Monaghan and Orla Oneill, o each.
St Claire's Anne Oneill 1, Collette McCaul 2, Louise McAndrew 1, Sharon Brady 1, Laura Lynch 1, Alison McLaren 0, Sarah Galligan 2, Lisa Lynch 2 and Dympna Loughman 1.
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Kelly's 4 Cuchulainn, Ballon, Carlow 4
In most even match of the day the sides drew one innings each and won one innings each. This was the most serious match of the first half of the tournament Cuchulainn making a serious effort to contain the Kelly's offensive plays, and the local side displaying a very determined performance in all areas of the game.
Ballon's two run to nil result for the first innings was philosophically shrugged off by the Kelly's in the second inniongs and despite an uncharacteristic foul out by Cathy Hagan the Lissan contingent kept very calm and collected unlucky to score only three runs, and concede one to their opponents. The drawing of the final innings 1-1 was a great team effort by both nines, and again the Kelly's were unlucky to have to concede one point on the pairing.
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In one of the best plays of the day Laura McCreesh (Kelly's team) fielded a well placed ball in thefinal innings and with expert accuracy tossed the sliotar into the waiting hands of Lisa Lennon on second base . Catcher Natasha Wrighjt stopped the game wit ha great catch off Ballon's Irene Byrne.
Caoimhe McGurk had one of her best games ever at Short stop, making two difficult catches in the second innings. Edel McCreesh strained a muscle early in the match and her loss was in the second and third innings proved coatly to the Kelly's team.
Teams and Scores: Kelly's: Caoimhe McGurk 0, Edel McCreesh 0, Laura McCreesh 1, Mary Wright 0, Natasha Wright 1, Kerri Gilmore 1, Cathy Hagan 0, Lisa Lennon 1, Amy Hunter 0 and Rachel Kelly (for Edel McCreesh in the second innings) 0.
Cuchulainn: Irene OByrne 2, Grace Doyle 0, Ann Marie Brennan 0, Noelleen Solan 1, Aoife OByrne 0, Emma George 1, Chantelle Cole 0, Elaine Clarke 0, Carmel Maloney 0.
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St. Claire's 12 Bagenalstown 1
From the first ball this match was easily readable as a possible victory for St. Claire's. The scores three in the first innings and took out the forst three batters of the Carlow ladies. St. Claire's powered ahead in the second innings again conceding no runs, winning the innins 11-0. Laura Lynch was best for Cavan with five runners batted in on three hits. The final innings ended 1-1 Dympna Loughman earning a score by Sharon Brady and for Bagenalstown Jess Gleeson bringing home Alice Clarke.
Grace Doyle playing not too far out to left field made one marvelous catch and had three assists by tossing the retrieved ball to the baseminder at third base for two outs. P{itcher Alice Clarke made one fine pick-up and tossed the ball to third for an out. Sarah Manning caught out Collette McCaul and doubled the ball to second base for another out.
Tyeams and Scores: St. Claire's: Anne ONeill 3, Collette McCaul 3, Louisse McAndrew 3, Pamela McCabe 1, Laura Lynch 1, Sharon Brady 1, Sarah Galligan 2, Lisa Lynch 0 and Dympna Loughman 2.
Bagenalstown: Alice Clarke 1, Jess Gleeson, Nolleen Solan, Elaine Clarke, Ashling Kelly, Grace Doyle, Thomasina Quirke Sarah Manning and Tara Murphy 0 each.
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N. Mhíchíl 5 Cuchulainn 2
In one of the more exciting games of the day the first innings win by Naomh Mhíchíl, at 3-1, the host side developed a lot of confidence and their side revelled in the numerous excellent plays especially by their younger players. Sinead Gildernew hit a great shot in this innings to make the only two run dtrike of the match.
The second innings ended 0-0 pitcher Laura Monaghan making a fine catch off Elaine Clarke. Each side had a 'foul out', and Aoife Byrne (Cuchlainn) took out Laura Monaghan in on of the best catching efforts of the day.
Naomh Mhíchíl wo0n the final innings 2-1, Clare and Laura Monaghan making a catch each and cleverly directed the ball to the nearest base.
A big feature if this win by the Derry side was the sprinting efforts of Monaghan girls Laura and Clare, and Emma McKernan.
Teams and Scores: Naomh Mhíchíl: Laura Monaghan 1, Bronagh ONeill 0, Emma McKernan 1, Clare Monaghan 1, Sinead Gildernew 2, and 0 each for Deirdre Monaghan, Aoife Donaghy, Lauren McGlone and Orla ONeill. Aoife Donaghy was unlucky to just fail to score after third outs in the first and third innings.
Cuchulainn: Iren Byrne 0, Noeleen Solan 1, Ammrie Brennan 1, Grace Doyle 0, Chantelle Cole 0, Aoife Byrne 0, Emma George 0, Elaine Clarke 0 and Carmel Dowling 0.
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Bagenalstown 4 Cuchulainn 1
These two Carlow teams were anxious to proof how good they, and played some very good offensive and defensive rounders. The only score in the first inning was recorded for the Bagenalstown number one, Alice Clarke, on a hit by batter number sixe, with three out. Cuchulain lost their offensive with no scores and with onlt four batters called.
Cuchulainn reversed the trend of the first innings in the second 'at bat', Chantelle Cole making the only run of the innings
By the end of the final innings Cuchulainn earned three morescores, while holfing their opponents to no score, an the match ended 4-1 for Bagenalstown.
Teams and Scores: Bagenalstown: Alice Clarke 1, Sarah Manning 0, Noeleen Solan 0, Elaine Clarke 0, Grace Doyle 0, Thomasina Quirke 0, Tara Murphy 0, Jesse Gleeson 0 and Aishling Kelly 0,
Cuchulainn: Irene Byrne 0, Carmel Maloney 0, Aoife Byrne 0, Emma George 0, Sjaune Reilly 0, Ann Marie Brennan 0, Chantelle Cole 1, Laura McCreesh 0, Caomihe McGruk 0.
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St. Claire's 16 Cuchulainn 2
Cavan team, St Claire's showed from the start of the tournament that they were set on taking the Gary Kelly Cup home, for the first time. Their first innings win of five runs to one, suggested there would be a very strong challenge to their efforts, but in the second innings the stormed ahead by another eleven runs. The Cuchulainn defence struggled to retrieve the long Cavan hits , and when their offensive came round the found the Ulster ladies covering the diamond very efficiently. Cuchulainn won the final innings 1-0, still more than a dozen runs in deficit.
Teams and Scores: St. Claires: Anne Oneill 3, Collette McCaul 3, Louises McAndrew 2, Pamela McCabe 3, Laura Lynch 0, Sharon Brady 2, Sarah Galligan 1, Lisa Lynch 1 and Dympna Loughman 1.
Cuchulainn: Irene Byrne 1, Grace Doyle 0, Ann Marie Brennan 1, Carmel Maloney 0, Noeleen Solan 0, Aoife Byrne 0, Emma George 0, Sarah Manning 0 and Chantelle Cole 0.
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N. Mhíchíl 11 Kellys' 8
With the tournament earing completion this match became very important to the host side and the Kelly' team. With all batters called at least once in the first innings the Kellys' were ahead five runs to four. The sides steadied up a lot in the second innings, to concede only two runs each, to bring the match score to 7-6.
In the final innings Naomh Mhíchíl improved at bat and claimed five runs, the Kelly's making great efforts to make th outs at the bases. In reply the Kellys' were unlucky, the fielding side very ready for the high hits, and two early outs were by catching. Kerri Gilmore proved her fitness and ran home from second base, for one of the best scores by her team. Riding on the result of this match was a place in the play off for the Gary Kelly Plate. And for the other winning side a possible last chance top make the Cup Final.
Teams and Scores: Naomh Mhíchíl:Laura monaghan 3, Bronagh Oneill1, Emma McKernan 2, Clare Monaghan 3, Sinead Gildernew 0, Mary Monaghan 0, Aoife Donaghy 0, Lauren McGlone 1 and Orla Oneill 1.
Kellys': Lisa Lennon 1, Ann Cory 1, Kerri Gilmore 2, Cathy Hagan 1, Caoimhe McGurk 2, Rachel Kelly 0, Tanya Kelly 0, Mary Wright 0 and Laura McCreesh 1.
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Kelly's 1 St. Claire's, Cavan (Town) 11
In the final match of the qualifying round robin, St. Claire's faced a good challenge from the Kellys', but the hard hitting Breffnie side left too much work for the local nine to make a big impression. The Kellys' fielded very well, especially in their pitcher Mary Wright, whose faultless deliveries kept the opposing batters worrying about how they should swing at the sliotar.
St. Claire's took the first two innings 5-0 and 6-0, and the nconcededtheir remaining 'at bats'.
The Kellys' tried real hard, but the ball just wouldn't roll for them. They were unlucky not score a hadnful of runs. Their only score came when Lisa Lennon touched all four corners, on a great hit by Natasha Wright.
Teams and Scores: Kellys': Ann Coey 0, Lisa Lennon 1, Cathy Hagan 0, Mary Wright 0, Caoimhe McGurk 0, Natasha Wright 0, Amy Hunter 0, Laura McCreesh 0 and Tanya Kelly 0
St. Claire's: Ann ONeill 2, Collette McCaul 2, Louise McAndrew 2, Pamela McCabe 1, Laura Lynch 2, Charon Brady 0, Sarah Galligan 1, Lisa Lynch 1 and Dympna Loughman 0.
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Tournament 'League' Table
St. Clare's 8 points
Bagenalstown 4
Naomh Mhíchíl 4
Cuchulainn 1
Kelly's 1
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Bagenalstown 9 Naomh Mhíchíl 8
With Bagenalstown and Naomh Mhíchíl on equal points or number of wins these two sides had to play off to present a team to play St. Claire's in the Gary Cup Final. N. Mhíchíl batted first scoring three, with only eight batters called. Bagenalstown after scoring three lost batter number nine, Ashling Kelly for a third out and t he sides were level going into the second innings. The home side scored only two runs, failing to place their best hits in the spaces. The Leinster ladies were more fortunate and eased home four runners by the end of the innings.
The third innings found the Lissan ladies in better form but a misdirected strike allowed the opposition to stop them at three runs, enogh to put them ahead. Excitement mounted as the final innings progressed, with some good plays by the Lissan team, but a good hit by Carlow fielder Thomasina Quirke rolled far enough to earn two runs and the game ended without all of the outs being made, and the visitors one run in front.
Teams and Scores: Bagenalstown: Alice Clarke 3, Sarah Mannings 2, Elaine Clarke 2, Grace Doyle 1, Noeleen Solan 0, Thomasina Quirke 1, Tara Murphy 0, Jesse Gleeson 0, and Ashling Kelly 0.
Naomh Mhíchíl: Laura Monaghan 3, Bronagh Oneill 0, Emma McKernan 1, Clare Monaghan 1, Sinead Gildernew 0, Dierdre Monaghan 1, Aoife Donaghy 0, Lauren McGlone 0 and Orla Oniell 2.
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Gary Kelly Plate
Cuchulainn 10 Kelly's 9
Kellys' catcher, Natasha Wright, made three beautiful catches in the first and second innings, but it was opposing catcher Aoife Byrne who stole the limelight for her two base hit in the second innings to top the Runs Batted In statistic for the match, with three runs scored on three hits. This was a tight match from the first pitch, with the only difference between the sides slightly better hitting by the Carlow nine.
The Kellys' won the first innings 3-2, unlucky to miss a third pitch with the bases loaded.
Cuchulainn ran home eight in the second innings just scraping through on a number of close calls at the bases. With the score 6-10 the Ulster side settled with a good hope of a come back. The first two batters had no luck with both being caught out. Then the bases were loaded for Natasha Wright's at bat. A great swing undercut the ball and the play ended Natasha's hopes, while the refereee recorded the last three runs of the match, one short of Ballon's ten.
For the first time the Plate honours were claimed by a non-Ulster side.
Teams and Scores: Cuchulainn: Irene Obyrne 3, Emma George 1, Ann Marie Brennan 2, Carmel Maloney 1, Aoife Obyrne 1, Shauna Reilly 1 and Chantelle Cole 1.
Kellys': Ann Coey 2, Lisa Lennon 1, Cathy Hagan 3, Mary Wright 2, Maura McCreesh 1, Natasha Wright 0, Tachel Kelly 0, Caoimhe McGurk 0 and Keri Gilmore 0
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GARY KELLY CUP FINAL
St. Claire's 11 Bagenalstown 1
With all possible matches played there was no doubt about who would contest the Gary Kelly Cup Final, with St. Claire's poised for their first ever Ladies trophy win, and Bagenalstown, former winners hoping to up their performances and reclaim the Cup.
Bagenalstown batted first and with well organised fielding St. Claire's took out the first three batters for no score. In return the Ulster nine could only get one runner round the bases, before the third out, on the fifth batter.
Bagenalstown drew the match by their third out in the second innings, four batters called. St. Claire's hit hard and most of their hits were into free space, giving the opposition plenty of running to do to retrieve the ball. No spectacular plays were made but ten runners had scored before home base was closed down on the third out.
The third and final innings was drawn 0-0 and the final score remained 11-1, one of the biggest differences for a Gary Kelly Cu final.
Mrs Ann Kelly was present to present the Gary Kelly Cup to St. Claire's captain Sharon Brady. Kellys' team captain Mary Wright presented Ann Kelly with a large bunch of flowers.
Teams and Scores: St. Claire's: Anne ONeill 2, Collette McCaul 1, Llouise McAndrew 1, Pamela McCabe 1, Laura Lynch 1, Sharon Brady 2, Sarah Galligan 0, Lisa Lynch 1 and Dympna Loughman 1.
Bagenalstown: Alice Clarke 0, Sarah Manning 0, Elaine Clarke 0, Grace Doyle 1, Noeleen Solan 0, Thomasina Quirke 0, Tara Murphy 0, Jesse Gleeson 0 and Ashling Kelly 0
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Match statistics don't show the best performances especially by the fielders, in any of the matches. Noted was pitcher Laura Monaghan, who very abley delivered the ball throughout her five matches without a single 'walk-on', and Mary Wright also a very successful pitcher with a simila performance to Laura's.
Best hitters were Mary Wright, Cathy Hagan and a number of visiting batters, all of whom performed with pride and calmness.
While the new Cup holders proved very fast when running the bases, they were very well matched by the juniors participating in the tournament. Several newcomers to the game played very well despite their lack of match experience and served their teams with great commitment.
Next year,s Gary Kelly Cup date is proposed as June 26th.
Sincerest thanks have been tendered to the Kelly family, the OConnor family and the Wright family for their contribution to this very successful event.
Also thanked were referees, Grace Doyle, Fionnuala Ní Thúatain, Joe Odonaghoe and Christie Hughes, without whom the full compliment of matches would not have been completed on the day.
The catering team behind the scenes at the Naomh Mhíchíl premises did a marvelous job of keeping the players, officials and suporters well supplied with tea, coffee, sandwiches and biscuits, throughout the event. A motion of thanks was roundly supported by all in attendance, at the end of the day's action.