Ulster U16 Camogie Championship Final 2012

Tomorrow at 2.30pm in St Malachy's Park Castlewellan, Down will host neighbours a close rivals Antrim in the Ulster U16 Camogie Championship Final.

At lot of time has passed since March when the girls defeated a strongly fancied Derry side in Swatragh to claim their place in the final. At last the big day has arrived and this very hard working and talented side have the opportunity to claim the highest provincial honour.

St Malachy's Park is the perfect pitch for the girls from both counties to display their skills on the firm and well prepared surface.

A number of the squad were part of the Minor All-Ireland winning side in May and are also looking forward to adding the Ulster title to their U16 All-Ireland won title last year.

Between the posts Down have the very reliable Danielle McCourt. The Ballyholland girl continues to prove her ability with each game she plays and Derry will have to be at their best to get the better of her.

The defensive unit are a very disciplined and work tirelessly for each other. Clare Cleland, Dearbhla Magee and the Clonduff trio of Elizabeth Wilson, Jenna Boden and Claire McGillian show great potential as camogie players. Olivia Boyle at centre half provides the leadership to ensure the defence cohesiveness is maintained throughout the game.

The Down attack too are a formidable force with each girl more than capable of picking off their scores. Anna Rogan and Monica McKay can stretch any half back line and with the Aimee McAleenan's penetrating runs through the middle Antrim's defence will be well tested.

The inside line of Niamh Rogers, Rhea Smyth and Deirbhile Savage are ready to pounce on every opportunity that comes their way.

In the engine room at mid field room both Nuala Carvill and team captain Aoife Keown have the perfect mixture of athleticism, skill and vision to complete the team.

The potential of this team is seen in the in the depth of talent on the bench, with players who when called upon can add to the team's performance.

Little is known about the Antrim side which defeated Armagh to claim their place in the final. But like all Down v Antrim games at any level both teams will be very determined and keen to get the result for their county. In any case all supporters of camogie are in for a treat on Saturday and for the victory which will give the girls great confidence as they embark on the 2012 All-Ireland journey the following week.




Team and management


1. Danielle McCourt Ballyholland
2. Clare Cleland Castlewellan
3. Jenna Boden Clonduff
4. Elizabeth Wilson Clonduff
5. Clare McGilligan Clonduff
6. Olivia Boyle Bredagh
7. Dearbhla Magee Liatroim
8. Aoife Keown (Capt) Castlewellan
9. Nuala Carvill Bredagh
10. Anna Rogan Castlewellan
11. Aimee McAleenan Liatroim
12. Monica McKay Bredagh
13. Niamh Rogers Longstone
14. Rhea Smyth Ballycran
15. Deirbhile Savage Ballygalget

Subs
16 Niamh Hazard Bredagh
17 Aislinn Brown Liatroim
18 Aislinn McFarland Bredagh
19 Cassie Fitzpatrick Clonduff
20 Ciara Tumilty Clonduff
21 Michaela Murphy Clonduff
22 Molly McMullan Bredagh
23 Petrina Lively Clonduff
24 Ciara Gibson C'wellan
25 Deirdre McCabe Liatroim
26 Lisa McAleenan Liatroim

Manager: Noreen Keown

Mentors: Ann Rogers, Paul Boyle, Roisin Rogers, Slim Rogers


Under 14 Development Squad.
Good luck to the squad and management who travel to Dungany Grounds, Trim on Sunday to take part in a blitz where they will take on Dublin, Westmeath and Kildare.