Kildare u16 Camogie win All Ireland Blitz in Clane

July 28, 2008
Kildare 6-3 Westmeath 2-3   Kildare put together historic back to back All Ireland camogie titles when its under 16 side won the inaugural All Ireland Blitz played in Clane last Saturday 26th July. This followed the success of the Kildare minors who won a similar title two weeks ago in Aughrim. The under 16  victory was especially sweet for the O'Sullivan twins from Celbridge, for Sophie O'Donoghue, Melissa Lyons, Noeleen Fleming and Cliodhna McSweeney as they collected their second All Ireland medals in a fortnight. All featured in the Lilywhite's minor All Ireland victory against Carlow.   Last Saturday produced one of the best days of summer so far this year. The Mediterranean conditions - blue skies and a hot blazing sun - were a challenge to all teams who played a minimum of two and a half hours camogie with temperatures in the mid 20s. For finalists Kildare and Westmeath it was a great day as they overcame Cavan, Louth and Roscommon to reach the final. Kildare were unbeaten on the road to the final.   In the final Kildare had the stronger scoring power putting six goals past the Westmeath defence. At the outset, the Lilywhites camp may have been a little concered to be without key forward Cliodhna McSweeney who received a hand injury in an earlier game. However, others stepped up to the challenge particularly Melissa Lyons, Rachel Phelan, Lorna Merrins, Clare O'Sullivan, Noeleen Fleming, young Chloe O'Donoghue and two goal star Sara Cullen.   Kildare were solid at the back and the outstanding workrate of Clare Flynn, Grainne Temple and Sophie O'Donoghue meant that Westmeath were denied many chances with their goals coming late on in the second half.   A delighted Cliodhna McSweeney stepped up to receive the All Ireland Cup and the Player of the Final award deservedly went to Kildare and Clane's Clare Flynn.     Kildare panel: Niamh Burke, Fiona O'Sullivan, Rebecca Duff, Rebecca Crofton, Grainne Temple, Sophie O'Donoghue, Louise Higginbotham, Clare Flynn, Melissa Lyons, Clare O'Sullivan, Rachel Phelan, Noeleen Fleming, Cliodhna MacSweeney, (captain), Lorna Merrins, Sara Cullen, Ciara O'Connor, Peggy

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