On Sunday, the U13 girls got to play their highly anticipated Division 1 Camogie Championship final and Division 7 Camogie Shield Final following rescheduling due to inclement weather in recent weeks.

Abbotstown was the location for the Division 1 clash with old sparring partners Clontarf as Skerries Harps travelled to Ridgewood in the Division 7 fixture.

At the GAA National Development centre in Abbotstown, the Division 1 final threw in with a large crowd in attendance. Amongst the interested supporters was Brendan Cooper of Dublin Camogie. Both teams put on a spectacle for him. 💪💪

After losing the toss, Finians had the benefit of the strong breeze in the first half. However, in the first 10 mins, both teams were sounding each other out and it remained scoreless. Then, a little against the run of play, Clontarf scored a fine goal. Finians responded immediately though, and 2 quick fire goals saw them open a lead. This was a lead they wouldn't relinquish until the game entered injury time. Both teams traded more scores, but Finians still led by a goal at half-time.

Clontarf began the second half with a goal to wipe out the lead, but Finians fine free taking saw them keep their noses in front as we entered injury time. However, Clontarf laid siege to the Finians goal and a free, followed by a 45 saw them take the lead. With all eyes on the referee, Finians mounted one final attack, a free was awarded as the clock ticked into the 12th minute of injury time. Our free taker was nerveless and slotted the free over the black spot. 👏👏

A draw was the outcome with the teams to do battle another day. A fair result in the end, with both teams showing some outstanding blocking and hooking in particular.

Over in Ridgewood, St Finian’s girls immediately began their offensive play and quickly advanced down the pitch towards the Skerries defence line. A well deserved goal quickly resulted and the formidable opponents wasted no time in getting on the score line themselves with a shot over the bar. Well aware of what was at stake, the Finian’s girls worked tirelessly and were completely in sync as they battled Skerries for possession.

Going into half time with a 5 point advantage, we knew we needed to concentrate our efforts on accurate passing and driving the ball towards the Skerries goal. Players substituted for the early portion of the first half came back onto the pitch invigorated and another goal gave us reason to hope we would edge over a strong and physically determined Skerries side. 💪💪

Skerries added to their scores with a further two points but with another goal in the bag as the final whistle blew, there was a huge cheer from the players, coaches and spectators as the Finian’s girls were confirmed as the victors! 🏆🏆 Accepting the Shield from the Referee, our captain spoke to thank the County Board, Referee, supporters and to Skerries Harps for contributing to a very enjoyable match.

We are all hugely proud of the achievements of this U13 girls team and look forward to continued success in the coming years.

Thanks to all the cheering from the sideline for both matches - it is much appreciated by the girls and their management teams