Gerard Gough, Grace McBride, Liam Luporini and Sarah O'Sullivan
CEANN Creige’s Camogs fell just short in their quest for All-Ireland Junior B glory in Dublin, losing out to Naomh Treasa of Dungannon (above), but, it has nevertheless been a fantastic season for both the ladies and the club as a whole.
Following Ceann Creige’s first ever British Camogie Intermediate title after their final win versus Tara Camogie Club—7-14 to 0-00—at the start of last month, the club’s date with history were set. November 30 saw the ladies play their first All-Ireland semi-final match in TUD Blanchardstown, Dublin, with Pádraig Pearses of Roscommon awaiting them.
The girls battled hard and managed another convincing win—3-11 to 0-01. The scoreline did not reflect the competitive match that occurred, with a heavy wind throughout and some great battles for the ball.
Scorers on the day were: Nicole Nugent 1-0, Anna McKee 0-2, Kate Dullea 0-2, Aoife Kearney 0-1, Katie McMahon 0-3, Niamh Rice 0-1, Enya Rice 1-0 and Bronagh Donaghy 1-2
So another date with destiny lay in wait for Ceann Creige earlier this month as they became only the second ever Scottish team in any code to reach an All-Ireland Final and the second ever Camogie team from Britain Camogie to reach an All-Ireland Final—after Tara Camogie Club in 2011.
Unfortunately, Tyrone’s Naomh Treasa got the better of Ceann Créige in the All Ireland Junior B Camogie Final by a scoreline of 2-03 to 0-04.
Scores were hard to come by in the first-half, with both teams going in level with just one point each scored. Naomh Treasa scored their first goal shortly after half time and quickly followed it up with a second. That crucial green flag wasn’t too far away for the second as a long ball in from Naomh Treasa caused confusion for the Ceann Créige defence and just when everyone in Abbotstown thought the ball was cleared, both umpires signalled a goal. A deciding moment in the game.
Ceann Créige scorers in the final were: Nicole Nugent 0-2 (0-1f), Sarah O’Sullivan 0-1f and Anna McKee 0-1.
“Overall it was a truly remarkable and historic season for Glasgow’s only Hurling and Camogie Club as the Camogie side claimed an Intermediate League and Championship double alongside an appearance in an All-Ireland Final,” a Ceann Creige spokesperson said. “It was the season of dreams for many.”
Just rewards
Away from the pitch, the annual Ceann Creige dinner dance and award ceremony took place last month.
The Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow played host to a fantastic night of celebration for the club's achievements throughout the year and an acknowledgment of the brilliant work done by teams and individuals within the club.
With everyone dressed their best, the evening was full of chat, laughter, and questionable dance moves. The opening address by Chairperson, Liam Luporini got the event underway where he thanked everyone for attending and for the wonderful work done by people throughout the year.
Both adult teams managers took to the mic next with Damien Matthews promising that the Men’s team will build on the performances of 2024 and continue into 2025 with a strong, competitive team ready for the season ahead. Conor McCormicks joy and pride as manager of the Camogie team was evident as he praised the team for their commitment and dedication in what they’d achieved throughout 2024. He echoed Damien’s message in that he hopes this will continue in 2025.
To finish, both managers of the adult teams presented awards for Players’ Player of the Year and Manager’s Player of the Year.
In the Men’s side, Players Player of the Year: went to Dave Fitzgerald, while Manager’s Player of the Year was awarded to Patrick Deane.
Players Player of the Year for the Camogs was named as Nicole Nugent, while Sarah O’Sullivan took the Manager’s Player of the Year.
A further award on the night was given to Sponsor of the Year, which this year went to Wet Wall Works for their generous sponsorship and help throughout the year, which the club hopes will continue. The award was accepted by Stuart MacKenzie who was in attendance showing further support to the club, members and teams.
After the awards ceremony, votes were cast for Volunteer of the Year and Coach of the Year, which were awarded to Émilie Lavallée-Funston and Allan Mclaughlin respectively.
“Émilie does such amazing work behind the scenes for multiple aspects within the club spanning across all teams,” a spokesperson said. She is a true stalwart of the club who is most deserving of this award and acknowledgment for all she does. Allan was a worthy recipient too for all his involvement and dedication to the youth teams. His help is instrumental in helping develop future players for the club in both hurling and camogie.”
A special note of thanks to Grace McBride was mentioned in the closing speech by Liam Luporini for all her involvement and workings in the club which received great applause from those present. The chairperson wished everyone a wonderful evening and looked forward to seeing everyone again next year with—hopefully—even more to celebrate.
The kids are alright
Next up, it was the turn of the club’s youngsters as the Youth Awards night was celebrated.
As usual, this was a well-attended and the club was delighted to see so many family members attend. Even though the club is only five years old a real family atmosphere and sense of belonging for all has been created.
The night started with all players being presented with an achievement award to recognise the effort they had put in all year. Then it was onto the individual awards—a very difficult task for the coaches as there were so many potential award winners.
In the Under-10s side, Players’ Player of the Year was Glen Duffy, Conor Mitchell won the Most Improved Player award, while Jac Brown was named Player of the Year.
Blair MacInnes took the Under-13s Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards, while Most Improved Player went to Mollie McKinnon.
The Under-17 team awarded Joseph Bryce both the Players’ Player of the Year and Most Improved Player awards, while Ben McLaughlin was named Player of the Year.
After the formalities were out of the way, it was onto to some fun games, music and the buffet. The club wishes to place on record its thanks to the Shimla Cottage in Coatbridge for providing a great buffet and to Maurice Friel for sponsoring the youth awards. The club also would like to thank all businesses and parents who donated raffle prizes.
Ceann Creige’s youth sides are looking forward to next year and already have many plans in place to grow and develop.
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