Clanmaurice 1-12

Shamrocks 2-5

SHAMROCKS were denied the opportunity to play in Croke Park as Kerry side Clanmaurice used all their experience to book a ticket to GAA HQ after an entertaining All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final on Sunday.

The Loughrea/Kilnadeema/Leitrim side were aiming to set up a double header of Galway teams in action on December 17 after Sarsfields progressed through to the senior decider. However, Clanmaurice, guided by 1-7 off the stick of inter county forward Jackie Horgan, progressed through as their greater know-how shone through in the key moments.

The Kerry side won the All-Ireland Junior title in 2021 while they lost out at this stage last year to eventual champions Clonduff. After claiming successive Munster Intermediate crowns, they possessed the ability to close out these high stakes affairs.

What the Connacht champions did contain was an insatiable work ethic and an ability to find two goals that hauled them back into the contest in each half. However, Clanmaurice’s temperament ensured they never panicked as they set up an All-Ireland final against Meath outfit Na Fianna.

With Patrice Diggin enduring a rare off day as she struggled from the placed ball, Horgan stepped up to fire over six points in the final period. Quite frankly, Horgan was everywhere when the need was greatest, even winning possession from a crucial late ruck near her own 45m line. Danielle O’Leary, Rachel McCarthy and Kate Lynch also starred for a Clanmaurice side who became the first Kerry outfit to reach an All-Ireland final at this grade.

Ally Hesnan was simply outstanding at centre back for Shamrocks as she won her individual battle against a tricky customer in Laura Collins. Katie Donoghue stood up in attack as she fired 1-2 and showed her bravery when continuing after she was accidentally caught in the face by Patrice Diggins’ hurl in the final quarter. Mary Larkin and Niamh McInerney also made their presence felt.

Pictured: Leah O’Halloran of Shamrocks is chased by Rachel McCarthy of Clanmaurice during Sunday’s All-Ireland Club Intermediate Camogie semi-final at the Ragg. Photo: INPHO/Ryan Byrne