Sunday October 18th 2015 was an historic day for Cuala Camogie with our Adult Camogie squad winning the Dublin Div 5 Championship. This year is the first year of Cuala’s full return to adult camogie with two squads operating in Div 5 and Div 7. The average age of the Div 5 squad was just 17 so winning the championship in their first year operating at this level was a great achievement.
Both Cuala and Whitehall had come through their groups and semi finals unbeaten but had not played each other at this grade – so, for both clubs, it was a step into the unknown. Whitehall started much stronger as the Cuala girls showed some early nerves. However, Cuala worked very hard to keep themselves in the game, without playing their finest camogie, to ensure that Whitehall’s early goal remained the difference through to the half time break. Some teak tough defending and brave goalkeeping kept Cuala in the game with points from play and frees being traded.
Cuala used the half time break to remind themselves that they had much more in them than the first half had showed and they re-emerged with determination. Cheered on by a large and noisy Cuala support, for which the players and management are very appreciative, the southsiders really got into their stride in the second half and started showing the quality and brand of camogie they had demonstrated throughout the year – fast flowing and dynamic play was soon converted to scores, with the Cuala midfield and half forward line beginning to dominate and the workrate of the inside forwards setting the tone for the rest of the team. Some more last ditch defence was again called for as a gallant Whitehall side rallied in the last 10 minutes, but Cuala ran out 2 point winners in what was a titanic tussle played in a great spirit by both sides. The full squad of 21 players had each played a big part through the group and playoff stages.
Great celebrations pitch side were followed by a return to Dalkey to celebrate the win alongside the two juvenile championship (2002s) and shield (2000s) winning teams. A memorable day indeed for all involved with Cuala Camogie.
Most of the championship winning team are eligible for the minor camogie championship which will be run off during November.
Onwards and upwards for Cuala Camogie.
