Saul’s new champs on top of the world

Saul’s new champs on top of the world

9 October 2024

SENSATIONAL Saul secured the Oriel Developments Down Ladies’ Intermediate Championship at Teconnaught on Saturday.

They were seen as the underdogs, but produced a stunning performance in extra time to see off a St John’s outfit, who played their part in an unbelievable encounter.

It was Saul’s first appearance in the Intermediate decider and now they can look forward to senior status – the culmination of years of hard work from a succession of mentors at underage and senior level.

This is a special Saul group. They fought for every ball, driven on by goalkeeper Orla Carson, whose motivation, composure and kick-out retention set the tone.

Saul’s defensive ability and game plan proved to be the rock on which this victory was built.

Carla Dorrian, Laura Edgar, Emma Savage and Cara Fitzsimons all learnt their trade in the lower leagues, and showed that their values of persistence, commitment and resilience will always allow their ability to stand out on whatever stage.

Erin Sands added an extra impetus, her efforts with Down earning her national recognition, and what leadership she showed to push through for an outstanding point at the end when it was most needed.

Maddie Crawford, lining out at centre half back, covered every blade of grass and was one of the stand-out players on a day when everybody seem to shine.

They say that it’s at midfield that games are won and lost. The Saul management went with pace and flair. Louise Lundy was a turnover machine, coming out of impossible situations with the ball to drive Saul into attack.

Captain Ella Rourke, as usual, set a high standards. Always available and always creative, her mammoth score from distance, fading inside the post, proved a turning point.

Tash Byrne and Ciara Gallagher passed up on the chance of European Aussie Rules glory to play in this final and with that sacrifice , they were going to make sure they brought home silverware.

They didn’t disappoint, popping over crucial points from a variety of angles. Tash was flanked by Caitlin Kerr and Caitlin Burke, who provided the required work rate and skill required for their positions.

At full forward Bronagh McErlean and Cora Byrne-Convery have proved impossible to mark all year and this match was no different, as they were a menace for the St John’s defence from start to finish.

Though there were many fine scores on the day the final score epitomised what this squad is about – a combined effort in defence to turnover a promising St John’s attack.

Caitlin Burke showed her customary skill and composure to retain possession and worked the ball up the wing to Molly Sharvin. Molly and Cora Swail, who incredibly had played a county camogie semi-final only a couple of hours earlier, combined with pace, skill and maturity to rattle the net.

It was crucial that Saul’s squad strength allowed them to introduce Alex Johnston and Grace Surginor, who, like all the other members of the extended squad, and those missing stars who are overseas, contributed as much to this victory as anyone.

The referee Declan Carolan and his officials will be proud of their contribution to what many observers have described as the game of the year.

Saul and St John’s matches never disappoint, and both teams contributed equally to a superb spectacle. The sportsmanship and mutual respect between the clubs has always been strong and both clubs will look forward to 2025 with confidence and enthusiasm.

Saul GAC wishes to thank its many sponsors, particularly Finnebrogue, Alexander Reid and Frazer, McGrady Insurance, and MJM Construction, as well as Gareth Sharvin for organising the club’s digital programme ahead of the final.

Saul: Orlagh Carson, Cara Fitzsimons, Laura Edgar, Carla Dorrian, Erin Sands, Maddie Crawford, Emma Savage, Ella Rourke (captain), Louise Lundy, Caitlin Burke, Catherine Byrne, Caitlin Kerr, Ciara Gallagher, Cora Byrne-Convery, Bronagh McErlean.

Subs: Grace Surginor, Rebecca Hanna, Molly Enright, Molly Higgins, Alex Johnson, Megan Heaney, Cora Swail, Molly Sharvin, Lucy Morgan, Aoife Burns, Charlotte Curran, Nicola Rourke, Isabelle Murphy, Cara Doran, Erin Cunningham.

St John’s: Ciara McCann, Enya Boyle, Aoife McClean, Rose Morgan, Caitlin Savage, Aisleen Morgan, Aisling O’Connor, Louise Morgan, Brea McKee, Meabh Boyle, Grace McMullan, Cushla Savage, Laura McEvoy, Alannah Megoran, Ami Doran.

Subs: Holly Milligan, Orla Cotter, Shauna Megorrian, Aoibhe Hastings, Mary Claire King, Leah Walsh, Ciara McEvoy, Grace McCann, Anna McAllister, Katie King, Grace Morgan, Alannah McKay, Rosie O’Connor and Mollie Rogan.