Laois triumphs over past wounds, claiming victory against Armagh in the All-Ireland junior camogie championship
The All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Final between Laois and Armagh concluded with Laois securing a hard-fought victory, winning 2-15 to 0-12[1][3]. The match began with Laois taking the lead, as Gráinne Delaney scored an early goal just 54 seconds into the game[5]. Armagh responded, with Rachael Merry converting a free to equalize the score[4].
Niamh Forker scored a point for Armagh during the match, but Laois continued to assert their dominance. Clodagh Tynan, Aimee Collier, and Gráinne Delaney scored consecutive points for Laois, taking the lead before half-time[2]. The score stood at 0-10 to 1-5, with 33 minutes elapsed, but Armagh could not maintain their momentum[3].
Laois pulled away decisively in the second half, with key performances from the Delaney cousins and Aimee Collier. Collier, in particular, was unerring with her placements, scoring seven points in the match[2]. The match-winning moment came from an impact substitute, minor recruit Amy Daly, who scored a crucial goal in the 50th minute[2].
After Daly's goal, Merry converted two frees for Armagh, but it was not enough to come back from the deficit. Lucy Conroy and Amy Daly scored points for Laois off the bench, with Daly's goal coming in the 50th minute. Eimear Hassett scored a point for Armagh shortly after Laois' opening goal, but Laois responded with an unbroken run of a goal and six points, establishing a lead that did not look likely to be reeled in[3].
In the closing moments of the match, Ciarrai Devlin, Armagh's goalkeeper, was beaten by Amy Daly's shot, and Aimee Collier scored a point from play and a free for Laois before the celebrations kicked into gear[1][3]. This victory marked Laois' redemption from last year's one-point defeat in the same competition[1].
This was Armagh's third defeat in the junior camogie final since their triumph in 2020. Corinna Doyle scored a marquee point for Armagh, leaving a trail of Laois defenders in her wake, but it was not enough to secure a win[1]. Laois' success in the final demonstrates their resilience and determination to claim the title[3].
[1] Irish Examiner [2] Irish Independent [3] RTÉ Sport [4] The Irish News [5] The Irish Times
Niamh Forker's point for Armagh couldn't prevent Laois from continuing their dominant performance in the sports match. The team's lead, initially established in the first half, was extended significantly in the second half, with key contributions from players like Aimee Collier and the Delaney cousins.
Armagh struggled to maintain their momentum, and despite Rachael Merry converting two frees, the match-winning goal came from Amy Daly's impact substitute in the 50th minute. After Daly's goal, Laois responded with an unbroken run of a goal and six points, ensuring their victory in the sports competition.
