On a day of high drama, a late goal from Caitriona Regan proved the defining strike as DCU completed the two-in-a-row of camogie championships.
Trailing by the minimum entering the closing stages, Regan pounced for DCU’s second major of the contest and a flurry of points thereafter ensured the Purcell Cup would extend its stay in the Capital for another year- 2-11 to 1-9 the final score.
Mary I had been overcome by a margin of nine points when the sides clashed in the competition’s earlier rounds, but they were not prepared to lie down on this occasion and, indeed, held the initiative for most of the game.
Orlaith Durkan provided the title holders with a dream start as the corner forward goaled inside the opening minutes, but DCU were unable to build on this and Mary I, bolstered by a Niamh O’Donoghue, headed for the dressing room with a one-point interval advantage, 1-5 to 1-4.
Both sides exchanged points at the change of ends and it wasn’t until Regan’s goal strike that a modicum of daylight was established. With the scent of victory in their nostrils, DCU were not going to be caught and finished in the true style of champions.
A delighted Lisa Carey said completing the two-in-a-row is a very special achievement: “To win with all your college friends is just such a special feeling.”
DCU advanced to the decider when easing past Cork IT, 1-15 to 1-5, in Saturday evening’s semi-final. It was expected that Maynooth would emerge from the second semi, but a dream first-half showing helped Mary 1 to a 4-7 to 1-8 win.
Despite this second Purcell Cup success, DCU’s place at the Ashbourne table is not yet assured and they will meet UCC in a play-off next autumn to determine the sixth and final in the third level camogie’s premier competition.
Eoghan Cormican
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