Aimie Nolan stars as Ireland overcome Scotland in Camogie-Shinty showdown
Aimie Nolan was the outstanding player as Ireland won the Shinty/Camogie International at SuperValu Pairc UiChaoimh, Cork Photo: ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon
Ireland were too strong for Scotland in Saturday's Camogie-Shinty international contest at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, running out 9-11 to 1-3 winners.
Aimie Nolan top-scored for the girls in green, with an impressive personal tally of 4-3 all from play.
There was a variety of skills on display in Lee-side, as the hybrid sport prompted bits of eye-catching ingenuity. The Irish camógs were exposed to a different challenge in the form of the Scots' fierce ball-striking, with the ball flying distances of over 70 yards off strokes straight off the ground.
No catching the ball, no kicking the ball, no hand-passing. Just striking straight off the stick. This is a version of the game surely approved by the traditionalists.
In the 14-aside contest, Carlow's Nolan and Dublin's Sinéad Wylde led the line for the hosts in the two-strong full-forward line.
And it was Nolan who caused headache after headache for the Scotland defence immediately from throw-in.
She stole in early on to find the net, lobbing the goalkeeper with a fourth-minute shot to nudge Ireland into an early lead.
However, the Irish rearguard didn't have to wait long to learn the identity of Scotland's primary threat. Megan Ralph of Badenoch first struck impressively off the ground to get the visitors' opening point, before she then found herself one-on-one with Amy Lee in the Irish goal, and made no mistake with a low shot to the corner.
Ralph could have bagged another goal moments later, as her dangerous attempt from range had Lee scrambling before dancing wide Ger Manley's side eventually found their groove, however.
Nolan soon struck again for a second goal, before Wylde's point attempt dropped short and into the net.
Nolan worked her way in for a third, capping a first-half tally of 3-2.
Laura Hayes then showcased some eye-catching scores, with a long-range point and a goal to boot, as Ireland took a deserved 5-4 to 1-2 lead into the break.
Scotland re-emerged rejuvenated, and looked the more threatening for much of the third quarter.
However, they were unable to convert their dominance on the scoreboard, and Naoise Hughes pointed for Ireland in the 46th minute for the opening score of the half.
Isobel Sheehan, Saoirse McCarthy, Anais Curran and Nolan all added second-half majors from there.
McCarthy's goal came after a storming run down the left, and she rifled to the back of the net to score a goal in the fixture for a second year in succession.
Ultimately, Ireland proved too strong as they capped a comprehensive victory on Lee-side, and captain Ashling Thompson climbed the steps of the South Stand to collect the silverware.
Aimie Nolan (4-3), Laura Hayes (1-2), Anais Curran (1-1), Isobel Sheehan (1-1), Saoirse McCarthy (1-0), Sinéad Wylde (1-0), Ava Fitzgerald (0-1), Shannagh Hegarty (0-1), Naoise Hughes (0-1), Emma Murphy (0-1).
Megan Ralph (1-1), Iona McCulloch (0-1), Lorna McRae (0-1).
Amy Lee (Cork); Rebecca Kelly (Carlow), Aoife McDonald (Tyrone); Gráinne McDonald (Tyrone), Ashling Thompson (Cork), Dearbhla Magee (Down); Laura Hayes (Cork), Shannagh Hegarty (Antrim), Rachael Walsh (Waterford); Emma Murphy (Cork), Saoirse McCarthy (Cork), Naoise Hughes (Armagh); Sinéad Wylde (Dublin), Aimie Nolan (Carlow).
Rolling subs: Anais Curran (Wexford), Ava Fitzgerald (Cork), Maeve Clince (Meath), Isobel Sheehan (Cork), Sophie O'Callaghan (Limerick).
Elizabeth McGregor; Kira MacDonald, Laura McCafferty; Rachel McCafferty, Amy Disher, Roma Frazer; Caitlin MacLean, Mairi Stewart, Rona Stewart; Alaina MacLennon, Natalie MacDonald, Megan Ralph; Abby MacLean, Lorna MacRae.
Rolling subs: Eilidh Cameron, Iona McCulloch, Beth MacLennan, Maree MacKenzie, Rachael Borthwick.
