Johnstownbridge win over neighbours Cappagh
On Monday evening last, 17th May the Johnstownbridge Senior Camogie Team travelled the short distance to play their neighbours Cappagh in the Senior League competition. JTB's county quartet of Clodagh Flanagan, Roisin O Connell, Siobhan Hurley and Aoife Trant, fresh from their success over Laois in the Leinster Junior Final, were to the fore in this industrious victory over a resilient Cappagh.
An early goal by the home side immediately put JTB on the back foot, however they recovered well and responded with some well taken scores-most notably from the stick of Siobhan Hurley. Cappagh, having previously lost against JTB in the opening game of the league, were eager to make amends on home soil and continued to put it up to the JTB girls. With the game hanging in the balance it was a well deserved goal by JTB full forward Lorraine Sheegar which put the first chink of daylight between the teams. This served to settle JTB and ultimately proved to be the platform from which they built on.
Cappagh refused to lie down but found it difficult to break past a strong JTB defence which included star corner back Shonagh Farrell, who again proved why she was awarded player of the year last season. The final score read JTB 2-8 Cappagh 1-4. This victory now leaves JTB in joint second position in the league, level on points with St. Laurences. With just four games remaining, JTB can now look forward to three home ties against league leaders Celbridge on 24/5, St. Laurences 31/5 and Clane 7/6 before finishing the campaign away to Maynooth on 14/6. Well done girls and keep up the good work!
Team: Sarah Gormley, Aine Hurley, Aoife Trant, Shonagh Farrell, Fiona Blake, Jane O Donoghue, Doireann O Kiely, Clodagh Flanagan, Jenna Murphy, Roisin O Connell, Siobhan Hurley, Sarah Blake, Careen Farrell, Lorraine Sheegar, Ciara Mooney, Miriam Murphy, Niamh Keogh, Ann Marie Keogh, Blaithin Kenny, Amy Mooney.

North Versus South – no score
A cool headed u-11 team made the long journey south to Athy last Saturday 8th May in the under 11 Division 2 competition. For their second game the team were lead out by captain Laura O’Callaghan and were eager to continue their winning streak. The girls beat neighbours Cappagh in the first leg. Laura O’ won the toss and chose her goal. The sun shone down on the girls as the sliotar was thrown in. Sarah Murphy and Kerri Farrell put in an excellent performance in mid-field. They were under constant attack from a strong Athy team. The girls skillfully passes to their half forward line made up of Alana Lawlor, Jodie Perry and Emily Bermingham. The girls showed focus and determination. In front of goals Charlotte Farrelly and Niamh Langley were eager as they swung on every ball and were really unlucky not to score. The Athy backs were very solid in defence and put up an excellent fight. At half time the score stood at 0-0.
Johnstownbridge went into the second half anxious to make their mark on the score sheet. Athy however had the same idea. The backs were put under severe pressure from the throw in. Natasha Farrell lead the half back line. The girls attacked every ball and didn’t stand back. Megan Cooney put in an excellent block in front of goals and was supported by solid full back, Ciara McEvoy. Eva Lawlor and Rachel Carey in backs kept guard in front of their goals and put in some excellent clearances, despite the pressure put on by the speedy Athy forwards. The girls kept attacking and had some near scores in the last few minutes of the game. Alana Lawlor and Sarah Murphy both had very narrow wides. The final whistle blew with neither team having conceded a score. Despite this it was a performance to be proud of and the girls made the long trek north and home in good spirits! Their next game is away to Broadford on Sunday 20th June at noon.
Team: Rachel Carey, Natasha Farrell, Charlotte Farrelly, Eva Lawlor, Ciara McEvoy, Sarah Murphy, Laura O’Callaghan (capt.), Kerri Farrell, Emily Bermingham, Niamh Langley, Jodie Perry, Megan Cooney and Alana Lawlor.

Johnstown Bridge Seniors Show Spirit
JTB 3-8 v 1-5 Cappagh
Spectators were treated to a trilling display of skill and speed by the home team at the opening game of the Senior League last Monday night 12th April. A great start to the campaign for the girls from the ‘Bridge.with a very convincing win over Cappagh. Their next match will be in Celbridge this Monday night Arpil 19th. This upcoming match promises to be equally as competitive. Sarah Blake and Tina Mooney fought for every loose ball in the middle of the pitch. Conditions under foot were not great, but looking at the skill shown by both sets of players you would not have guessed.

Cracking Start for Johnstown Bridge Juniors
JTB 1 v 4 Maynooth 1- 1
The first game of the 2010 Junior League kicked off at last Tuesday 14th April in Johnstownbridge. The teams showed up eager to dust off their sticks following the winter break. With Eleana Gannon and Niamh Dixon making a welcome return, all is looking good for the new season. In the opening 15 mins all the pressure was placed on the visitors by the home team. Despite tremendous efforts by Liz O’Donoghue and June Brogan the deadlock could not be broken. Then against the run of play, Maynooth broke through and got the ball over the line. Our girls responded with great play from Theresa Farrell and Sarah Blake resulting in a free which Blaitin Kenny then put over the bar. More pressure from Carol Hurley forced a 35 which Blaitin again dispatched with ease. Half time score Maynooth leading 1-0 to 0-2. June Brogan made way for Lauren Killeen at the break. Lauren was straight into the game winning a free which Blaitin again slotted over the bar to draw our team level. Great work from Lauren Murphy resulted in another free for the ‘Bridge which Blaitin dropped into the back of the net. Maynooth responded with relentless pressure but thanks to great defending by the Keogh sisters, Ann-Maire and Louise, Maynooth were kept to a single point in this period. A great break by Sarah Blake linking up with Niamh Keogh resulted in Shauna Beatty scoring a fantastic point from play. This was to be the last score of the game despite the best efforts of Amy Farrell and the rest of the Johnstownbridge forwards. The Backs, Maria Canniffe, Eleana Gannon and Niamh Dixon gave an outstanding performance and some great saves from Roberta Farrell ensured Maynooth could not add to their tally. The team take a well deserved rest next week followed by a visit from current league champions Moorefield on Wednesday 28th April. Johnstown Bridge Junior Team: Roberta Farrell, Maria Canniffe, Eleana Gannon, Niamh Dixon, Niamh Keogh, Ann-Maire Keogh, Louise Keogh, Sarah Blake, Blaitin Kenny (1-3), Carol Hurley, Theresa Farrell (C), Shauna Beatty (0-1), Lauren Murphy, Liz O’Donoghue, June Brogan, Lauren Killeen, Amy Farrell and Denise Killeen.