Junior camogs win Ulster title

Derry 3-04 Antrim 0-10

After the disappointment of losing out to Antrim in the provincial decider at Ballycastle last year, the Derry women were resolutely determined to claim to crown on home soil at Ballerin.

Despite the fact that the mercury was pushing 26 degrees on the thermometer accompanied by a slight breeze, it did prevent both sides from charging into action when Armagh referee Pat Walsh signalled for the 3pm throw-in.

It was immediately obvious that these were two well matched teams. Derry did make their share of errors in the opening period, but it did not dim their determination to succeed.

The play ebbed and flowed with the Saffrons making life extremely difficult for the Oak Leafers, but Derry hit the net when it was most needed and sustained a lead for most of the first half. However, both teams headed to the changing rooms at the half-time break with honours even at Antrim 0-05 and Derry 1-02.

The second half saw Derry take the lead and hold Antrim back well, but they took their foot off the pedal with ten minutes to go and Antrim took full advantage, clawing back three points in very quick succession. However the clock was on Derry's side and they took victory by three points in the end.

The James Mellon and Gerald McErlean managed team have clearly forged a well disciplined and determined side that are confident in their own ability but never complacent. As the summer progresses this is one Derry team that may fare well in an All-Ireland series.

The Under 18's Ulster title in fact rounds off a magnificent May for Derry's camogs. The latest victory follows hot on the heels of an All-Ireland Under 16 B final victory just two weeks ago when Derry saw off the challenge of Limerick by a marvellous nine point margin.

Whilst it is four years since a Derry camogie team has lifted a Senior Ulster title and three years since an Ulster Junior crown was claimed it is evident that senior success is once again not far away, considering the crop of junior players that are currently emerging.

It is also apparent that in the next few years some of these players may emulate Bellaghy's Aisling Diamond-to date Derry's only Camogie All-Star, won in 2007.