Fifty years ago, it was the turn of the Waterford senior team to go to Croke Park in search of All-Ireland glory.

This year, it was the junior camogie team that gave it a lash against Offaly.  Here’s how it panned out…

Waterford’s dream of All Ireland glory was dashed by an experienced Offaly side in Sundays All Ireland Junior final in Croke Park.

Experience played a significant role as Waterford started very nervously in their first ever appearance at Croke Park even though a magnificent save was made by Waterford goal keeper Aisling OBrien from a penalty which was awarded to Offaly five minutes into the game. But Offalys third appearance was very apparent as they were 1-11 to Waterford’s 0-4 at half time.

The second half began with a much improved Waterford side, with all girls giving it their all and the nerves seemed to have settled. After four minutes of the second half Patricia Jackman hit the roof of the Offaly net from an accurate pass from Lismore’s Nicola Morrissey which left only six points between the sides which gave hope to the Deise side.

Offaly goalkeeper made two magnificent saves which denied Waterford’s Karen Kelly two certain goals. But on the 48th minute a well taken Siobhain Flannery goal played a significant part in Offaly’s win as it urged on the Offaly side in which two minutes later another Offlay goal hit the back of the Waterford net. But determined Waterford never gave up and kept on fighting to the bitter end with an Aine Lyng goal on the 56th minute, but prove too little too late. The final score Offaly 3-14  Waterford 2 – 8. All in Waterford are proud of this bunch of girls who gave their full commitment to training since last November and made history as they were the first ever Waterford camogie team to contest an All Ireland final in Croke Park. Waterford camogie  is up with the best of them in the country as the three County teams who entered the All Ireland Championship in their grades contested an All Ireland final in 2009. Panel; A. OBrien, V.Gafney, S OGrady (Cpt), K.M Hearne, G.Kenneally, M. ODonnell, S. Kiernan, M.Murphy, C. Raher, S. Curran, K. Kelly(0-2), N. Morrissey (0-2), P. Jackman (1-1_, A. Lyng (1-3), A. Breathnach.Subs used; J. Simpson for S. Curran, A. Kelly for A. Breathnach, M. Russell for V. GafneySubs; N.Ryan, L. Prendergast, A. Cummins, R. Whelan, R. Heylin, M. Heffernan, L. Whelan, P. Cunningham, D. Fahy.

“My Father: A Hurling Revolutionary, the life and times of Ned Power” is out on paperback at the end of November 2009.  Click here for further information, pre-order and excerpt.