01/11/2026
Cillard Camogie Club Makes History with Munster Semi-Final Victory
Cillard Junior Camogie team made history on October 31st, securing a memorable victory over Waterford champions Abbeyside to book their place in the Munster Final for the first time in the club’s history.
Facing a strong and determined Abbeyside side, Cillard rose to the challenge with an outstanding team performance, showing resilience, determination and fighting spirit to earn their historic win. It was a hard-fought contest from start to finish, with both teams displaying tremendous commitment in a game where scores were always at a premium.
Defence was the order of the day, and Cillard were led superbly by Kerry player Roisín Quinn, who was a colossus at the back. She was ably supported by Sarah McCarty, Eilish Harrington and Sarah Walsh, all of whom played vital roles in keeping the Waterford side at bay.
Quinn set the tone early with a fine point inside the opening five minutes. Shortly afterwards, Cillard goalkeeper Alanna Maunsell showed great awareness and bravery to rush out and deny Abbeyside’s Julia Mulcahy a goal-scoring opportunity. Mulcahy eventually levelled the game, but Cillard responded through the lightning-fast Norette Casey, who outpaced her marker to put her side back in front.
Casey proved a constant threat to the Abbeyside defence throughout the afternoon. Her pace, skill and accuracy were crucial to Cillard’s success, as she finished the contest with an impressive four-point contribution.
With the aid of a strong breeze in the first half, Cillard gradually took control. Further points from Casey, along with a late free from Shannon Collins following excellent work by Ruth O’Connor, gave Cillard a 0-5 to 0-2 advantage at half-time. Abbeyside’s Mulcahy had converted a ’45 to keep her side in contention.
Collins extended Cillard’s lead early in the second half after Katelyn Leen was fouled. From there, however, the game became a real battle of wills, with both defences standing firm and scoring opportunities proving increasingly difficult to come by.
Neither side could find a decisive breakthrough in normal time, and the contest continued into extra-time. Casey once again stepped up when it mattered most, registering her fourth point at the beginning of the additional period. Abbeyside continued to battle fiercely, with Mulcahy unfortunate to see several efforts fall short, but Cillard’s defensive resolve held firm.
It was a Trojan battle, requiring every ounce of effort and determination from the Cillard players. Their hard work, teamwork and never-say-die attitude ultimately proved decisive as they secured a historic place in their first-ever Munster Final.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Cillard Camogie Club and is a testament to the commitment of the players, management and everyone who has supported the team throughout their journey.
The club would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the parents and coaches of the U8 and U10 players, who helped create a wonderful atmosphere on the day. The young girls formed a guard of honour as the junior team took to the field and played a half-time game, bringing great energy and encouragement to the occasion. Their support helped lift the spirits of the junior players and added to what was a truly special day for the club.
Attention now turns to the Munster Final, where Cillard will face Templeglantine on November 14th. The junior girls will relish the opportunity to take on this next challenge as they look to continue their remarkable journey and make even more history for Cillard Camogie Club.
Everyone in the club can be immensely proud of this team and their achievement. They have shown what can be accomplished through hard work, determination and belief, and they now have a Munster Final to look forward to.
Report: Brid Horan, All Pictures ArdPix
Cillard Camogie Club@followersTralee Parnells Hurling & Camogie Club@Abbeysidecamogie@kerrycamogie
