Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Spring 2026

All-Ireland Club Camogie Final Replay Athenry 0-14 St Finbarr’s (Cork) 0-12

It may only have been the third day of the New Year, but it would take something truly special to top what unfolded at Thurles as Athenry were crowned All Ireland Club Camogie Champions after a gripping replay victory over Cork side St Finbarr’s. On a bitterly cold evening, Semple Stadium was split in two by the shadow of the Kinane Stand. One side lay hard and frost-bound, the other touched by a weak winter sun. It was a striking sight for those in attendance. The game itself ebbed and flowed in a contest that rarely allowed the crowd a moment to breathe. Athenry started with intent but were wasteful in front of goal, registering six first-half wides, two of them overturned by Hawkeye. In contrast, St Finbarr’s were clinical, five points from five shots keeping the Munster champions firmly in touch. Kate Wall struck twice, and her second score to make it 0-07 to 0-04 sparked a run of eight unanswered points for the Cork side either side of half-time. The third quarter was a test of character for Athenry. Their defensive shape held, but the workload intensified as they struggled to clear their lines at the Killanin End. The introduction of Ciara Golden at midfield transformed the Barrs’ challenge.and when she landed a sublime point over her shoulder to make it 0-11 to 0-07, it looked as though the title might be heading south. But just as in the drawn game, when Athenry needed leadership, they found it in Therese Donohue. A powerful 40-metre burst earned a crucial free, converted by Sabina Rabbitte and the momentum swung. What followed was a defensive performance that will be spoken about in Athenry for years to come. Dervla Higgins recovered from an early setback to keep a tight grip on Cahalane, while Lisa Casserly and Sinéad Feeney were commanding across the half-back line. Olwen Rabbitte drove forward relentlessly, and behind them all Laura Freeney was immaculate in goal, claiming and clearing a series of dangerous deliveries with absolute assurance. At the far end, Athenry began to find their rhythm. Clodagh Burke was sharp and decisive, adding two vital points. Kayla Madden hunted breaks with real hunger, and Therese Donohue once again proved that age is merely a number, dictating play when it mattered most. Olwen Rabbitte nudged Athenry ahead following a brilliant turnover by Clodagh Burke, but McCartan responded from midfield and extra time loomed once again. This time, though, regulation time was enough. Official Player of the Match Clodagh Burke showed composure and class to edge Athenry back in front.

Manager: Joe Rabbitte. Photo: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

From the rushed puck-out that followed, Anna Jordan was fouled and Jessica Gill coolly converted the free that sealed a sensational final quarter in which Athenry outscored St Finbarr’s by seven points to one. As the final whistle sounded, it was Athenry who stood tall, All-Ireland Club Champions, after a performance built on resilience, leadership and an unbreakable spirit. Athenry Team & Panel: Laura Freeney, Tarron Kilkenny, Dervla Higgins (C), Kate Screene; Lisa Casserly, Olwn Rabbitte (0-01), Sinead Feeney; Kayla Madden (0-01), Eva McGlynn (0-01), Eimear Keane; Jessica Gill (0-02, 0-01f), Therse Donohue (0-01), Clodagh Burke (0-03), Sabina Rabbitte (0-04, 0-02fs, 0-01 45), Kerri O’Driscoll (0-01). Subs: Anna Jordan for E. Keane (48), Mollie Noone for E. McGlynn (52). Panel Members: Niamh Feeney, Isabel Fleet, Megan McDonagh, Sarah Gaughran, Ciara Cunniffe, Ailish Molloy, Maeve Feeney, Katie O’Dwyer, Darrelle Burke, Jenni McNamara, Aoibhinn Hannon, Niamh Keane and Elora Mahon. Management: Joe Rabbitte (Manager) Padraic Mannion, Padraig, Linnane, Enda Gannon, Cormac Ward, Kevin Quigley, Tony Hough and Pat Higgins.

David Crimmins – Manager AIB Oranmore presents the Player of Match Award to Clodagh Burke..

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