The Atlanta camogie squad made the long journey to the Midwest to take part in the St Louis Invitational Tournament on Saturday July 26, 2014. The Atlanta squad made the 550 mile each way trip by bus, car and plane to participate in this tournament alongside teams from Chicago, St Louis and Indianapolis. The dedication of this group is an inspiration to the rest of the club as the team bus departed Atlanta at 7 pm on Friday night and reached the hotel in St Louis at 5 am to allow the girls only a few hours of rest before playing. Nevertheless the Atlanta girls prevailed on the field in a historic day in the history of camogie in the Southeast.
Atlanta Clan na nGael 4-6 St Mary’s Chicago 0-1
In the opening game of the tournament, Atlanta took on St Mary’s Chicago who traditionally are the powerhouse team of the Midwest. Atlanta got off to a strong start with two goals from Ashley Harmon in the first half resulting in an impressive 2-3 to no score lead at half time. The defense were out in front from the start with Virginia Varela-Eyre’s display in this regard being particularly noteworthy. Danielle Lanfear showed great hands in the back line fielding balls in the air throughout the game.
Atlanta’s dominance continued into the second half as the teamwork displayed by the Georgia girls did not allow Chicago to get into the game. The Chicago defense could not contain Ashley Harmon as she led the forward line scoring another two goals in the second half in a superb individual performance. Carey McCarthy used her pace to solo the ball into the full forward putting the Chicago defense on the back foot throughout this game. Similarly, Lauren Alexander ensured that the ball remained in the offensive zone as she never allowed her defender to get clean clearance the whole game. Additional points from Sarah Spiller & Jolene Glenn from midfield closed out the scoring to leave Atlanta with a comprehensive victory in this game.
Atlanta scorers: Ashley Harmon 4-2, Sarah Spiller 0-3 & Jolene Glenn 0-1
Atlanta Clan na nGael 5-8 St Louis 0-2
In spite of travel fatigue & 100 plus degree weather, Atlanta got off to a flying start against hosts St Louis to build up a ten point lead by half time. The Atlanta defense played excellently and assisted the offense with Kristin Cardell launching frees deep into the forward line. In one memorable piece of play, Fiona O’Donoghue gathered possession in defense before spinning around two defenders to make a driving run to half forward before splitting the uprights on the run for an inspirational point.
Jolene Glenn showed great leadership & flexibility as she shuffled between midfield & half forward while constantly making good passes inside. Karina Clarke, Liz Gildea & Ashley Harel cleanly won possession in the forward line and had numerous assists they laid balls off to supporting players. Goals from Ashley Harmon (3), Karina Clarke (1) & Liz Gildea (1) proved to be insurmountable in the end for a St Louis side who gave their all in this match.
Atlanta scorers: Ashley Harmon 3-4, Karina Clarke 1-1, Liz Gildea 1-0, Sarah Spiller 0-1, Zoe Beato 0-1 & Fiona O’Donoghue 0-1
Atlanta Clan na nGael 1-4 Indianapolis 0-2
Atlanta & Indianapolis met in the championship game in a rematch of the NACB Junior Playoffs final in Cleveland in September 2013. This great match-up did not disappoint on-looking fans as the intensity of this game even surpassed the Cleveland match as both teams clearly improved their skill sets this season.
Once again Ashley Harmon could not be contained as she scored 1-2 to put some distance between the sides in a game where defenses were on top. Amanda DuShane anchored the Atlanta rearguard at center back and one one occasion she reinvigorated her team mates when energy levels were sapping by bursting through three defenders to carry the ball down field. Jen Beato made a tremendous play to sweep in & collect the ball from a scrum of players before driving the ball down the field. Haley Stolp, making her competitive debut for Atlanta, made a goal line save after goalkeeper Cathi Dugger was dispossessed by a forward. The Atlanta forwards helped out as the first line of defense as demonstrating when Carrie Frick forced a turnover by pressurizing her opponent after losing her hurl. There were numerous other examples of great defensive plays throughout this game.
Additional points from Sarah Spiller & Zoe Beato, who punished Indianapolis when given any space, stretched Atlanta’s lead against which Indianapolis could only muster two points such was the excellence of the back line play. The Atlanta defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Cathi Dugger, was not breached for a goal all weekend which is a testament to the skill & hustle shown by the team. Captain Sarah Spiller proudly accepted the cup on behalf of the team to begin the post match celebrations. This was a proud & momentous occasion for both the Atlanta Clan na nGael club and the Southeast division as a whole.
Atlanta scorers: Ashley Harmon 1-2, Sarah Spiller 0-1 & Zoe Beato 0-1
Well done to all the players and the management team of Johnny O’Sullivan, Rob Kiely & Paddy Lynch. The teamwork shown throughout the tournament was a credit to the hours of work done on the practice field since the Fall. Victory in the final proved to be the perfect present for birthday boy Rob Kiely who in his usual understated manner declared the weekend his “best birthday ever”. Special mention also goes to Paddy Lynch was the unsung hero of the weekend as he drove the team bus for 18 hours. Finally congrats to Carey McCarthy on her recent engagement which the team also celebrated in St Louis.
Atlanta squad: Cathi Dugger, Kristin Cardell, Danielle Lanfear, Virginia Varela-Eyre, Fiona O’Donoghue, Amanda DuShane, Jen Beato, Sarah Spiller, Zoe Beato, Lauren Alexander, Ashley Harmon, Carey McCarthy, Ashley Harel, Karina Clarke, Haley Stolp, Carrie Frick & Liz Gildea.
Thanks to the St Louis club for hosting an excellent tournament and after-party for all attendees. This weekend will not be quickly forgotten by this group as they enjoyed the sights & scenery of Missouri combined with playing some top class camogie.
