Scott’s strike proves decisive for Connacht camogie champions

Our Lady’s Templemore 0-8

PORTUMNA Community School made history by securing their first-ever All-Ireland camogie title, overcoming Our Lady’s Templemore with a determined second-half comeback.

Nenagh was the venue on Saturday for this competitive All-Ireland PPS Senior C decider which drew a decent crowd to McDonagh Park.

Both teams battled hard in the opening half, with defences on top and scores difficult to come by. Our Lady’s Templemore held a narrow 0-4 to 0-3 lead at the break, with Katie Lawless (0-2) and Emma Callanan (0-1) keeping Portumna CS in the contest.

Our Lady’s Templemore started the second half strongly, stretching their lead to 0-7 to 0-3, but Portumna Community School refused to let the game slip away. Nessa Bloomer scored a crucial point before Lawless slotted over a free.

Momentum swung in Portumna’s favour as Emma Callanan and Player of the Match Katie Lawless struck again before a Neisha Scott point levelled the game.

The defining moment came when Scott rattled the net, giving Portumna the lead for the first time. Kate O’Sullivan and another Lawless point sealed a historic win sparking emotional scenes at the final whistle.

Portumna’s defensive unit was immense in the closing stages, shutting down Templemore’s attempts to claw their way back. Full-back Roisín Power (Davitts) and centre-back Emma Kennedy (Lorrha) were outstanding, repeatedly clearing their lines.

Manager Fiona Kenny hailed her team’s resilience: “We were under pressure, but these girls never gave up. Their belief and teamwork made the difference today.”

Coach Jimmy Dunne added: This was a true team effort. Every player stepped up when it mattered most, and they deserve this moment.”

Portumna Community School’s incredible journey isn’t over yet. They now march on to another All-Ireland final on March 1 where they will face St. Mary’s Charleville in the Junior Final.

With one cup already secured, Portumna CS now set their sights on bringing a second All-Ireland title back to Galway.

Portumna scorers: N Scott 1-1, K Lawless 0-6, E Callanan 0-2, N Bloomer and K O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Our Lady’s scorers: C Cahill 0-6, C Treacy and M Lee 0-1 each.

Pictured: The Portumna Community College senior camogie team which overcame Our Lady's of Templemore in the All-Ireland PPS C Final in Nenagh. Back row, left to right: Cliona Salmon, Lily Conroy, Niamh Nevin, Mya Power, Neisha Scott, Samantha Hogan, Aoibhe Power, Ailbhe Kenny, Makayla Malone, Mellisa Finnerty, Roisin Power, Leah Horan, Katie Lawless, Emma Callanan, Aoibheann Leonard, Caoimhe Dermody, Nessa Bloomer, Tara Kelly. Front row: Allie Callanan, Hannah McCarthy, Ruth Craughwell, Addyson Darcy, Sarah Lohan, Kate Hardiman, Tara Treacy, Dearbhail, Salmon, Cara O' Brien, Ava Bloomer.