Dominant Derry crowned intermediate champions

Derry are Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Intermediate camogie champions for the second time after they saw off Meath with richly deserved eight-point victory.

This replayed clash, played at St. Tiernach's Park, Clones was a ferociously physical contest played in blustery conditions.

The Ulster side last won this competition, also after a replay, in 2012, when defeating Galway’s second outfit. Joint captains Aine McAllister and Aoife Ní Chaiside add a second All Ireland having been involved all those years ago.

Aoibhin Lally replaced Grace Coleman in midfield for Meath in the only change for either side from the drawn game last weekend.

After Aoife Minogue landed a routine free to open the scoring Mairead McNicholl replied with a fine effort from 40 meters. There was a fine tempo to this game early on, with both sides eager to lay an early marker after the stalemate. Derry were sharpest last week but Meath showed a bit more from the off this time around.

Derry, backed by a vocal support opened a 0-3 to 0-1 advantage with scores Aoife Shaw, a free and a '45’. But Brendan Skehan’s side landed four in as many minutes to lead. Aoife Gaffney for the pick of those while Emma O’Connell was also accurate.

This was a game that ebbed a flowed, with clear-cut goal chances hard to find, particularly with a couple of fine hooks at either end.

Then came a run of four for Derry. Shaw sent over a disputed free which saw Derry 0-6 to 0-5 ahead. Liz Dempsey consulted with both umpires before awarding the point. This came just moments after Aine McAllister nearly scored a fortuitous goal. Her long-range shot dropped short and goalkeeper Tara Murphy fumbled if off the post and away. It was one of five shots left short by the Oak Leafers in the opening