The Rounders Championship Season came to a close on Sunday last with the playing of the Mixed Minors Rounders All ireland Final.

Played at Ballon, because of a series of postponements by the Derry Club Naomh Mhichil, a small rural club in the Sperrins. N. Mhichil has had a good year on the football field and several of their football fixtures clashed with Rounders dates. As late as Sunday last they were still involved in the Ulster Junior Football championships, and that depleted their Rounders playing panel, but they were well represented in the youngsters who travelled the 179 miles to the Carlow venue. Incidently, Naomh Mhichil won their Ulster Championship match and will be playing football again on 4/11/2007.

Cuchulainn, Ballon 11 runs Naomh Mhichil, Lios Aine, 5 runs.
A cold breeze and low light took away from the atmosphere, but enthusiasm drove both sides to some excellent hitting, and running and fielding at a very fast pace. Cuchulainn fielded first, closing down home base with no scores made from the six players called to bat. In reply the home side struggled to get the ball into the outfield spaces, and were lucky to score three runs, by Gillian Dwyer, Aine Rooney and John Brennan.

The second innings was won by the visitors 2-0, Orlaith Quigley bringing home Catherinje Donnelly from third base in the final play of the Derry 'at-bat'. Three batters were called for Cuchulainn, Vicky Hennessy, Alex OBrien and Gillian Dwyer.Vickie was isolated at second base, Alex slipped the ball high and behind where catcher Clare Monaghan had no bother holding the catch, and Gillian Dwyer on one of her best ever hits placed the ball too high over left field and she was caught out.

In the third innings the first Derry hitter fouled out, the next one went on base and Catherine Donnelly gave John Murphy a difficult option when he had to race across the field to take a magnificent catch. Laura Monaghan played on of her pest ever hits well outfield, but Shane Brennan sharply sprinted to the falling sliotar and Laura was out. The ball was 'fired' home and the runner coming in from second base was left with no chance to score. Shane Brennan was first up for the Ballon side. He was lucky to get to second base. Aine Rooney was caught out. John Brennan brought home Shane Brennan. MAr yDelaney lost the call at first base and there were two out. Alex OBrien stepped up with the bases loaded, and blasted the ball well outfield to leave fielders running and two of her teammates racing home. With runners on second and first, Gillian Dwyer fouled out and the innings was over on 3-0.

Clare Monaghan took the first pitch of the fourth innings, and was very unlucky to be denied first base in a close call. Guest player Darren Fitzgerald went on base. Orlaith Quigley clicked on her third pitch and the ball soared while Orlaith prayed, but Shane Brennan was not to be denied a good catch in the near outfield. Darren Fitzgerald made the only run of the match, thanks to improving fielding by the Carlow team. First up for Cuchulainn was Shane Brennan, who eased himself safely to first base. Aine Rooney poppedthe ball a bit too high into the left outfield and watched as the ball was held. John Brennan made base but was to pay, two hits later in a fine piece of fielding to third base. Derry fielding suufered a lapse when the Leinsater hitters found the right swing and the ball travelled regularly beyond the diamond, allowing a total of five runs before home base was closed down.

First up in the final innings was Catherine Donnelly , with a great hit through left field, to earn her a safe stop at first base. Number one Laura Monaghan made base but later became the first out, but she earned a stop at second base for Catherine Donnelly. Clare Monaghan placed the ball well into a space in the near outfield and went to first. Darren Fitzgerald hit under the ball and it flew straight to Shane Brennan. Catherine Donnelly went to third base and clare Monaghan to second. Number five, pitcher and ciotog Orlaith Quigley drew the fielders to right field, and when she swung on her third pitch the ball rocketed deep into left field fooling the defenders and earning Orlaith a safe rest at first base. Catherine Donnelly raced for home and Clare Monaghan read the game superbly well and followed Catherine through the scoring zone, a great run ans a tribute to the special skill of Orlaith Quigley. The next batter fouled pout and the match was over, Cuchulainn the champions for a third successive season. The final Score was Cuchulainn 11 Naomh Mhichil 5.

The match had lasted about one hour, the second time this season that Carlow batters with the cooperation of Ulster batters had played one of the shortest and fast paced games of Rounders in the history of the GAA's revival of the game.

The Cup and medals were presented to the players immediately after the game by Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Cluiche Corr, Sean Hughes, who congratulated the two sides for a spirited display and he offered a special thanks and praise to the N. Mhichil players who had made a superb effort to get the match played.

Cuchulainn Team (and runs): Gillian Dwyer 1, Shane Brennan 2, Aine Rooney 1, John Brennan 2, Mary Delaney 1, John Murphy, 2, Vickie Hennessy 1, Alex OBrien 1.

Carlow Cuchulainns


Cathaoirleach, Comhairle Cluiche Corr, Sean Hughes, presents the cup to the Carlow captain