The Down camogie team were celebrating their first All-Ireland success in 22 years last night following a stunning victory over Ulster rivals Antrim.
After suffering final agony against Cork in 2018, the side, managed by Laois man Derek Dunne, ran out 4-16 to 2-10 winners in Kingspan Breffni Park.
The Clonad native was in charge in what was Down’s first All-Ireland final appearance in 20 years back in 2018 but his side will be delighted to avenge that loss and taste victory.
A former championship winner with Clonad in 1992 and a recent manager of the club as well as being involved with the DIT Fitzgibbon Cup team, Dunne became involved with the Ulster side through work.
He works with Panda Recycling in Dublin where Fionnuala Carr (daughter of former Down All Ireland football winner Ross) is a work colleague. When Down’s manager left them in 2018 during the league, she asked would he go up and do a few sessions.
That quickly turned into a full-time role and two years on he’s still there.
Laois had played in Down in Round 2 and were beaten but they reached the semi final thanks to an extra time victory over Kerry.
However, they were defeated by Antrim in the semi final but the Saffrons proved no match whatsoever for Down yesterday.
Niamh Mallon was the star on the day and she shot 2-3 in total. Down led 1-8 to 1-5 at half time.
But they built on that considerably in the second half and triumphed by 12 points in the end.
Dunne’s charges will now take their place at the top table of All-Ireland Camogie in 2021.
SEE ALSO – Laois GAA chiefs defend fixtures and decision not to tighten 2020 schedule
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source https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/12/06/laois-man-leads-down-to-first-all-ireland-camogie-title-win-in-22-years/
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