Kildare camogs fall to Derry as league final place slips from their grasp

Derry 1-11

Camogie National League Division 2 semi-final

Kildare travelled to Iniskeen in Monaghan to take on a strong Derry side as they sought to secure a place in the Division 2 National League final on Sunday afternoon.

The ladies put up a brave showing against a side who were playing senior camogie in 2016, but it was ultimately a 39th minute goal from Mary Hegarty that made the difference for the Ulster ladies as they hung on from that stage to secure a nervy win.

The first half finished 0-6 apiece as Melissa Lyons landed a couple of points to keep Kildare in contention, while Bronagh Kearney also registered an excellent score.

Lyons added another fine couple of scores upon the restart, while Emer Reilly also floated over a superb point, but Hegarty's goal put the Oak Leaf ladies in command with 20 minutes remaining.

Siobhan Hurley responded by firing over a couple of points straight after as Kildare remained well in the hunt, but Karen Kielt finished the game out strongly for the victors as she stroked over three points without reply.

Kildare piled forward in search of an equalising goal as more than eight minutes of stoppage time was played, but Derry remained resolute and kept the Lilywhites at bay to advance to the league final.