Sarsfields captain Niamh McGrath claimed today's All-Ireland victory was their "best one yet" after they defeated Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-14 to 1-14.
Sarsfields had to dog deep in the second half to retain their title, but showed the true spirit of champions as they win back-to-back All Ireland Senior Camogie titles.
Loughgiel Shamrocks will feel heartbroken after today's defeat, but will no doubt be in the mix next season on today's performance.
However, they just came up short against a Sarsfields side who always found a way in today's final at vital moments.
Vital to their victory today was the McGrath sisters, Niamh and Siobhan. Niamh led as captain with a brillaint performance from midfield. Siobhan was key to Sarsfields victory, with her goal after a minute setting the tone for victory.
Speaking to RTÉ after their victory, the duo were releived to regain their title, while also playing tribute to their teammates in a tight contest.
"This is the best one yet"
Player of the match and captain Niamh McGrath and goalscorer Siobhán McGrath react after Sarsfields claimed their third All-Ireland senior club camogie final crown in four years #camogie #GAA pic.twitter.com/YD8vjvMWuK— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) December 17, 2022
Niamh: I'm absolutley delighted, I'm so releived. I've no idea what I'm doing picking this up. It was just an unbeleiveable team performance, I'm so proud of everyone. We had a great start but we knew Loughgiel would throw everything they had at us. They had their purple patches and visa versa, my heart was in my mouth at the end, but thank god we got the pivotal scores when we did.
I know myself I was the cause of the goal they got in the first half, but it was parking all that and driving on. It's our third All-Ireland, 50% return rate now. We've been trhough everything, we've lost three, we won three now, and it's on it's own merit.
Siobhan: It's the best one yet to be honest. To do it back-to-back in the same calendar year is what dreams our made of to be honest. All the obstacles we had to come through. Doing it without Orla, Maria having to come off after 20 minutes. Sarah Spellman, fair play to her. A lot of people wouldn't have togged out after the news she got last weekend.
That just shows the heart and determination we have."
How Sarsfields Claimed Victory
Siobhan McGrath's goal after a minute saw them get off to a flying start as she fired the ball into the net after a scramble among both sides.
Half-time: Loughgiel Shamrocks 1-06 Sarsfields 1-06
The Antrim champions have fought back despite Siobhán McGrath's very early goal for the holders.
📺 Watch the All-Ireland senior club camogie final live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer now https://t.co/j90jEuigvs #camogie #GAA pic.twitter.com/4BSvcylDtR— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) December 17, 2022
Loughgiel showed why they got to the final as they didn't let the early goal knock their confidence, and fought back into the game.
The Antrim side took the lead after 30 minutes through their first goal to give them a 1-6 to 1-4 lead. Two quickfire points from Sarsfields drew them level at the interval.
Sarsfields came out firing in the second half and had their second goal through Rachel Murray's calm finish, giving them a four point lead at the time.
Full-time: Loughgiel Shamrocks 1-14 Sarsfields 2-14
Rachel Murray's goal was the difference as the Galway women were pushed all the way before retaining their All-Ireland senior club camogie title
📺 Watch reaction on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer now https://t.co/j90jEuzRU2 #camogie #GAA pic.twitter.com/P5Ec22KUz3— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) December 17, 2022
The two leads traded points for the remainder of the game, with Loughgiel searching for the vital goal they needed. However, Sarsfields dug deep to claim a second consecutive title.
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