Our U18 team were beaten by Blackrock in the Championship final held at Castle Road on November 17. Despite the defeat, we gave it everything and we left the field with our heads held high. Blackrock started the game really well with three points from play and two from frees before Rachel Carroll put over our first point. Caoimhe Rodgers scored a fabulous goal and soon after, she put over a point from a free. Blackrock responded with four points and just before H.T they scored a goal out of nothing. Credit to Dillons they responded immeediately and were very unlucky not to get a goal. Ruth Brosnan rattled the crossbar with a great strike and in the follow up, the Blackrock goalkeeper made a magnificant save. H.T time score was 1-9 to 1-1 in Blackrocks favour. We worked very hard in the second half to try and turn it around. Blackrock scored an early goal which hurt us badly. However we continued to dig deep. Emma Sharpe was outstanding again at centre back and Shauna Walsh made some great saves. Caoimhe put over a point and again showed her class with a late goal and a point. Blackrock proved too strong on the day and won on a score line of 3-13 to 2-3. Congratulations to Blackrock who were deserved winners. Reflecting on a long season we have a lot to be proud of. We reached two finals which will undoubtedly stand to us in the future. In the last month we had tremendous results against St. Vincents, Millford/Ballyhea and St Finbarrs. As a team we have improved greatly this year and opposing teams know we are a tough team to beat. Shauna Walsh on goal had a great seson, making some great saves and is now commanding her area with confidence. Our full back line of Niamh Cotter, Niamh O' Leary and Deirdre Keane have showed real steel. They have jelled really well as a unit. Our half back line of Essie O Connell, Emma Sharpe and Alison Smith are on their day unbeatable. Emma in particular has been our most consistent player and there isn't a better centre back in the county. Shauna Cronin and Ruth Brosnan in midfield have been crutial to our success. They work their socks off, took some heavy hits but continue to get up and drive on. Our half forwards are really exciting. Sinead Mills is pure class. There are no weaknesses in her game. Caoimhe Rodgers uses her strenght and defenders are running scared of her. She will always score  goals. Lauren Barry has incredible pace and has shown she has a beautiful strike of a ball. Our full foward line of Kayleigh Looby, Emma Carroll, Rachel Carroll and Jessica Aigbaloga has worked really well. Their work rate has improved greatly and are always likely to poach a goal. So, a lot of positives. 'Sport Hurts' and defeat in any final is hard to take. To all the players and the mentors, ye worked extreemely hard all year. You are all a credit to Brian Dillons Camogie Club.