Surprises galore as ladies finalists confirmed

LGFA round-up

The 2023 ladies club championship finals are lined-up after another enthralling weekend of fixtures across the three grades. Reigning senior champions Lurgan have exited the competition at the hand’s of 2020 champions Lacken whilst Drumlane overcame Crosserlough by the minimum after extra time to reach their clubs first ever senior final.

In the Intermediate championship Mullahoran have made it back-to-back finals while Ballyhaise have reached their clubs first ever Intermediate final after a convincing win over St. Finbarrs.

In the Junior championship Cavan Gaels have advanced to the final unbeaten and take on Cuchulainns who have impressively reached the final in their first season back in over a decade.

Kingspan Breffni is the place to be on Saturday the 30th to witness these three hotly anticipated ties.

Keogan’s Imperial Senior Championship

Drumlane need extra time to advance after outstanding contest

Drumlane 2-14

Crosserlough 1-16

AET

The tie of the round was played in Rory O’Moore Park, Belturbet as 2020 Intermediate champions Drumlane took on the 2021 Senior champions Crosserlough. Drumlane advanced to the semi-final unbeaten whilst Crosserlough suffered one loss to Lurgan in their group games. This tie was highly anticipated by many and lived up to expectations with the side’s level a total of ten times across the contest which took extra time to separate the two side’s. A 27th minute second half penalty from Bronagh Sheridan equalized the sides for the seventh time and forced the game played in front of a large crowd to extra time.

Crosserlough came out of the blocks quickest and raced into a three-point lead with the opening three scores coming from an Ella Boylan double (one from play and one from a free) and a beauty of a strike from Lauren McVeety in the sixth minute. Niamh Brady opened Drumlane’s scoring in the 12th minute after an excellent turnover from Sarah Moran before Aine Reilly kicked her side into the lead from the resulting kickout with the game’s opening goal. McVeety pointed the side’s level but her scored was quickly followed by Bronagh Sheridan’s opening point of the game.

In an end-to-end free flowing opening quarter Crosserlough went ahead from Cara Reilly’s resulting kickout as Sinead McKenna found the net after build-up play from Shauna Lynch and Neasa Byrd.

Drumlane never panicked and had the sides once again level after hitting three quick fire points. Sheridan hit a double to level matters before Micaela Fitzpatrick won the kick out to set up Niamh Brady for her second of the tie. McVeety pointed to bring the side’s level once again before Boylan fired over from a close range free to retake the lead. Another converted free from Sheridan was followed up by a strike from the hardworking Fitzpatrick but the final score of the half came from corner forward Muireann Cusack to leave the teams level 1-07 apiece at the break.

Drumlane opened the second half with two points in the opening minute. The first came from Brady after another driving run from Micaela Fitzpatrick before Aine Reilly got her second point to go two ahead. However, Crosserlough outplayed Drumlane for the next 20 minutes, scoring six points as the Milltown ladies managed just one more. County player McVeety was as reliable as ever on frees and pointed her side’s opening point of the half in the fourth minute after a foul on Boylan. McVeety’s point was followed by two on the bounce from Lauren Ellis.

The lively Cusack struck over her side’s fourth on the trot to go into a two-point lead. Fitzpatrick pointed her second of the tie to close the deficit to one but Crosserlough continued to dominate the scoring chances and fired over two more well worked scores from Cusack and McVeety. With Crosserlough ahead by three Drumlane were awarded a lifeline as they were given a penalty.

Sheridan stepped up to the mark to face Reilly and made no mistake slotting the ball past the keeper to leave the side’s level with 27 minutes played in the contest. Both backlines held firm at the end of the half to force the tie to extra time with neither side finding the winner in full-time.

Extra time continued as exciting as the sixty minutes gone before it. The sides traded point for point in the opening ten minutes with Crosserlough taking a one-point advantage at the break. However, Drumlane pushed on in the second half scoring two points without reply to advance to their club’s first ever county final.

Sarah Moran opened the scoring in extra time with a well taken effort. Crosserlough missed three chances at the beginning of the half before Hannah Boylan pointed her first of the game. Aine Reilly replied from the resulting kickout before Crosserlough hit two on the bounce. Ella Boylan scored with McVeety hitting her sixth of the game seconds later. Trailing by one at the break Drumlane outworked Crosserlough in the second half as the experienced Sheridan kicked the only two scores of the half, one from a free and one from play to put her sides into the county final in two weeks’ time.

Drumlane scorers: Bronagh Sheridan 1-06 (1-03f), Aine Reilly 1-02, Niamh Brady 0-03, Micaela Fitzpatrick 0-02, Sarah Moran 0-01

Crosserlough scorers: Lauren McVeety 0-06 (2f), Ella Boylan 0-04 (2f), Sinead McKenna 1-00, Muireann Cusack 0-03 (1f), Lauren Ellis 0-02, Hannah Boylan 0-01

Lacken stun champions

Lurgan 2-9

Lacken 2-13

At the start of the season not many would have predicted that Lurgan wouldn’t make it back to the county final. After a dominant run in 2022 followed by their minors claiming Ulster glory the side were tipped to retain their title. However, after Sean Finnegan’s side recorded a convincing opening round win over last year’s finalists Killygarry, the side mixed with youth and experience proved they still had potential to cause a major upset in the competition.

Still, however, Lacken entered into Sunday’s game as underdogs with Lurgan unbeaten in the run up to the semi-final. In Sunday’s contest the return of Roisin O’Keeffe and Bonnie McKiernan to the starting line-up proved crucial with the forwards hitting 2-07 between them.

Lacken led by two points at the break after an exciting free flowing opening half of football in Lavey. They made the perfect start with a point from Erinn Galligan quickly followed by a rocket of a goal from the boot of Bonnie McKiernan. Lurgan responded immediately with their opening score coming in the form of a goal from the outstanding Emma Tolan. A point from Shannah Galligan equalized the side’s in the eleventh minute for the first time.

Joanne Moore operating in the sweeper role was excellent for Lacken and finished off a strong run with a point which was cancelled out at the opposite end from a Ciara Tolan point. With the sides level once again Lacken hit two on the bounce from Roisin O’Keeffe and Rosie Crowe McKeever. A pointed free from Niamh Daly was followed up by McKiernan’s single point of the contest. The sides were level for the third time in the 26th minute as Galligan and Emma Tolan fired over two long range efforts for their sides. However, it was Lacken who finished the half strongest with two excellent points from O’Keeffe and Galligan to go in at the break ahead 1-07 to 1-05.

The second half was equally as exciting as the first with Lacken dominating the midfield and as a result outscoring the champions 1-06 to 1-04. Lurgan, fought like champions and took the lead for the first time in the tie after a blistering start seen them hit 1-02 in quick succession. Daly, who was closely marked by Marian McGuinness fired over a free after a foul on Emma Tolan with Catherine Dolan finishing off her trademark run with a goal from the resulting kickout won by the forward. Dolan was once again outstanding and a point in the fourth minute from the forward boosted the Virginia side into a three-point lead.

An O’Keeffe free was cancelled out by Dolan’s second minutes later, Dolan’s effort was her sides last for fifteen minutes as Lacken hit five on the bounce to take a two-point lead. O’Keeffe marked a perfect return from injury with three more as youngsters Emma Keogan and Lucy Crowe pointed also. Lurgan responded with a point from a Daly free to leave the minimum between the sides. But as the game entered injury time Bonnie McKiernan put her name in the headlines with her second exceptional strike to wrap up a deserving win for Lacken.

Lurgan Scorers: Catherine Dolan 1-02, Emma Tolan 1-01, Niamh Daly 0-03 (3f), Shannah Galligan 0-02, Ciara Tolan 0-01

Lacken Scorers: Bonnie McKiernan 2-01, Roisin O’Keeffe 0-06 (3f), Erinn Galligan 0-02, Joanne Moore 0-01, Rosie Crowe McKeever 0-01, Emma Keogan 0-01, Lucy Crowe 0-01

Kiernan’s Service Station Intermediate Championship

Ballyhaise continue impressive run with dominant display

St. Finbarrs 1-6

Ballyhaise 1-13

In Sunday’s local derby tie Ballyhaise put on a dominant display to advance to their club’s first ever Intermediate championship final. Remarkably, ten year’s apart they picked up Junior championship titles in 2003 and 2013. Can they continue the pattern and claim an Intermediate championship title a decade later? Sunday’s performance suggests they have the capability to do this but will face stiff opposition in Mullahoran who beat them in last year’s semi-final after extra time.

On Sunday Ballyhaise were full value for their win with a solid performance particularly from their backline led by Aine Brady, Sorcha Brady and Alex Peters keeping the St. Finbarrs forwards at bay for large spells in the contest. St. Finbarrs struggled to settle into the tie and hit just two scores in the opening half yet only trailed 0-04 to 0-02 at half time in a low scoring opening half.

Ballyhaise opened the game’s scoring with the opening two points of the half from Elaine Brady and Ellie Brady. St. Finbarrs failed to open their account till the 14th minute of the tie when Aideen Coyle pointed after great play from Kate McIntyre and Mairead Smith. However, Martin Tackney’s side made the perfect reply as Elaine Brady notched over two fine efforts after excellent play from the hardworking Ellie Brady and Sinead Moore at midfield. St. Finbarrs closed the half with a pointed free from Coyle after a foul on the excellent Smith closing the deficit to two at half-time. In truth the deficit could have been greater but for excellent defending from Lisa Connolly, Kate McIntyre and Lauren McCaul throughout the half for St. Finbarrs.

Ballyhaise opened their scoring straight from the throw-in after a superb run from Ellie Brady was finished off with a point from the boot of Clodagh Clarke. The Saint’s top performer Smith added a double in quick succession leaving the deficit back to two as Elaine Reilly pointed at the opposite end for Ballyhaise. Ballyhaise kicked on another gear with four points in quick succession as Muireann Smith added one for St. Finbarrs. Clodagh Clarke and substitute Ruby Gilmartin hit over two excellent scores before superb defending from Aine Brady led to Philippa Watters opening score of the game. Daly hit one in reply but Ballyhaise stretched their lead to five as Elaine Brady pointed from distance.

St. Finbarrs never gave up and a well worked team move resulted in the game’s opening goal in the 17th minute as Smith fired past Emma Mulvanney after a pass from Aine Reilly. However, Ballyhaise closed the final ten minutes with 1-02 as St. Finbarrs managed just one more score from Saoirse Fay in the 24th minute after a disappointing performance from the side who failed to match their quarter final performance. Clarke hit her third to go ahead four before the killer blow came in the 23rd minute as substitute Lucy Jayne Grant made her presence known with a goal past Michaela Fay after a mix-up in the St. Finbarrs backline. The final score of the game went to Clarke who pointed from a free to put her side into the final in two weeks’ time as St. Finbarr’s suffer their third consecutive semi-final loss.

St. Finbarrs scorers: Mairead Smith 1-02, Aideen Coyle 0-02 (1f), Muireann Daly 0-01, Saoirse Fay 0-01

Ballyhaise Scorers: Elaine Brady 0-04, Clodagh Clarke 0-04, Lucy Jayne Grant 1-00, Ellie Brady 0-02, Philippa Watters 0-01, Elaine Reilly 0-01, Ruby Gilmartin 0-01

Goals the difference as Mullahoran book spot back in county final

Ballymachugh 0-8

Mullahoran 2-8

Mullahoran have booked their spot in their second consecutive Intermediate final after a two-goal win over Ballymachugh on Sunday.

Opening half goals from youngsters Kate Fegan and Fainche Higgins left them ahead by six at halftime and again by the same margin as the full-time whistle sounded in Dr. Plunkett Memorial Park, Kilnaleck. Mullahoran were made work hard for their result over a gallant and hardworking Ballymachugh side. Ballymachugh came into Sunday’s tie full of confidence after an unbeaten run to the semi-final which seen them defeat Cornafean, Bailieborough and Mountnugent/Munterconnaught in the quarter final.

And it was them who fired over the opening score of the game in the opening minutes as full forward Kelda Kiernan pointed a brilliant effort. However, despite creating chances it took the side over 15 minutes minutes to register their next score of the tie as Hannah Smith pointed their second point in the 21st minute. In a low scoring opening quarter Mullahoran managed just two points from Kate Smith 15th minute and Annie Deneher two minutes later to go into a one-point lead. Ballymachugh had goalkeeper Sheana Kiernan to thank for the side’s being this close as her save on Geraldine Sheridan denied a certain goal.

Hannah Smith’s effort equalized the sides as Aoibhín Kiernan won the resulting kick out and set-up sister Saoirse for her sides third to regain a one-point lead. Mullahoran introduced Kate Fegan off the bench and the forward made a perfect appearance hitting the opening goal in the 23rd minute followed by two points in quick succession to push her side into the lead once more. As the game entered injury time Aoibhín Kiernan pointed for Ballymachugh but Mullahoran finished the half strongest with a further 1-02. The inform forward Fainche Higgins hit the net for the second time from Kathryn Cullen’s kickout which was won by Aoibhinn Galligan. In the closing stages midfielder Annie Deneher and Higgins pointed one each leaving them ahead 2-04 to 0-04 at the break.

Emilia Mussi opened the second half with an excellent score after a powerful run through the Ballymachugh backline. However, Ballymachugh made a perfect reply with four on the bounce from the excellent Saoirse (3) and Aoibhín Kiernan to leave three between the sides. This left for a nervy closing quarter in Kilnaleck as Ballymachugh piled the pressure on. Mullahoran over 15 minutes without a score were boosted by the return of Sheila Reilly and Maria Mussi off the bench as the side finished the half strongest once again with the fresh legs making the difference.

Fainche Higgins sent over an excellent long-range effort in the 18th minute to get her side a much-needed score. Both sides battled hard but scores were hard come by with the next coming 12 minutes later from Geraldine Sheridan to put her side five ahead. The final score of the game went to Fegan deep into injury time to seal victory for her side.

Mullahoran scorers: Kate Fegan 1-03, Fainche Higgins 1-01, Annie Deneher 0-02, Kate Smith 0-01, Emilia Mussi 0-01, Geraldine Sheridan 0-01

Ballymachugh scorers: Saoirse Kiernan 0-04 (3f), Aoibhín Kiernan 0-02, Kelda Kiernan 0-01, Hannah Smith 0-01

Fresh Today Junior Championship

Cavan Gaels make back to back finals

Cavan Gaels 3-6

Butlersbridge 2-2

In a repeat of the 2022 semi-final local rivals Cavan Gaels took on Butlersbridge with a spot in the championship final up for grabs. Last season Cavan Gaels ran out comfortable winners but a much tighter contest was expected this year as they took on an inform Butlersbridge side boosted by the return of Donna McKiernan to the starting lineup after an injury ruled her out of the opening rounds of the championship.

Last year’s finalists opened the game brightest with 1-01 in a low scoring opening half which seen Butlersbridge take nearly 20 minutes to open their account. Both side’s registered a number of wides in the early stages of the contest which seen both sides hit just three opening half scores. Katie O’Meara pointed the opening score of the game before a well worked team move was finished to the back of the net by Laura Galligan in the 14th minute to boost Finian Farrell’s side into a four-point lead midway through the half.

With 19 minutes on the clock the Bridge opened their account after a foul from Lisa Lynch on Donna McKiernan in the box resulted in a penalty which Niamh McCorry stepped up to take. McCorry made no mistake slotting the ball into the net past the Cavan Gaels shotstopper. This was followed up by a point from McCorry to bring the sides level. Rebecca Boyle Drought replied with one at the other end to put the Gaels ahead again but a strong finish from Butlersbridge seen them hit the net for the second time to take the lead at the break. Kayla Bartley who has been in excellent form this campaign hit the net to put her side ahead for the first time and up 2-01 to 1-02 at halftime.

The Gaels pushed on in the second half as Butlersbridge wide count accumulated seeing them point just one more time in the second half. O’Meara pointed from a free after a foul on substitute Abbie Sexton to open the games scoring and leave the minimum between the teams. A third from O’Meara levelled the sides before the Gaels fired into the lead with ten minutes played as Katie Leddy found the back of the net.

Niamh McCorry got a much-needed score at the other end but this was her sides final score of the game as Cavan Gaels hit 1-02 on the bounce. Katie O’Meara put her side further ahead with a fortuitous goal in the 24th minute. The excellent O’Meara hit her fourth as Laura Galligan pointed to finish the games scoring. Butlersbridge did have a further scoring opportunity in the closing stages of the game after a foul from Lauren Sheridan on Alannah McPhilipps resulted in a penalty. However, this time McCorry’s effort rebounded off the post as the full time whistle sounded with the Gaels making it two finals in a row.

Cavan Gaels Scorers: Katie O’Meara 1-04 (1f), Laura Galligan 1-01, Katie Leddy 1-00, Rebecca Boyle Drought 0-01

Butlersbridge Scorers: Niamh McCorry 1-02 (1-01f), Kayla Bartley 1-00

Cuchulainns edge past Laragh in thriller

Laragh 2-10

Cuchulainns 2-12

Two of the newly established Junior clubs went toe to toe in the JFC semi-final on Sunday. Laragh re-established back in 2021 and in their maiden season reached the championship final. Cuchulainns along with Killinkere re-formed this season after a decade absence and were hoping to follow in the footsteps of their opposition in reaching a championship final at the first time of asking. Coming into the tie as slight underdogs, the Mullagh ladies battled hard throughout the contest and an Aisling Doughty goal before half-time pushed them into a five point lead at the break.

Laragh started the game in the best form hitting 1-02 inside the opening minutes. Meghan McKenna pointed a free after a foul on Niamh Keenaghan. From the resulting kickout the excellent Clodagh Keenaghan fired to the roof of the net with sister Niamh pointing to push her side into an early five-point lead. It took Cuchulainns time to settle into the tie but Aisling Doughty pointed a superb effort from play eight minutes in to ease them into the contest. Trailing by four Cuchulainns hit the next three points, Aimee Flanagan and two from Doughty. McKenna pointed her second free in the 13th minute, but Cuchulainns hit four on the bounce to edge two ahead in an exciting opening half, Sinead O’Reilly, Aine Stafford, Rachel McKenna and the excellent Doughty pointed one apiece. Laragh responded perfectly with two points from McKenna and Meghan Denning. But Cuchulainns with a bit of fortune on their side got their opening goal through hardworking midfielder Ruth Smyth in the 25th minute. Captain Meghan Denning replied with an excellent point at the other end of the field. However, a sucker blow for Laragh as half-time approached left them trailing by five at the break as Aisling Doughty won a short kick-out and lobbed the Laragh goalkeeper to leave the score 1-06 to 2-08 going in at half-time.

Aimee Flanagan opened the second half with a point from play but this was her side’s last for over 25 minutes as Laragh hit 1-03 without reply to bring the side’s level. Niamh Keenaghan and McKenna pointed one apiece to pile the pressure on Cuchulainns. Midway through the half Sinead O’Reilly was awarded a penalty but Aisling Doughty’s spot kick was saved by Noelle Cooney to keep her side in the contest. Laragh’s full forward Niamh Keenaghan who was well marshalled all game by the brilliant Meabh Flanagan fired her side back into the contest with a well struck goal in the 23rd minute with McKenna’s fourth free levelling the sides with 25 minutes gone.

However, it was the debutants who finished the game strongest with three more points. Sinead O’Reilly got a point from play before Rachel Lynch starting her first championship game this season, pointed to put them ahead by two. With the game in injury time Cuchulainns were awarded a second penalty as Claire Brady was deemed to have fouled O’Reilly in the square. Midfielder Mia Farrelly stepped up this time and pointed from the spot to go three ahead. Laragh finished the game with a final point from Niamh Keenaghan as Cuchulainns advance to their first Junior final in 25 years.

Laragh Scorers: Niamh Keenaghan 1-03, Clodagh Keenaghan 1-01, Meghan McKenna 0-04 (4f), Meghan Denning 0-02

Cuchulainns Scorers: Aisling Doughty 1-04 (1f), Ruth Smyth 1-00, Aimee Flanagan 0-02, Sinead O’Reilly 0-02, Rachel McKenna 0-01, Aine Stafford 0-01, Rachel Lynch 0-01, Mia Farrelly 0-01 (1f)