Stage is set for TG4 Ladies Ulster Finals
This year’s Ulster senior final will see holders Monaghan meet Tyrone while in the intermediate decider Fermanagh will play Down.
In the first of the senior semi- finals Monaghan proved too strong for Donegal winning 1-14 to 1-6. The Farney girls had the majority of the first half possession and went at the break leading 1-6 to 0-6, the goal coming from Caoimhe Mohan. Entering the final quarter Donegal were thrown a lifeline when Aisling Cunningham goaled however the current champions upped their game and hit four consecutive points to win by eight.
In the other semi Tyrone whose management team are only in place two weeks had a hard fought one point win over Armagh 1-9 to 0-11. The all-important score was a 20th minute goal from former All Star Cathy Donnelly. The Red Hand side led at the break by three points and had to sustain enormous pressure in the second half before securing the tight victory. Donnelly finished top scorer with 1-3 while Caroline O Hanlon contributed four points for Armagh.
Fermanagh cruised into the intermediate final with a 4-20 to 1-10 win over Antrim. Caroline Little and Edel Campbell contributed 3-11 of their sides tally. Antrim in fairness had selection problems and rather than forfeit the game travelled with just seventeen players, thirteen of whom were from St. Paul’s. Stand in keeper Emma Kelly had no chance with any of the goals while wing forward Kirsty Mc Guinness sent over four points.
The intermediate final will be much tougher for Fermanagh when they meet Down who overcame Cavan 1-13 to 1-8. Corner forward Lauren Cunningham stole the plaudits for contributing 1-6. Grainne Mc Clean wasn’t far behind, notching five points including four important frees in the last quarter. Aisling Doonan whose ankle injury prevented her from starting was a serious loss to the Breffni side. Clara O Reilly with four points finished their top scorer.
The intermediate and senior finals will take place in Celtic Park, Derry on Sunday 14th July at 1.45pm and 3.30pm respectively.
