Aghyaran Ladies Pip Moy In Cracker

Tuesday 30.09.2025

 

𝐀𝐧 𝐌𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝟏-𝟏𝟒 (𝟏𝟕)   𝐀𝐠𝐡𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝟓-𝟓 (𝟐𝟎)

An Mhaigh senior ladies footballers produced a terrific performance in the final of this year’s Tyrone Intermediate Championship at a resplendent Killyclogher on Sunday afternoon, but it wasn’t quite enough to get the better of a goal-hungry Aghyaran side who emerged narrow victors and were crowned 2025 champions.

Yes, there was disappointment in defeat. However, there was also huge pride among the very sizeable An Mhaigh contingent afterwards having witnessed our ladies display admirable courage, super skills, terrific teamwork and maximum effort.

Make no mistake, Aghyaran were worthy victors but this was a fascinating championship decider where the outcome was in doubt right up until the final whistle. The contest swung one way then the other at various stages and had the large crowd enthralled throughout. Both teams played their part in a seriously entertaining affair, and it was the unfortunate Tír na nÓgs who came up just short in the end.

On a glorious afternoon for football, An Mhaigh started the game very well and enjoyed lots of early possession. This dominance, however, was not reflected on the scoreboard as the girls in light blue enjoyed little luck in front of goals.

Aghyaran’s direct running and fast counter attacking play was also causing problems in this half and they nabbed two vital goals to somehow lead by four points at the break (2-3 to 0-5).

Whatever was said in the Moy dressing room at half-time clearly had the desired effect as the sky blues played their best football on the restart. A brilliant purple patch saw An Mhaigh hit 1-4 without reply to gain the upperhand and lead by three points.

Aghyaran’s ability to get goals at crucial stages would prove the difference in the end and they found the net twice in quick succession to go in front again. Sasha Byrne was proving herself to be a key figure in the contest hitting two second half goals which were followed by a fifth goal from Maria Mc Hugh and another Sasha Byrne point. To their credit, the Moy cailíní refused to surrender and they kept pressing hard and always asked questions of a very good Aghyaran team.

An Mhaigh’s spirit and effort could never be faulted as they tried so hard to regain the lead. However, despite playing so well, luck was not on their side. This was never more evident than when a well struck penalty effort hit off the post late in the game.

A fifth Aghyaran goal would prove fatal for An Mhaigh’s chances and there was agony at the final whistle for the Moy players and management as their outstanding efforts went unrewarded by just a single score.

Comhghairdeas to Aghyaran on their fine victory and for coming out on top in a thrilling championship decider between two great teams.

Hard luck to the Moy players and management who contributed so much to a super contest and did their club proud on the day and all through this memorable championship journey.

Moy Team & Scorers: Ciara O’Hanlon; Emma Holmes, Ellana McElroy, Grace Daly; Lucy Conroy (0-1), Patricia O’Neill, Aisling Magee; Lucy McAlary (0-2) and Caoimhe Magee (capt, 1-0); Emma Conroy (0-8), Emer Currie (0-2), Amy Holmes; Eimear O’Callaghan (0-1), Colleen McCance, Lottie Mackin.

Subs used: Catherine O’Hanlon, Jill Sheridan and Aoife O’Neill. Squad members: Alice Murphy, Aoife McGurgan, Molly Denvir, Niamh McVeigh, Cara Corrigan, Cara McGurgan, Michelle Morris, Eimear Smith and Maeve Fegan.

Management: Michael Conroy, Martin Conroy and Caroline Conroy.