Tyrone Ladies Ease Into Quarter Finals

Sunday 29.07.2018

County

Click here for photos from the game

Tyrone ladies recovered from a shaky opening to easily qualify for the All Ireland Intermediate quarter final when they defeated Offaly 7-17 to 1-10.

The Leinster county started well and moved 0-4 to 0-3 in front after nine minutes following Sarah Kehoe’s fine point. They had a great chance to stretch their lead but team captain Mairead Daly missed the target when she found herself through one on one with Tyrone goalkeeper Laura Kane.

This much changed Tyrone side eventually settled and Aisling O’Kane scored the first of three Tyrone goals in the space of three minutes. Maria Canavan (penalty)and Niamh O’Neill netted to put Tyrone in a very strong position midway through the first half. Defensively the Red Hands proved far too strong for the midlanders with Slaine Mc Carroll leading by example as she forced several turnovers when Offaly briefly threatened to break through.

Tyrone’s three goal burst deflated Offaly somewhat and the Ulster champions went on to add five points before the Faithful County recovered their composure to net themselves courtesy of Maria Kelly just before the break.

The second half saw Tyrone grow in confidence and control. Goals from Maria Canavan, Lycrecia Quinn, Neamh Woods and Emma Hegarty as well as points from the boot of Niamh O’Neill, Emma Smyth, Maria Canavan and Sasha Byrne ensured that scores from Aoife Norris and Maria Kelly did not impact on the result.

The game ended 7-17 to 1-10 in favour of Tyrone and ensured that Gerry Moane’s team advanced to a place in the All Ireland quarter finals.

Scorers: Tyrone; Aisling O’Kane (1-3), Maria Canavan (2-6), Emma Smyth (0-2), Grainne Rafferty (0-2), Niamh O’Neill ( 1-3), Neamh Woods (1-0), Emma Hegarty (1-0), Lycrecia Quinn (1-0), Sasha Byrne (0-1)

Offaly: Mairead Daly 0-3, Orlagh Heavey 0- 3, Sarah Kehoe  0-1, Aoife Norris 0-2, Maria Kelly 1-1.