Ladies Finals Throw Up Contrasting Contests

Sunday 08.10.2023

Championship Football

It was very much ladies day at Healy Park on Saturday as the showpiece finals day lived up to expectations with two contrasting but compelling games.

The intermediate final between Cappagh and Omagh was a nervy, low scoring game that was eventually won by Omagh on a final score of 0-7 to 0-4 while the senior final, won by Errigal Cartan, was a superb game between two very fit and very well organised teams.

The Omagh v Cappagh game was something of a slow burner which saw both defences on top and scores hard to come by. Omagh led at the break 0-4 to 0-3 with Aine Strain, Emer Cunningham, Emer Mc Canny and Aine Cunningham on target. Cappagh also struggled for scores creating and missing several good chances with points from Teri Mc Cusker, Kate Mc Aleer and Laura Corcoran.

The second half saw a continuation of at times attritional defending keeping the score down while also restricting scoring chances. Omagh’s ability to break at pace did afford them greater opportunities and saw them establish a three point lead late in the game.

Cappagh pushed forward in search of the goal that would have taken the game to extra time but a superb save by Omagh keeper Danielle Browne right at the death won the game for Omagh on a final score of 0-7 to 0-4.

The senior final that followed was a great advert for the ladies game in Tyrone as the top two sides in the county put on an exhibition of all that is best in the game.

Right from the off both sides signalled their intent with goals, goal chances, a missed penalty and some brilliant counter attacking play throughout.

Maria Canavan and Chloe Mc Caffrey lit up the park with some fantastic scores as the teams went toe to toe and Errigal reached the break leading 2-5 to 2-4. The pace never slackened in the second half  as both sides produced some fabulous entertainment that was enjoyed by the huge crowd present.

With little between the sides it was no surprise that the game remained close throughout. However at one stage Errigal fell four points behind and it looked like Macs were on the verge of pulling away to win. Errigal were forced to dig deep and with Shannon Quinn, Lycrecia Donaghy and Meabh Corrigan leading the way they drew level and took the game to extra time.

Once again the game took on a familiar pattern and a single point separated the teams at the break with Errigal leading 2-15 to 3-11. Both sides were beginning to tire and the pace of the game dropped meaning there were less scoring chances created.

Errigal defended stoutly and kept Macs scoreless throughout the second half of extra time in spite of the best efforts of Cathy Maguire, Chloe Mc Caffrey, Joline Donaghy and Shannon Mc Quaid. Errigal held out to win narrowly on a score line of 2-15 to 3-11 and claim the senior title.

Congratulations to Errigal on winning but well done to both sides for serving up such a superb game.