Ardboe Edge Tyrone Intermediate Final Replay

Patrick Fahy and Co Solicitors Tyrone Intermediate football final

Ardboe O Donavan Rossa 2-11

Dromore St Dympnas 1-13

 

Ardboe’s self belief that saw them over the line in a pulsating championship semi-final replay earlier this year was again evident at Greencastle on Saturday as they finally clinched a championship title, Louise Daly’s side edged out Dromore but they were forced to the pin of their collars in the latter stages after a penalty from Louise McCann pulled the St Dympna’s right back into the contest.

Dromore carved out several clear cut chances in the final ten minutes but as Emma Smyth continued to tag on scores they could just not final a crucial three pointer, it was nerve jangling stuff but credit to Ardboe they were composed and even when they looked compromised they stood firm, Karen Quinn and Ailish Devlin particularly impressive in the closing stages.

 

The onus was on Smyth, Ciara McMahon and Shauna McNabb to deliver for Dromore while  Claire Muldoon and Hannah Quinn dominated the midfield sector for the Rossas, it was from there that the foundations were laid for a memorable win, far from a classic it was still an entertaining tie on a decent sod.

Karen Quinn had indeed put in a powerhouse performance on the half back line, Hannah Lydon, Niamh Teague and Ally Martin were always wanting to have a go and there lay the difference, Ardboe just had more to offer up front and the chances that game their way, in the main were taken. They were guilty though of some poor wides over the hour.

 

Both sides carved out early chances, traded early scores and worked hard, Lydon, Teague and Caiomhe Coney  were of the mark for Ardboe with Shauna McNabb and 0-2 from Smyth for Dromore.

Ardboe found the net just on the quarter hour mark  Lydon  finished well through a crowded square. Niamh Teague adding a quick following point.

The Dromore response was immediate, Smyth added frees and Mc Mahon hit a fine point on twenty five minutes to leave one between them. A well worked opportune goal opened the gap to four again though full back Ailish Devlin  on hand to react when Annie Devlin’s shot after a good build up rattled the upright, Devlin collected and drilled the ball low past O’Brien. Dromore came back again , Smyth and Rebecca O’Brien landed late points separated by another Teague point for the Rossa’s.

Ardboe were back in control within minutes of the restart, Teague,  midfielder Claire Muldoon , Annie Devlin and substitute Rebekah Forbes left it 2-9 to 0-10, Devlin picking up a nasty knock too. Smyth keept Dromore in the tie with two fine points from play, the wee forward was inspirational at times , McMahon and Catherine McNabb continued to carve open Ardboe on more than one ocassion

Dromore got a real lifeline on the twenty minute mark of the second period, Ciara Teague’s stinging shot was goalbound but was blocked by a foot, the resultant penalty was well placed past Mallaghan  by McCann, a quick Smyth free left it a one point game. Lydon  opened the gap again landing a great point from distance despite carrying a knock

The scene was set for a dramatic climax, Ciara Teague went in on goal, her effort cleared and Dromore squandered further chances although Smyth and Teague exchanged further points, the West Tyrones sides hopes were gone though as the combined forces of McMahon, Teague and Smyth could not force a goal,  Smyth added a late point but there was hardly time for the kick out with wild celebrations for Ardboe so often the nearly girls, they had arrived.

 

Ardboe: Hannah Lydon 1-2, Niamh Teague 0-5,  Ailish Devlin 1-0.Caiomhe Coney, Annie Devlin, Clare Muldoon, Rebekah Forbes 0-1 apiece

Dromore: Emma Smyth 0-10, Louise McCann 1-0, Shauna McNabb, Ciara McMahon, Rebecca O’Brien 0-1 apiece