Devastating second half from Tyrone beats Dublin

Suzuki Ladies National Football league Division
1 playoff 

Tyrone 1-9 Dublin 0-8 Tyrone turned in a devastating second half
performance to overcome Dublin in a tough and exciting Division
1 playoff played on Sunday last. Tyrone were dealt a severe blow
before the game even started as Maura Kelly hurt her back in the
warm up and was unable to play.

The Dubs went ahead on their first attack when Lorna Hillery
fired over after just thirty seconds. Tyrone responded immediately
with Sarah Connolly sending over a close in free. With only five
minutes on the clock Niamh Mc Avoy was retired injured and in
her place the Dubs sent on Lindsay Davy. The girls from the capital
then had a purple patch which seen them hit seven unanswered points.
Mary Nevin hit four (3 frees) while Niamh Hurley, Lorna Hillery
and Sinead Ahearne fired over one each. Sarah Connolly then hit
a nice point the first Tyrone score for 23minutes. A goal from
teenager Connolly in injury time left just three points between
the sides at the break, Dublin 0-8 Tyrone 1-2.

Tyrone were just awesome in the second half, scoring seven points
and more importantly keeping the Dubs scoreless to ensure victory
and Division 1 football in 2007. Connie Fox opened the second
half scoring three minutes into the half and then a couple of
points from the lively Claire Mc Aliskey levelled the game with
forty minutes on the clock. In the 43rd minute Lynda Donnelly
was sin binned. With the St. Macartan’s player of the field the
Red Hand players defended brilliantly and while they didn’t concede
any scores they did actually go ahead for the first time with
another fine point from Connie Fox.

In the final quarter Lucy Meehan and Gemma Begley found their
way onto the score sheet and then with just three minutes remaining
goalie Elaine Mallaghan made a point blank save from Sinead Ahearne
to deny a definite goal. A minute later Sarah Connolly then hit
an insurance score when she fired over a free from all off forty
metres. Tyrone held out for a great win and with victory has ensured
relegation for the Dubs.

Scorers Tyrone – S. Connolly 1-3, C. Fox 0-2, C. Mc Aliskey 0-2
L. Meehan 0-1 and G. Begley 0-1

Dublin – M. Nevin 0-4, L. Hillery 0-2, S. Ahearne 0-1 and N. Hurley
0-1

Referee – C. Haughney (Carlow)