Down Ladies through to All-Ireland Final

DOWN LADIES THROUGH TO ALL IRELAND FINAL

The Down Ladies Team got their just reward for a hard year’s training
and commitment as they annihilated Clare, 8-18 to 1-9 to reach
the first ever All Ireland Intermediate Final. Playing in Breffni
Park as part of a double header with the Armagh Ladies Junior
game, a Down victory was never in doubt at any stage.

Opening scores came from Karen Keown (2-2), corner forward Aileen
Power (1-1) and Kyla Trainor (1-5). The Down attack was supported
from the back by a very robust half back line, comprised of Aine
Keary, Bronagh McCorry (0-1) and Patricia McKeown. The strength
down the middle of the field displayed by midfielders Denise Maguire
(0-2) and Aoibheann Downey was built on by the outstanding displays
of football by centre half, Michaela Downey and full forward Eilish
McConville.

Down Team with sponsor Siobhan Rice from Around A Pound and County Board Chairman Paul Kelly. Down team: Elaine McCourt, Niamh Lennon, Eliza Downey, Aveen McEvoy, Aine Keary, Bronagh McCorry, Patricia McKibben, Denise Maguire, Aoibheann Downey, Lyndsey Cunningham, Michaela Downey, Kyla Trainor, Karen Keown, Eilish McConville, Aileen Power. Subs, Michelle Fearon, Geraldine Campbell, Brenda Russell.

These
two players formed the lynchpin of the attack with McConville
making strong runs and passing off to others for the score. A
sin bin for Aoibheann Downey was the only blip in the game as
the Down forwards scored at will in the second half with further
scores from Michaela Downey and a last minute goal from substitute
Brenda Russell. Michaela emerged as top scorer with 1-7 to her
credit. She also picked up the player of the match award, and
was presented with a Galway crystal trophy by Ladies GAA Chief
Executive, Helen O’Rourke.

The Down team have stepped up their training programme since their
exit from the Senior Championship, and it showed with excellent
personal performances from goal-keeper Elaine McCourt, Lyndsey
Cunningham and Kyla Trainor. The Down campaign has been a real
team effort this year from manager Gregory McGonigle to the County
Board to sponsors Around A Pound. Down fans will be hoping it
pays off with an All Ireland title win against Roscommon, five
years on from the County’s Junior success.

Catherine McConville 0781 418 6027 catherine@mcconville1234.freeserve.co.uk