Heartbreak for the Down Ladies against Tipperary

SEMI FINAL TIPPERARY 1-11 DOWN 2-7
The Down Ladies Team cruelly missed out on promotion
in Dublin as they were denied by a last minute point
against Tipperary in what proved to be a tense and
controversial game. In unfavourable conditions,
Tipperary dominated the first half, scoring 1-5,
all from frees, with Down scoring only 0-1.

The second half though would prove much closer.
Kyla Trainor got Down off to the perfect start with
a penalty following a foul on Emma O’Reilly. While
Down continued to match Tipperary with scores from
Denise Maguire, Emma O’Reilly and Michaela Downey,
the second period saw the first of two controversial
moments which would prove pivotal to the result.
A Down scoring effort that appeared to sneak under
the bar was given as a point despite the Down protestations.

Michaela Downey, now playing in the full forward
line, brought the teams level with a goal five minutes
from time. The Mourne County then appeared to get
the winning goal until the referee ruled it out
for goalkeeper interference. From the resulting
free, Tipperary moved up the field and scored from
a subsequent free kick, with the game ending thereafter.
Down will be disappointed with their performance
in what was a crucial game. Their defeat was matched
by their Ulster rival, Fermanagh, who succumbed
to Dublin B. All eyes now turn to the Championship
series.

The weekend proved successful for the Down girls
U-14 team as they beat Armagh in a nail biting game
in Mullaghbrack. The teams matched each other score
for score in the first half with captain Grainne
Kelly’s first minute goal getting Down off to a
perfect start. Half time score 2-2 to 0-4.

The second half saw Armagh fight back and they looked
to have secured victory, leading by four points
with five minutes to go. However Down dug deep and
secured points from Eimear Kane, Lorraine Havern
and Natasha Lennon to go level. A Grainne Kelly
goal put the game beyond doubt with two minutes
to go. Final score Down 3-7, Armagh 2-8. Excellent
performances from Laura Jane Heiher (Saval), Courtney
Linden (Mayobridge) and captain Grainne Kelly (Annaclone
– 2-3) in the forward line will have encouraged
the Down youngsters as they prepare to face Monaghan
on April 30th.