Suzuki Ladies Semi Finals Round Up

By Daragh Ó Conchúir

Cork’s 32-match winning streak came to an end at the hands of
a revitalised Mayo in a sensational Suzuki Ladies NFL Division
1 semi-final in Banagher on Saturday. Frank Browne’s charges had
been showing signs that they would be serious contenders for silverware
with some outstanding performances in recent weeks but raised
their game to another level when recording this deserved victory
over the champions. Goals from Diane O’Hora and ladies football’s
newest hot property, Lisa Cafferkey, inside the opening nine minutes
gave the winners the perfect start and with 20 minutes gone they
led by five points. Cork captain Juliet Murphy did much to keep
her side in contention, weighing in with three points but when
Laura McMahon goaled, it seemed likely that the Rebelettes would
fashion another famous comeback, as they trailed by just two at
the break, 2-5 to 1-6. That was to reckon without the westerners’
desire however and they rocked Cork back on their heels with 2-2
in five minutes immediately after the resumption, to open up a
seven-point gap. Noelle Tierney and O’Hora raised those pivotal
green flags and though Deirdre O’Reilly got one in reply for a
Cork side boosted by the introduction of Rena Buckley, they were
never likely to peg back a Mayo outfit for whom Cora Staunton
kicked 10 points, eight of which came from frees.

Mayo will play Connacht rivals Galway in the final, as the Tribeswomen
accounted for Kerry on a 1-11 to 1-7 scoreline in Tuam yesterday.
The Maroons led by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time, thanks to a brace
of points each from player of the match Niamh Fahy and substitute
Sarah Cosgrove, and further scores from Aoibheann Daly and Ann
Marie McDonagh. Four points from Geraldine O’Shea (three frees)
and another from Deborah Murphy kept the Kingdom in touch and
with the wind at their backs in the second half, Robbie Griffin’s
crew were fancied to prevail. They looked likely to when captain
Sarah O’Connor put them in front with a goal 15 minutes in but
the irrepressible Fahy responded in kind seven minutes later to
restore Galway’s advantage. Kerry continued to attack but got
little change from a Galway defence in which Áine Gilmore and
Claire Molloy excelled. Cosgrave brought her tally to four points
with a further brace and with Helen McHugh and Annette Clarke
also on target, Galway set up an all-Connacht decider.

Meanwhile, Wexford surprised All-Ireland junior champions Sligo
to claim a berth in the Division 2 final, where they will face
Dublin, who accounted for Tipperary. The Division 3 final will
be contested by Westmeath and Fermanagh, who had victories over
Louth and Cavan.

Results Division 1: Cork 4-12 Mayo 2-12; Galway 1-11 Kerry 1-7
Division 2: Wexford 2-9 Sligo 0-11; Dublin 0-14 Tipperary 2-5
Division 3: Westmeath 2-10 Louth 1-7; Fermanagh 4-10 Cavan 1-10