NEIGHBOURS CONTEST INTERMEDIATE DECIDER

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AIB INTERMEDAITE CLUB FINAL

Brigid O Neill’s v Knockbride

For the second year in a row its Monaghan v Cavan in the intermediate club final as Brigid O’Neill’s meet Knockbride.

Brigid O ‘Neill’s had lost the last two county finals by a point, so it was third time lucky for them this year. The team is an amalgamation of St. Brigid’s (Ballybay/Drumhowan) and neighbours Doohamlet O’Neill’s hence the name.

BON go into the final full of confidence after two home victories over Aghyaran and Eoghan Rua in the quarter finals and semi finals respectively. This is unknown territory for many of the BOD girls, and they have adapted well.

In the quarter final against Aghyaran, the Tyrone girls led at the break 1-7 to 1-3 but the home side turned in a storming second half to win it 5-10 to 1-9, Jane Drury the chief tormentor.

That win set up another home game against Eoghan Rua of Derry. This was a much tighter affair with BON winning 0-11 to 0-8. Sadhbh Mc Elearney did a great job marshalling the defence while captain Megan Millar along with Drury and Michaela Mc Cabe caused the Eoghan Rua defence all sorts of problems.

Knockbride are the only side competing this weekend who had to play a preliminary round game and have scored goals in all three outings.

The first day out, away to Carryduff they turned in a powerful display, winning 2-15 to 1-4. That set up a semi final with Fanad, a four-hour trip from Canningstown. Taking no chances of being late the team stayed in Donegal the night before. Well rested they beat the Tir Chonaill champions 1-8 to 0-4.

A massive crowd turned out for their semi final against Lisnaskea and they were not disappointed. The Breffni girls dominated from start to finish, winning 3-15 to 0-1. Abbi Connor was on fire, scoring 1-7 while 16-year-old wing forward Gia Mc Cabe also contributed four points from play.   Corner forward on the day was Rebecca Davey, a sister of Dublin great Lyndsey.

This one is too close to call however Knockbride’s big win over Lisnaskea didn’t do their defence any favours. BON will be stern opposition. This one will go right to the wire.