TG4 ULSTER INTERMEDIATE FINAL

Cavan 4-13 Monaghan 1-20 AET

Two goals in the first period of extra time from Niamh Mc Corry proved to be the winning scores in an enthralling Ulster Intermediate final. Holders Cavan looked to have retained their title in normal time before a late goal from Caoimhe Ward forced the extra time and the large crowd certainly got their money’s worth.

Cavan opened a two-point lead with scores from Ellie Sheridan and Mc Corry. A couple of frees from Chloe Mc Bride levelled matters and then a point from midfielder Muireann Atkinson put the Farney girls in front. The lead didn’t last long as Breffni wing back Sinead Green finished a super run with a goal. Matters then got worse for Monaghan as Muireann Cusack’s speculative effort ended up in the net via the crossbar. Another point from Mc Corry gave Cavan a 6-point lead going into the second quarter.

Ellie Sheridan and Sarah Tierney then traded points. A Emma Mc Intyre effort put seven between the sides however Monaghan had the last say of the half. Chloe Mc Bride fired over a free and another point from Amy Garland left the midway score Cavan 2-5 Monaghan 0-8.

Aisling Sheridan hit the first score of the second half. Amy Jo Kierans and Ellie Sheridan then exchanged points. With seven minutes gone in the half Monaghan were dealt a blow, with Maeve Monaghan receiving a yellow card. With Monaghan down a player Cavan went for the jugular. Niamh Keenaghan fired over a couple of points but Monaghan to their credit didn’t panic and Keenaghan’s scores were wiped out with points from Lauren Garland and Niamh Flanagan.

The introduction of Leanne Maguire had a very positive effect on Monaghan. The experienced Magheracloone star hit three unanswered points to leave just two between the sides. With 3-31 left on the clock livewire defender Sinead Green popped up to score a point and leave three in it. Monaghan had to drive forward and that they did. With just 2 minutes remaining substitute Caoimhe Ward scored the all-important goal to give Monaghan a draw and send the tie to extra time. Full time score Cavan 2-11 Monaghan 1-14.

In the first period of extra time Monaghan struck first through Eabha Sherry who just hours earlier had legged it from Maynooth after sitting a college exam. The Breffni girls then had a small purple patch which was the winning of the game. Niamh Mc Corry found the back of the net twice and Ellie Sheridan added her fifth point. Casey Treanor did point for Monaghan but after the first ten minutes of extra time Cavan led by five points  4-12 to 1-16.

Monaghan dominated the second period of extra time. Maguire added another three points while midfielder Flanagan double her personal tally. All that Cavan could manage was a single point from Ellie Sheridan however when the hooter went the Breffni side had two points to spare, winning 4-13 to 1-20. Zara Fay was named player of the match by the press in attendance.

Cavan – E. Baugh, Z. Fay, S. Lynch, A. Kennedy, L. Crowe, E. McIntyre (0-1), S. Greene (1-1), M. Fitzpatrick, D. Lynch, K. McCormack, E. Sheridan (0-6), E. Brady, M. Cusack (0-1), A. Sheridan (0-1) and N. McCorry (2-2)

Subs Used – N. Keenaghan (0-2), C. Lynch, C. Mc Caffrey, K.Reilly and R. McLoughlin

Monaghan – O. Kelly, A. Loughman, A. Mc Quaid, K. Nolan, M. Monaghan, J. Duffy, A. Garland (0-1), M. Atkinson (0-1), N. Flanagan (0-2), C. Treanor (0-2), C. Courtney (0-1), A. McCormack, C. McBride (0-3), L. Garland (0-1) and S. Tierney (0-1)

Subs Used – A. Kierans, L. Maguire (0-6), C. Ward (1-0), E. Traynor, J. McQuillan, Erin Shannon and D. Cawley

Referee – G. Finnegan (Down)

TG4 Ulster Intermediate Final – Cavan v Monaghan

There is nothing like a good neighbourly scrap to wet the appetite and that is what today’s intermediate decider should be. To add further spice to the game, the Farney girls are managed by a Cavan man.

Cavan had a successful league campaign, reaching the final only to be beaten by Donegal. In their campaign they defeated Monaghan 2-9 to 1-9. In last year’s Ulster semi, final they also beat the Farney girls, so the bragging rights are very much in the Breffni camp now.

They booked their place in todays final courtesy of a five-point win over Fermanagh. This was a yoyo affair with the sides level 8 times. Fermanagh led at the break by a single point 0-7 to 1-3, the Cavan goal coming from Keri Mc Cormack. The second half continued to be tight and was only when Ella Sheridan netted in injury time that the Breffni side could breathe a massive sigh of relief. Sheridan was on fire that day contributing 1-7 of her sides 2-11 total.

Monaghan started the league campaign with a new manager and after a few games he began finding his feet, got his best team on the pitch and ensured survival in Division 2. The team’s spine is made up of players from reigning county champions Emmet Og and former Ulster champions Donaghmoyne.

In their semi-final against Down Chloe Mc Bride hit five first half points which helped Monaghan lead at the break 0-7 to 0-4. It was much of the same in the second half with Monaghan winning 0-13 to 0-8. Eabha Sherry marked her return from injury with a couple of points and will now be pushing for a starting place in the final.

Games between these two are always close, so expect nothing different today. Extra time could be needed.

SATURDAY

TG4 ULSTER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Derry v London – Owenbeg @ 1pm

U20’s

Fermanagh v Cavan – Kinawley @ 2pm

Donegal v Down – Red Hughs @ 2pm

SUNDAY

TG4 ULSTER SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Tyrone v Armagh – Healy Park @2pm