Carmen Ladies see off battling St Enda’s

LADIES SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP PRELIMINARY ROUND

Carrickmore 3-9  Omagh 1-6

THE knack of getting key scores at the right time, coupled with the quality of their goalkeeper Dearbhla Donaghy, ensured Carrickmore would advance from Sunday’s contest at Pairc Colmcille.

The scoreline shows a nine point win for the hosts against last year’s Intermediate champions Omagh
but perhaps doesn’t tell the whole story of what was an entertaining contest.

Early Omagh wides were punished with a Sorcha Gormley goal and a brace of Gemma Begley points that put Carmen ahead but credit to the underdogs who rallied in the second quarter.

Points from Emer McCanny, Meave McSorley and Sophie Kelly kept St Enda’s in touch, while Gormley added two further Carrickmore points.

A Donaghy save on the cusp of half time maintained Carmen’s advantage at the break. Christiane Quinn sent Aine Strain through but the Carmen keeper was able to get down to block.

Quinn and Gormley traded early second half points and while Omagh keeper Danni Browne turned away Claire McGurk’s shot she could do little when Gormley teed up Begley for a second home goal.

St Enda’s continued to battle hard. Quinn and McSorley always posed a threat while Clara Daly, Emma McCrossan and Orla Mc Namee worked tirelessly.

A Neamh McCanny point and Una McCrory goal on 53 minutes closed the gap but McGurk’s goal in added time sealed the verdict for Carrickmore.

Credit to Omagh they turned in an excellent display and can take consolation from the fact they will remain in the top tier next year.

Errigal Ciaran 2-12  Dromore 1-7

ON paper a foregone conclusion perhaps but holders Errigal Ciaran treated Dromore with the respect they deserved.

The St Dympna’s battled hard and improved as the match unfolded but they were always chasing the game at Dunmoyle as the hosts progressed to the last eight. Errigal led from the start.

Aoife Horisk continued her fine season with a first half goal and Ciara Quinn’s
major had them 2-7 to 0-3 up at the break.

Errigal rung the changes throughout the second half and Dromore did rally, playingsome good football yet Errigal always had the upper hand.

Horisk finished with 1-4 while Maria Canavan scored four points and Kelly Mc Caffrey tagged on three with the captain Claire Canavan also hitting the target in a solid workmanlike performance from the reigning champions.

Killeeshil 1-14  Aodh Ruadh 1-9

THERE was five points between the sides at the end of this contest with the St Mary’s coming out on top although they were pushed to the pin of their collars early on when Aine McNulty found the Killeeshil net in the opening minutes.

Grainne Rafferty tagged on a free and quickly steered her side ahead again when she beat Marcie Marten for her side’s only goal. By the break the hosts had a six point lead with Orla Mulgrew and Bronagh Mc Kenna playing a key role.

Aoife McGahan and the impressive Faye Loughran were on target for Dungannon points, while Meabh Mallon and young Hannah Cavlan did their best to drag their side back into contention in the third quarter. Killeeshil aleays had the edge however keeping the scoreboard moving.

Rafferty ended the game with 1-6, while McKenna, Mulgrew Ciara Geoghegan and Louise Kelly also contributed to their final tally as Garry Currie’s side set up a quarter-final meeting with Carrickmore this Sunday.