Ladies ACL round-up: Errigal edge out battling St Enda’s

CANAVANS LADIES ALL-COUNTY LEAGUE ROUNDUP

DIVISION One holders Errigal Ciaran opened the defence of their league title with a hard fought win over a new look Omagh at St Patrick’s Park. There was perfect conditions for what proved to be a high scoring and entertaining clash with St Enda’s pushing their visitors all the way.

Both teams were missing several key players but that didn’t detract from what was a tremendous close game of football. St Enda’s introduced a handful of new faces who impressed but key scores from Aoife Horisk, Rebecca Quinn and Clare Canavan eventually steered Errigal to a four point victory.

Errigal led by a point at the break with Horisk getting their goal and Clodagh McCanny on target for Omagh. In the second half Errigal pulled eight clear, Canavan with a brace of goals and Eimear Corrigan raising a green flag, but St Enda’s rallied.

An opportune Emer Cunningham goal from a free, followed by a great turn and strike to the net by Shauna Mc Crory and a well taken solo effort from Cara McCrossan, in her first club game in nine years, helped Omagh level with four minutes remaining.

However a Quinn goal ensured the spoils went to Errigal but credit to Omagh who were excellent with Louise Moynagh, Aine Cunningham, Cliona O’Reilly, Niamh McCanny, Tori Mc Mullan and top scorer Emer Cunningham (1-8 tally) worthy of praise.

The big challengers again in Division One will be St Macartan’s who demolished Cappagh with a seven goal haul at Augher. It was the Chloe Mc Caffrey show as she bagged a first half hat- trick Finishing with 5-3 on the opening night.

Dominating from the off the Macs played some great football and were always a threat going forward while also well drilled at the back. Meabh McKenna and Slaine Mc Carroll added goals with five other players knocking over points- Cadhla Mc Kenna, Aine Arkinson, Shauna McGirr, Shauna O’Hagan and Aishling Mc Kenna.

Meanwhile Emma McCarron and Sarah Donnelly led the Trillick charge as they upset Coaisland on their return to senior football. In charge throughout the Reds racked up five goals McCarron with a brace, and Donnelly and Amy Mc Gurren also hitting the net as they displayed quality over all sectors of the park.

Dungannon Clarkes made their bow in ladies senior football with a derby clash against Cill Iseal and the Clarkes opened in style. Faye Loughran tagged on two goals, while Aine McNulty notched up eleven points to help secure them a 2-13 to 1-7 win at St Mary’s.

Cill Iseal’s Zoe Loughran and Grainne Rafferty led the scoring for the hosts but it was a credible start from Dungannon.

Moortown also had a positive start easing to a comfortable win at home to Fr Rocks.

In Division Two Badoney got off the mark with a five point win at Dromore as Kerrie McGarvey top scored with an excellent 0-13, producing a player of the match display, while St Dympnas worked hard throughout the night and can be encouraged looking ahead.

A goal from the impressive Aoife Kelly was key as Loughmacrory edged to a three point victory at the Lough against Moy. The hosts were 1-4 to 0-3 ahead at the break and maintained their push on the resumption with Kerrie Ward, Bronagh Gallagher and young Lucy Mc Cullagh impressive.

Beragh just came up short against Edendork who opened their campaign with a five point win. Keeva Ownens top scored with 2-4 for Beragh with Elizbeth McGarvey also getting a brace of goals. Jayne Lyons and Dervla Farley were among their points scorers. Elsewhere Kildress had a three point win against an Orlagh Gavin inspired Clonoe who will feel it was a game that they coould have gotten something from. Ardboe registered a comfortable triumph at home to Aghyaran.

The returning Niamh O’Neill made a positive contribution as Sperrin Og started their push for promotion from Division Three with a solid win at Rock. While O’Neill shone there were also impressive displays from Caiti Warnock, Megan Clarke, Caislin Tracey and Cairde Warnock.

Goals from Caiomhe McCarron, Beth Donaghy and Joanne Barrett helped Drumragh to an away win at Clann na nGael. Dana Coyle also added points for the victors.

Three goals proved crucial for Castlederg as they beat a battling Tattyreagh at McHugh Park. Laura McSorley top scored with 2-5 and Aoibhinn McGarvey added 1-3. St Patrick’s played some good football with Ceili Rose Taggart landing six points, and Courtney Mitchell found the net. Niamh Harkin and Sorcha Mullan were among the visitors points scorers.

Donaghmore and Naomh Eoghan had Division Four wins over Aghaloo and Owen Roes respectively. Anna Campbell, Emma Daly, Natalie O’Hagan and Isabella Grimes helped Donaghmore to eight goals in a one sided contest.

There’s a break now with the All-County League until mid June allowing teams time to reset and refocus.