Goals galore open new season of Ladies All-County League

THE new look Pat Fahy and Co Solicitors Ladies All-County League started on Friday night. The split leagues produced almost sixty goals as teams signalled their intentions for the condensed season ahead.

Perhaps the shock of the night came from Intermediate double winners Killeeshil as they secured a three point win over Errigal Ciaran at Dunmoyle.

An early goal for the visitors set the tone for this game although by the break a Maria Canavan goal and a couple of points had cut the gap to a single point with the St Mary’s just ahead.

Canavan’s brace of points and a fine Cailin McCann point had put Errigal in control after the break although the loss of Lycrecia Donaghy to a yellow card hindered the hosts. Killeeshil rallied with a goal levelling things. Selena Oguz was among late Errigal points before a spurt of 1-3 sealed a vital away victory.

Grainne Rafferty looked sharp for the winners registering 1-4, Bronagh Mc Kenna and Louise Kelly hit the other goals, and the returning Zoe Loughran scored two points in a battling win.

There were no difficulties for reigning champions St Macartan’s as they accounted for Donaghmore 8-15 to 2-8. Credit to the St Patrick’s who never dropped their heads with Niamh McNulty, Ashling Conlon and Michaela Mc Guigan among their scorers.

Macartan’s were always in control after reeling off three quick goals, Joline Donaghy, Shauna McGirr and Chloe Mc Caffrey on target. They led 6-9 to 1-3 at the break. The champions then ran their bench after the restart with Cathy Maguire and Donaghy adding goals in a rather disjointed half of football, yet this was a good start for Ryan McMenamin’s side.

BAPTISM OF FIRE

Omagh’s return to the top flight proved a tough one. Despite the best efforts of some of their more experienced hands, Louise Moynagh, Christiane Hunter and Orlagh Mc Namee they suffered a baptism of fire as a well drilled Aghyaran ran out convincing winners. Aimee Coyle opened the scoring and was to finish the night with an impressive 2-6. Omagh managed just one first half point from Danni Brown but they rarely threatened up front and despite winning plenty of ball had limited finishing power.

No such worries for the St Davog’s as they led 2-9 to a single point at the break. Aoife Byrne was among five different players to find the range. After first half points Sasha Byrne found the net twice as the home side controlled the play although the hard working Sophie Kelly drilled home an Omagh goal and point, as Hunter added a further point for the visitors who will certainly know there’s room for improvement.

Goals from Laura McGillion and Aoibhinn Devlin coupled with a handful of top saves from young goalkeeper Julia Kupilas earned Fr Rocks a narrow win over visitors Glenelly on Friday night.

The loss of Glenelly’s Siobhan Sheerin to a yellow card stalled their endeavour as they pressed for scores in a very low scoring second half. By the break Cookstown led by five points. There were some great link up play between Lauren Rushe, Aoibhinn Devlin and Emma Coyle, while Rushe was also on hand to send in an excellent ball to set McGillion up for her goal.