Gr-eight win for St Fechin’s girls

ST FECHIN’S NAOMH FIONNBARRA 8-8 1-6

ST Fechin’s 8-8 Naomh Fionnbarra 1-6 NAOMH Fionnbarra ladies’ season came to an end when they were beaten by a stronger St Fechin’s team in the second round of the Intermediate Championship on Sunday.

St Fechin’s won the toss and got the advantage of the strong wind in the first half and the scoreboard read 3-3 to 0-0 before Jeni Devlin replied with the Finbarrs’ first point.

Ashley Callaghan took a hard hit in the goalmouth to prevent another goal and good work by Roisin Osbourne and Leanne Sharkey helped the Finbarrs get the ball up the field and create a series of scoring chances.

Maria Butterly replaced the injured Callaghan and Leanne Sharkey took up the keeper position before Marianne Hullen converted a great free to add a second point.

However, Fechin’s were keeping the scoreboard ticking over at the other end and at the interval they led 5-6 to 0-2.

A more spirited Naomh Fionnbarra team were helped by the wind in the second half and a solo run by Ciara McMahon earned her a free which was converted by Laura Sharkey.

Jeni Devlin jumped high to win a kickout, setting up Hullen for a point, and Sarah McGrane was introduced for Vikki Carrie before Devlin and Hullen combined again to score a super goal.

St Fechin’s replied with their sixth major before Leah Cassidy carried the ball from wing back and set up Hullen for another point. Leanne Sharkey was left with no choice but to bring down the St Fechin’s full forward, giving away a penalty which was converted.

Seaghna Campbell, Sarah McGrane and Katie McGee were all introduced during the second half, but after Ciara McMahon set up Laura Sharkey for the Finbarrs’ last score it was the Fechin’s who finished strongest to complete a comfortable win. SIOBHAN McDonald helped herself to a hat-trick of goals as Cooley Kickhams triumphed in the peninsula derby on Sunday morning to boost their Senior Championship hopes.

Most of the damage was done in the first half, at the end of which St Patrick’s trailed by 2-10 to 1-3.