Globetrotting Divilly keeps champs on title trail

KILKERRIN/CLONBERNE manager Kevin Reidy praised Olivia Divilly’s role for the Connacht champions as they take aim at another provincial crown.

Galway’s All-Star nominee Divilly spent recent weeks competing in an AFL trial in Australia, but flew home to score 0-5 in Kilkerrin/Clonberne’s 4-9 to 2-4 victory over Carnacon.

The loss of home advantage due to a deluge of rain shortly before throw-in didn’t affect the champions and goals from Annette Clarke, Lynsey Noone, Louise Ward and Ailish Morrissey sealed the win.

“There aren’t enough words to describe Olivia,” said Reidy. “She is playing outstanding football for us. She scored five points there today and in the county semi-final and final she was brilliant.”

Carnacon had claimed their 20th Mayo SFC title in a row last week, but even the return of Cora Staunton wasn’t enough in the Connacht semi-final. By the time she entered the fray, her side trailed by 0-3 to 0-0.

Divilly scored three early frees but Carnacon burst into life following Staunton’s introduction in the 15th minute. She set up Erina Flannery for a goal five minutes later and Carnacon went in front with Staunton’s first point. The game swung back in Kilkerrin/Clonberne’s favour when Annette Clarke finished a goal. Despite Aoife Brennan’s consolation, Ward and Morrissey both found the net in the second-half as Kilkerrin/Clonberne advanced to take on Roscommon champions Kilbride in the decider.

Meanwhile, the Leinster SFC club final will be a repeat of the 2018 decider after champions Foxrock-Cabinteely and Sarsfields Mountmellick came through their respective semi-finals yesterday.

Foxrock-Cabinteely ran out 4-13 to 0-7 winners against Kildare champions Confey. Goals from Amy Loughman and Laura Marie Maher helped the Laois winners carve out a 2-10 to 2-6 win against Simonstown of Meath.