Tourlestrane’s Connacht glory
Connacht Junior Ladies Football Final –
TOURLESTRANE 3-12 NAOMH ANNA LEITIR MÓIR 1-15
FOR the first time since 2009, Sligo claimed Connacht Ladies Football club silverware on Saturday as Tourlestrane continued their memorable campaign with victory over Galway’s Naomh Anna Leitir Moir. First half goals for Laura Surlis and a Katie Walsh penalty gave David Bailey’s side the initiative with the wind on a blustery day. But when Walsh picked out the unmarked Nikki Brennan just before the three-quarter mark, Tourlestrane were set for victory.
The elements were going to be a major factor and after going behind to an early Riona Ni Fhlatharta point, the green and gold started controlling matters.
Walsh dictated play around the 40 and set up Grainne Carty for two white flags by before the latter made it 0-3 to 0-1 on 11 minutes. The Sligo team’s link up play was catching out Naomh Anna Leitir Moir and they threatened to break through Naomh Anna and finally managed the first goal on 14 minutes.
Sarah Cunney was testing the Galway side’s rearguard and her pass picked out Laura Surlis who hit the net on 14 minutes.
Five separated the teams and Tourlestrane went for the jugular. Cunney and Tara Walsh again set up Surlis who was taken down Leitir Moir keeper Caoimhe Ni Laoi.
Referee Kevin Corcoran took his time making what looked a straight forward decision but after it was rewarded, Katie Walsh slotted home the penalty and Tourlestrane were 2-3 to 0-1 clear.
They should have driven on but Naomh Anna Leitir Moir replied as Sarah Lynch, Ni Fhlatharta and Ciara Ni Ogain reduced arrears to 2-4 to 0-5. But after Cunney’s score, four unanswered through a Katie Walsh treble and Carty put nine between them.
However, despite Katie Walsh nearly landing a third major in injury time, Naomh Anna were given a glimmer of hope with Ni Fhlatharta’s goal leaving them just 2-8 to 1-5 behind at half-time.
Six points looked small change in Ballyhaunis’ strong gusts and Tourlestrane needed to produce a backs-to-the-wall 30 minutes after the restart as Ni Fhlatharta (2) and Lynch brought the Galway champions back to within three points.
Tara Walsh split the posts before Ni Fhlatharta replied for
Leitir Moir. But the defining mo- ment came on
43 minutes with Tourlestrane’s third goal.
Katie Walsh was denied by the post three minutes earlier but she spotted the unmarked Nikki Brennan who rounded Ni Laoi to make it 3-9 to 1-9. But the job wasn’t done yet! Lorna Nic Dhonnacha and Lynch tallied before Carty made it 3-10 to 1-11. But four more Lynch frees left Naomh Anna just one behind. Tourlestrane needed nerves of steel and weren’t found wanting. Katie Walsh and Carty kicked frees to put three between them. And it proved enough even though Ni Fhlatharta’s late snap shot forced Colette Walsh into the vital save.
An All-Ireland semi-final awaits on November 17th/18th away to Leinster opposition. Dublin’s Castleknock and Carlow’s Old Leighlin drew 3-9 to 2-12 and this Saturday’s replay winners will host Tourlestrane the following week.
TOURLESTRANE: C Walsh; S Brennan, L Walsh, S Mooney; E Meers, S Henry, C Marren; A Egan, N Brennan; A Corcoran, K Walsh, T Walsh; S Cunney, G Carty, L Surlis. Subs used: M Kennedy for Meers (HT), C Brennan for L Walsh (54). Scorers: K Walsh (1-4, 1-0 pen, 2f), G Carty (0-6, 3f), N Brennan (1-0), L Surlis (1-0), T Walsh (0-1), S Cunney (0-1). Player of the Match: K Walsh (Tourlestrane) Manager: D Bailey
NAOMH ANNA LEITRIM MÓR; C Ni Laoi; O Nic Leoid, S Ni Ici, M Ni Ogain; K Bailey, T Hogan, S Nic Dhonnacha; S Lynch, C Ni Ghriofa; S Ni Dhomhnaill, M Ni Loingsigh, M Nic Dhonnacha; R Ni Fhlatharta, P Ni Fhlatharta, C Ni Ogain. Subs used: L Nic Dhonnacha for M Nic Dhonnacha (36), M Ni Chonghaile for Ni Dhomhnaill (60 mins), C Ni Fhlatharta for Bailey (60). Scorers: R Ni Fhlatharta (1-6), S Lynch (0-7, 7f), L Nic Dhonnacha (0-1), C Ni Ogain (0-1).
REFEREE: K Corcoran (Mayo).