Fahy and Co Solicitors Tyrone Intermediate football final
Ardboe O Donavan Rossa 2-11
Dromore St Dympnas 1-13
Ardboe’s self belief that saw them over the line in a pulsating championship semi-final replay earlier this year was again evident at Greencastle on Saturday as they finally clinched a championship title.
Louise Daly’s side edged out Dromore but they were forced to the pin of their collars in the latter stages after a penalty from Louise McCann pulled the St Dympna’s right back into the contest.
Dromore carved out several clear cut chances in the final ten minutes but as Emma Smyth continued to tag on scores they could just not final a crucial three pointer. It was nerve jangling stuff but credit to Ardboe. They remained composed and even when they looked compromised they stood firm with Karen Quinn and Ailish Devlin particularly impressive in the closing stages.
The onus was on Smyth, Ciara McMahon and Shauna McNabb to deliver for Dromore while Claire Muldoon and Hannah Quinn dominated the midfield sector for the Rossas. It was from there that the foundations were laid for a memorable win.
Karen Quinn produced a powerhouse performance in the half back line while Hannah Lydon, Niamh Teague and Ally Martin were always willing to push forward in support of the attack. Ardboe had more to offer up front and took more advantage of the chances that came their way.
Both sides carved out early chances, traded early scores and worked hard. Lydon, Teague and Caiomhe Coney were off the mark for Ardboe while Shauna McNabb and 0-2 from Smyth for Dromore.
Ardboe found the net just on the quarter hour mark when Lydon finished well through a crowded square. Niamh Teague then added a point almost immediately.
The Dromore response was immediate. Smyth added frees and Mc Mahon hit a fine point on twenty five minutes to leave one between them. A well worked opportunistic goal opened the gap to four again though full back Ailish Devlin was on hand to react when Annie Devlin’s shot after a good build up rattled the upright. Devlin collected and drilled the ball low past O’Brien. Dromore’s reply was immediate as Smyth and Rebecca O’Brien landed late points separated by another Teague point for the Rossa’s.
Ardboe were back in control within minutes of the restart. Teague, midfielder Claire Muldoon, Annie Devlin and substitute Rebekah Forbes made it 2-9 to 0-10. Smyth kept Dromore in the tie with two fine points from play while McMahon and Catherine McNabb continued to find space in the Ardboe rearguard.
Dromore got a real lifeline on the twenty minute mark of the second period. Ciara Teague’s stinging shot appeared goal-bound but was blocked by a foot. The resultant penalty was well placed past Mallaghan by McCann before a quick Smyth free left it a one point game. Lydon opened the gap again after landing a great point from distance despite carrying a knock.
The scene was set for a dramatic climax. Ciara Teague burst through on goal but her effort was cleared. Dromore squandered further chances although Smyth and Teague exchanged further points. The West Tyrone side’s hopes were gone though as the combined forces of McMahon, Teague and Smyth could not force a goal. Smyth added a late point but there was hardly time for the kick out with wild celebrations for Ardboe so often the nearly girls, they had arrived.
Ardboe: Hannah Lydon 1-2, Niamh Teague 0-5, Ailish Devlin 1-0.Caiomhe Coney, Annie Devlin, Clare Muldoon, Rebekah Forbes 0-1 apiece
Dromore: Emma Smyth 0-10, Louise McCann 1-0, Shauna McNabb, Ciara McMahon, Rebecca O’Brien 0-1 apiece
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