Ladies Division Two Final

Aghadrumsee 6-12

Derrygonnelly Harps 2-08

A young and relatively inexperienced Aghadrumsee side made the journey to Brookeborough last Sunday afternoon where they took on the more experienced Harps ladies, in the Division Two decider. It was all one way traffic though, as the St McCartan’s ladies romped to their first ever Division Two title.

Antoinette O’Hara bagged 1-01 early on. Her goal was perfectly struck, spotting the keeper off her line, she delicately chipped her from 25 yards out to land Aghadrumsee’s first goal. Further first half goals followed from Aoife Flanagan, Laura Grew, Sarah McCarville and Sarah-Jane Flanagan as Aghadrumsee dominated all over the park.

Derrygonnelly did find the net on one occasion in the first half when Tara McLoughlin broke through the Aghadrumsee defence and netted for the Harps. Points from Eimear Smyth and Ciara Leonard reduced the deficit and as the half-time whistle sounded Derrygonnelly trailed 5-05 to 1-03.

The Harps benefitted from the strong breeze in the second half and credit to them, they never gave up. Catriona Duffy hit 1-03 with Louise Dundas and Neasa Corrigan also chipping in with points for the Harps.

Aghadrumsee kept adding to their tally though. Sarah-Jane Flanagan got the sixth goal and points from substitutes Niamh Sweeney and Eimear Murray stretched their lead. Laura Grew, Sarah McCarville, Aoife Flanagan and Captain Dervla Murray also got in on the act, as Aghadrumsee claimed a much deserved victory.

Player of the Match was awarded to Aghadrumsee midfielder Aoife Flanagan who put in a superb performance.

Aghadrumsee joint manager, Hugh Crudden was delighted with his team’s performance:

“It was a top class performance in difficult conditions. It was so wet and windy which meant it was slippery and heavy underfoot but it suited our girls, I think.”

Asked if he expected the game to be so one-sided he said:

“Going down the road myself and Shane (Manley) weren’t expecting that. We thought it would be more of a battle and we weren’t 100 per cent we would be bringing the cup home. What we did know though, was that our girls would give 110 per cent and that’s what they did.”

Looking ahead, Hugh is hopeful this is only the beginning for this young team: “We won the Ruth McGrath cup last year and the next step was winning Division Two. This is a young panel of players and if we can keep them together, I think the future is bright.”

Many of the victorious Aghadrumsee team are part of the minor team who will be out again this Sunday representing their club in the Ulster Minor quarter final when they travel to Virginia to play the Cavan champions Lurgan.