Kinawley 3-03

Newtownbutler 2-11

Newtownbutler reclaimed the league title on Sunday afternoon, in wet and windy conditions at the Bawnacre. Having lost out to Lisnaskea Emmetts last year in the final, it was important for the First Fermanagh ladies to regain the crown.

Atrocious weather conditions made it difficult for both sides and contributed to a number of wides for both teams over the course of the hour. Newtownbutler enjoyed the best of the play in the first half as they led 1-07 to 1-02 at the break.

Both Newtown’s goals came from penalties and both of which Kinawley felt harshly done by. The first was ten minutes before half time. The referee deemed Noelle Connolly to have been held back and Maura McDonald converted.

Kinawley did manage to net a goal in the first half as well. Joanne Doonan poked the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Aine Cahill. Newtown added points from Maura McDonald, Noelle Connelly, Marcella Monahan, Maria Connolly, Shannon Courtney and Érin Cadden as they opened up a five point lead at the interval.

Kinawley could have drawn level, had it not been for their wastefulness in front of goal in the last five minutes of the first half but instead it was the Newtown ladies who held the upper-hand going into the second half.

Newtown was on top in the second half but a defensive error early on cost them another goal. Kyla McManus and Aine Cahill both went for the ball, a lack of clear communication meant the ball was fumbled and Aine McManus was on hand to pounce for the Boru’s and put it in the back of the net.

The goal was soon cancelled out though, when a second penalty was awarded to Newtown. Again, Kinawley felt aggrieved by the decision. Danica Beattie was going through for goal and it was adjudged her arm was held back. Maura McDonald stepped up to take the resultant spot kick and made no mistake, blasting to the back of the net.

Kinawley did get a penalty late on themselves when Joanne Doonan was fouled. Doonan took the kick and landed Kinawley’s third goal.

Second half points from Marcella Monahan and Noelle Connolly kept the Newtown ladies ahead and in the end they ran out deserving winners.

Noelle Connolly was named Player of the Match and Captain Danica Beattie proudly received the cup from County Chairperson Ann McGrath.

For the victorious Newtown team, there were fine performances from Noelle Connolly up front. The lively forward won a lot of ball and took her scores well. Marcella Monahan was also very impressive in midfield. For Kinawley, Catriona Maguire and Courtney Murphy were solid in defence. The Boru’s midfield duo of Joanne Doonan and Aine McHugh also played well on a day not favourable for football.