Fermanagh 2-9 Wicklow 0-12

 

Fermanagh secured the All Ireland Ladies Junior Champiomnship title with a 2-9 to 0-12 victory over Wickow in Parnell Park today.

Goals from Roisin McDonald and Eimear Smyth proved decisive for Jonny Garrity's side as they made up for the disappointment of losing last year's final to Louth.

Fermanagh got off to the perfect start to the contest as Roisin McDonald palmed to the net in the opening seconds before Aoife Flanagan quickly followed up with a point.

Indeed, with Joanne Doonan and Smyth firing over points Fermanagh led 1-03 to 0-01 after five minutes.

However, Wicklow finally began to settle to the task and they rattled off the next four points from Laura Hogan, Meadhbh Deeney and Marie Kealy to close the gap back to one point.

Smyth and Kealy then traded points but it was Fermanagh who finished the half the stronger and Doonan, Sarah McCausland and Smyth fired over to give them a four point half time lead, 1-07 to 0-06.

Wicklow though enjoyed the better of things after the interval as Kealy (3) and Hogan registered scores to level up matters at 1-07 to 0-10.

However, the key spell of the contest followed as Smyth slotted over a free and from the kick out Fermanagh won possession and Doonan played in Smyth who arrowed a low drive to the corner to make 2-08 to 0-10.

Wicklow did continue to battle and Kealy closed the gap to three but a fine save by Fermanagh goalkeeper Shauna Murphy stopped them getting any closer and the Erne girls defended resolutely at the death to hold on and claim the title.