The Down Ladies have won the Ulster Intermediate Championship Final.
Down Senior Ladies won the Ulster Intermediate Championship against Ulster neighbours Fermanagh in Pairc Esler on Saturday, confirming their place in Senior football next season.
As with previous meetings both teams left everything on the pitch. The Fermanagh Ladies took the opening score when Aisling Maguire put one in the back of the net in the 2nd minute.
A determined Down responded by dominating the attack, and saw Orla Swail scoring a crucial goal before the first water break.
At half-time Down were leading 1-07 to Fermanagh 1-04.
It was again Fermanagh who started off stronger in the second half, pointing the first score.
However the Down defence led by Meghan Doherty got plenty of players behind the ball making it difficult for the Erne Ladies to find space. Aoibheann Mc Carvill, who was awarded MFC Player of the match, led the Down attack and pointed Down’s first score of the second half.
This proved to be a pivotal moment and gave the Mourne ladies a boost. Some superb team play resulted in a second goal for Down by Captain Laoise Duffy in the 36th minute to maintain their lead.
Fermanagh were given a lifeline when Eimear Smyth scored a penalty just before the second water break.
Final Score Down 2-10 Fermanagh 2-07.
However possession football was key in this game and a composed Down kept the majority of possession in the final quarter, ensuring their victory.
Down Scorers
Natasha Ferris 0-02 (0-02 F)
Aoife Keown 0-01
Aoibheann McCarvill 0-4
Aisling Cull 0-2
Laoise Duffy 1-1
Orla Swail 1-0
Down Team: Down: Aisling Burns; Emily Martin, Ciara Byrne, Cara Cunningham; Orla Duffy, Meghan Doherty, Kim White, Aoife Keown, Aoibheann McCarvill, Niamh Scullion, Aisling Cull, Laoise Duffy, Aoife Laverty, Natasha Ferris, Orla Swail
Subs: Anna Marie Magee for Swail (40mins), Kate McKay for Duffy (51mins), Natalie McKibbin for Cull (51mins), Orna Kelly for Martin (52mins), Adair Trainor for McCarville (60+4mins)
Fermanagh Scorers
Eimear Smyth 1-06 (0-04F)
Aisling Maguire 1-00
Sarah Britton 0-01
Fermanagh Team: Shauna Murphy, Erin Murphy, Molly Mc Gloin, Eimear Keenan, Shannan McQuade, Courteney Murphy (Captain), Sarah Mc Carville, Roisin O’Reilly, Aoife Flanagan, Sarah Britton, Roisin McDonald, Aisling Maguire, Niamh Mc Manus, Eimear Smyth, Aisling O’Brien, Donna Owens, Joanne Doonan, Sarah McCausland, Ciara Clarke, Dee Curran, Nuala Curran, Dearbhla Duffy, Shanna Cassidy, Sarah-Jane Jones, Erica Douglas, Donna Feeley, Loura Grew, Caiti Boyle, Brenda Bannon, & Cliodhna Martin.
