Ulster Junior A Grade Final

Cross & Passion Ballycastle  3-2 v 1-4  St Patrick’s Maghera

Cross & Passion Ballycastle retained Corn Eimhear in a low-scoring final in Maghera yesterday.  The final had been postponed on Saturday because of the snow, but credit to both sides for a superb game yesterday.

Ballycastle had a very strong midfield in Emma Connor and captain Rebecca Walsh, with the Connolly sisters and Michaela Beattie excellent at the back.  A number of their forward showed good touches but found it hard to get going against a very well organised Maghera defence in which Karen Kielt and Grainne O’Kane excelled.

Niamh Donnelly hit the only goal of the opening period, latching on to a high delivery from Samantha McKillen in the 20th minute.

Ballycastle led by 1-1 to 0-2 at the break and went further ahead with a solo goal from Samantha McKillen on the restart.

They went further ahead with a third goal after Niamh Donnelly pulled back to the unmarked Louise McKeown.

Maghera however hit back with points from Eilis Cassidy and Maria Taggert and then a goal from Mary Kelly.

With the game finely balanced, Emma Connor sent over a superb long-range point to keep the title on the north coast.

Cross & Passion : Louise Watt, Aoife Laverty, Aine Connolly, Joanne McIlhaton, Michaela Beattie, Claire Neill, Laura Connolly, Emma Connor 0-1, Rebecca Walsh capt. 0-1 free, Samantha McKillen 1-0, Kerrie Smyth, Aisling McFadden, Laura Dallas, Louise McKeown 1-0, Niamh Donnelly 1-0.

Subs : Orla O’Hara for L Dallas, Caoimhe McShane for N Donnelly, Maria Donnelly for J McIlhatton.

St Patrick’s : Jolene Bradley, Noeleen McKenna, Grßinne O’Kane, Rebecca Ferguson, Caoimhe Moran, Karen Kielt, Elizabeth Corbett, EilÝs Cassidy 0-1, Teresa McIlroy, Shannon Kearney, Grßinne McNicholl, Mary Kelly 1-1, Nuala Convery, Maria Taggart 0-2, 0-1 free, Faoiltiarna Ward.

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