Tyrone U14s crowned Ulster B Champions
Armagh 1-7 Tyrone 6-6
Tyrone Ladies U14s made the long trip to Killeavy in South Armagh on Saturday to take on Armagh in the Ulster “B” Championship Final and were rewarded with a Championship victory and a place in an All-Ireland semi-final.
Both teams looked nervous in front of a large crowd in the opening stages and they both struggled to make any movement on the scoreboard. Tyrone’s only first half scores came from Caitlin Kelly (2) and Roisin Harpur. Although Armagh enjoyed most of the possession Tyrone’s defence led by Annie Devlin held firm and limited them to only 3 scores with a goal and two points.
The start of the second-half saw the introduction of Bronagh McKenna in the Tyrone forward line which immediately paid dividends as she set Grace McGuinness up for a goal to give Tyrone the lead. Tyrone were now playing much better with Aoibhainn McHugh and the Stevenson twins dominating possession in the middle third of the field. However, this 10 minute spell belonged to Bronagh McKenna who bagged three goals and one point without response from Armagh. Caitlin Kelly added two goals while Grace McGuinness continued her fine display notching on another couple of points from play to secure an Ulster Championship.
Although delighted with the win and the way the girls gave it their all in the second-half the Red Hands manager Angela Stevenson knows that they will have to improve to compete against Westmeath in the All-Ireland semi-final. After the game she said ” I’m so happy for the girls. In the first-half we were too sloppy and we will have be much more effective and not give the ball away as easily in the upcoming semi-final.
The U14B All-Ireland semi-final against Westmeath will be played at 2pm on Saturday June 8th in Bawnboy GFC, Co. Cavan. This is located on the N87 approximately 8 miles south of Swanlinbar (From Enniskillen out the Sligo Road and take left (A32) towards Swanlinbar. Stay on N87 until Bawnboy with pitch on left.) All support is welcome.
Team: Caoimhe Meeke, Orla Coyle, Annie Devlin, Riannon Quinn, Shannon Stevenson, Jessica Heaney, Shauna Stevenson, Tara Donaghy, Aoibhainn Mc Hugh, Cailtin Kelly, Chloe Mc Cafferty, Roisin Harpur, Grace Mc Guinness, Aoife Byrne, Orla Kennedy. Subs: Naomi Kennedy, Bronagh McKenna, Orla McCullagh, Tara O’Hagan, Orla Coyle, Connie Hurson, Casey McHugh, Caoimhe Duggan, Maria McLaughlin, Niamh McCool, Aoibhann McElduff, Eve Loughran, Amy Daly, Nuala Maguire, Chloe Cassidy, Amy McPhillips.
Referee: Louise Connolly (Monaghan)
