By Emma Duffy

New Monaghan manager Annmarie Burns was delighted to oversee her side bag their first points of the 2018 Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 campaign yesterday.

"We're happy with the win," the five-time All-Ireland club winner, who took over at the helm in November, said afterwards.

"We probably didn't perform in the last couple of games. It's points on the board and that was the aim at the beginning of the game today."

"They definitely played like the Monaghan of old today and a wee bit better, so we're happy with that."

An impressive second-half display saw them beat Munster champions Kerry by two points at IT Blanchardstown.

One of seven re-fixed clashes down for decision, the sides were level at half-time but the Farney county powered on following the restart.

Two first-half goals from Eimear McAnespie and Cora Courtney proved vital in the end, as Ciara McAnespie sprung to life to hit 0-4 in the second period.

A late goal from Deirdre Geaney couldn't steal the win for the Kingdom though, as Monaghan held on for their first victory of the season.

Yvonne Bonner starred once again for Donegal as she accounted for 3-6 in a 9-17 to 1-5 drubbing of 2017 Division 2 league champions Westmeath.

All-Star Niamh Hegarty was also influential, scoring an early brace as the Ulster kingpins recorded their first league win of 2018.

In the 27th minute the sides were level but from there, Donegal never looked back. Eilis Ward, Sarah Jane McDonald, Grainne Houston and Aoife McDonnell all rattled the net, as Maxi Curran's charges sent out an ominous statement.

"It's a relief to get the win," he said afterwards.

"We've been putting focus on the defence early in the year and hoping we could kick into gear offensive. We've done that now and we're happy to get the points."

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