Garrycastle's historic senior championship breakthrough provided the highlight of the ladies football year. A new name was inscribed on the Westmeath senior ladies football trophy after Garrycastle ended Rochfortbridge's long reign as champions at Pairc Chiarain, Athlone on August 10 last. The challengers recovered from a poor start to record a shock 4-7 to 3-7 victory in a final which was played in glorious sunshine. The success was a major breakthrough for Garrycastle who, like their male counterparts, are now reaping the rewards of a successful underage policy. With no disrespect to Rochfortbridge who have not only been the top club in Westmeath but in Leinster over the past 20 years, Garrycastle's victory can only be a good thing for the game. They have shown others the way and followers of ladies football will now hope to see more teams challenging Rochfortbridge's dominance in the years ahead. In one of the best finals seen in recent years, Rochfortbridge opened brightly with an early goal from Triona Kinnane being followed by a nice point from Caitriona Ennis. Theresa Casey eventually opened Garrycastle's account after nine minutes, but almost immediately, Eileen Forde hit back with a second goal for the 'Bridge. By the end of the first quarter, Rochfortbridge were seven points clear, but Garrycastle were then thrown a lifeline when Ann Duignan pulled back a goal. Two points soon followed from the same player to reduce the deficit further before Ennis replied with a point for the 'Bridge. As the half drew to a close, Garrycastle restored parity when substitute Shelly Fletcher fired to the net. However, a pointed free from Caroline McNamara gave the holders a slender lead at the interval. Garrycastle started the second half in the ascendancy with two quick points from Duignan giving them the lead for the first time. The 'Bridge then levelled through centre back Carmel Harris after Garrycastle had missed a great chance to extend their advantage from the penalty spot. Into the final 10 minutes, Garrycastle moved three points clear once again when Anne-Marie Igoe scored a spectacular goal. But it was immediately cancelled out by a similar score from Triona Kinnane. When Duignan and Forde exchanged points, the game looked to be heading for a replay. But Garrycastle, who had played the better football in the second half, launched one final attack which culminated in Ciara McCormack scoring the winning goal. The final whistle followed a short time later and Garrycastle joy was unconfined when team captain Lorraine Cummins received the Mick Flanagan Cup from county board chairperson Triona Murray. The history-making Garrycastle panel was: Siobhan Corbett, Jennifer Temple, Aoife McCormack, Lorraine Cummins, Sandra Keegan, Avril Moran, Elizabeth Stuart-Trainor, Eimear Connellan, Anne-Marie Igoe, Ciara McCormack, Ann Duignan, Sarah Flanagan, Mary Digan, Theresa Casey, Laura Walsh, Shelly Fletcher, Denise Coghill, Lorraine Farrell, Jenny Buckley, Lisa McCormack, Susan Conlon, Ger Griffith, Jen O'Loughlin, Kathy Broughan. The Rochfortbridge panel was: Louise Byrne, Maria Smyth, Patricia Smyth, Mary Maguire, Lorna Brick, Carmel Harris, Donna Kiernan, Caitriona Ennis, Caroline McNamara, Cara McAleer, Lisa Earley, Triona Kinnane, Carol Glennon, Sabrina Lennon, Eileen Forde, Hazel Bracken, Olivia Gorman, Eimear Fox, Charmaine Myles, Emma Glennon, Natalie Moran, Sandra Linnane, Jacinta Leavy, Lorraine Healy. Loman's capture intermediate crown A year on from their junior championship success, St. Loman's were crowned intermediate champions following an emphatic 7-4 to 1-3 triumph over Moate at Pairc Chiarain, Athlone on August 10 last. It is a measure of Loman's rapid improvement that they have now jumped two grades in the same number of years. At this rate of progress, they could win a senior championship in the not too distant future. The final opened promisingly for Moate who had the first score from Edel O'Connor. It took Loman's nine minutes to open their account through Rhona Murtagh, but soon afterwards, the floodgates opened and in an eight-minute spell, the Mullingar side scored four goals to effectively end the game as a contest. A further point left Loman's perched on a commanding 4-2 to 0-1 interval lead. The second half began as the first half had ended with Loman's putting on an exhibition and adding a further 2-1 in the opening 15 minutes. To their credit, Moate mounted a mini-revival which yielded two points a goal from an Amy Hopkins penalty and Loman's scored an unanswered 1-1 in the closing stages to add gloss to the scoreline. The victorious St. Loman's panel was: Aisling Layde, Elaine Galvin, Aoife Davitt, Claire Gorman, Aileen Martin, Andrea Martin, Cathy Haslin, Amy Matthews, Rhona Murtagh, Emma Martin, Janine Cosgrave, Laura Newman, Stephanie Kelly, Leona Archibald, Cait Flanagan, Lisa Owens, Antoinette Savage, Ciara Byrne, Sue-Ann McGrath, Michelle Colgan, Ailbhe O'Reilly, Catherine Kelly. The Moate squad was: Evelyn Forde, Sarah Tone, Triona Murray, Jillian Cassells, Caitriona Gavin, Michelle Malone, Sandra Mullen, Aoife McCormack, Deirdre Crossan, Triona Geoghegan, Olive Colgan, Edel O'Connor, Patrice Keogh, Helen Martin, Carol Butler, Gillian Johnston, Stephanie Meehan, Aisling Boland, Amy Hopkins, Maura Shortall, Delia Costello, Sinead Egan, Aine Cunningham, Eileen Cunningham, Mary Longworth, Amy Brennan, Alison Reilly. Clann Gaels take junior title The emerging force that is Clann Gaels captured their first adult title on August 10 last when they defeated Ballycomoyle by 3-12 to 4-2 in an exciting junior championship final at Pairc Chiarain. While the Bunbrosna/Multyfarnham combination deserved their success, Ballycomoyle never gave up and battled until the final whistle. The Gaels got off to a fine start with Roisin Brennan and Aimee Barrett shooting over early points. But they were rocked back on their heels in the fifth minute when Helen Coyle goaled from the penalty spot for Ballycomoyle. The following 15 minutes saw Clann Gaels outscore their opponents by 0-4 to 0-2 and when Sarah Tormey raised their first green flag, they were looking comfortable. However, a Joanne Walsh goal left the half-time score at 1-8 to 2-2. The Gaels stretched their lead on the restart when the impressive Aisling Keary scored 1-2 without reply. But Ballycomoyle hit back with goals from Carla Smith and Sabrian Dermody to reduce the deficit to just two points. The result remained in doubt until a late goal from Tormey put the seal on Clan's historic victory. The Clann Gaels panel was: Carmel Farrell, Caroline Finnan, Helena Farrell, Assumpta Keary, Chrissie Foley, Emily Beglan, Sarah Mescall, Denise Duignan, Anne-Marie Browne, Sarah Tormey, Roisin Brennan, Avril Whitney, Aimee Barrett, Aisling Keary, Sharon Donnelly, Fiona McCabe, Olive Monaghan, Anne-Marie McGowan, Karen Browne, Nicola Yourell, Laura Menton, Miriam Kearney, Avril Orme. The Ballycomoyle squad was: Mary Quinn, Deirdre Lynch, Elizabeth Hannon, Patricia Taaffe, Siobhan Murphy, Betty Smyth, Rachel Renehan, Orlene Smith, Orla Doolin, Carla Smith, Sinead Kilmurray, Joanne Walsh, Helen Coyle, Sinead Sullivan, Sabrina Dermody, Abbey Ennis, Riahanna Allen, Bridget Murphy, Tracey Davis, Elaine Caffrey, Annie Kavanagh. Milltown land first minor title Milltown staged a fine second half performance to capture their first minor 'A' ladies football title at Garrycastle's expense last October. A Shelly Fletcher goal gave Garrycastle a dream start, only for Milltown to hit back with a penalty from Helen Walsh. The winners had forged into a 1-4 to 1-1 lead before Jen O'Loughlin scored a goal to restore parity at the interval. On the restart, a Ruth Kearney goal put Milltown back in the driving seat, but Garrycastle then enjoyed their best spell with points from Fletcher and Maggie McDonnell bringing them onto level terms. However, two late goals from Katie Somers saw Milltown take the spoils on a 4-5 to 2-5 scoreline. The Milltown team was: Niamh Mulligan; Grace Wallace, Maura Coloe, Una Moynihan; Linda Somers, Triona McGuinness, Jennifer Rodgers; Helen Walsh, Olive Heduvan; Carmel Mahon, Tracey Phillips, Carol Keenan; Grace Kearney, Ruth Kearney, Katie Somers. Sub used: Natasha Maher. Athlone are minor 'B' kingpins Athlone powered to a 5-3 to 1-3 victory over St. Paul's in the ladies football minor 'B' final at Rochfortbridge last October. The Shannonsiders were superior in all departments, holding a 2-2 to 0-0 lead at the interval and remaining on top in the second half. They took control after five minutes when Niamh Shea scored the opening goal. By the 13th minute, they had added a further 1-2 as Clodagh Browne and Louise Conlon kicked points before Shea pounced for her second goal. St. Paul's showed commendable spirit in the second half with wing back Patricia Taaffe scoring 1-1. But Athlone never let up with further goals from Browne, Natasha Quinn and Emma Kiernan helping them to a comfortable victory. The Athlone team was: Rachel Qualter; Jennifer Temple, Emma Conlon, Grainne Temple; Niamh Egan, Eimear Nolan, Patricia Dillon; Eimear Connellan, Elizabeth Stuart-Trainor; Niamh Ryan, Tracey Mullen, Niamh Shea; Natasha Quinn, Clodagh Browne, Louise Conlon. Subs used: Emma Kiernan and Tanya Daly. 'Castle dethrone Loman's in under 16 decider Garrycastle were crowned under 16 'A' ladies football champions following a 3-5 to 1-7 victory over holders St. Loman's at Rochfortbridge last September. In what was an enjoyable and hard-fought contest, the Shannonsiders' penchant for notching goals gave them the vital edge. St. Loman's made the better start with Leona Archibold scoring two early points, but they were then rocked back on their heels when Ciara McCormack netted for Garrycastle. Sarah McManus quickly levelled for Loman's, but it was Garrycastle who went on to establish a 2-3 to 0-6 lead at the interval with Jenny O'Loughlin accounting for their second goal. On the restart, Garrycastle increased their advantage further when an Orla Doyle point was followed by a third goal from Maggie McDonnell. Sarah McManus replied with St. Loman's only goal to set up a tense finish, but Garrycastle held their nerve to take the title. The Garrycastle team was: Karen Irwin; Colette Doogan, Siobhan Dunne, Karen Elliott; Lisa Elliott, Jennifer Buckley, Lorraine Farrell; Shelly Fletcher, Cathy Broughan; Louise O'Halloran, Ciara McCormack, Margaret McDonnell; Orla Boyle, Jennifer O'Loughlin, Janet Cashin. Subs used: Sinead Walker, Orla Connaughton and Aine McCormack. Historic triumph for Shandonagh Shandonagh captured their first ever under 16 'B' ladies football title by virtue of a 2-7 to 1-4 victory over St. Paul's at Rochfortbridge last September. Although St. Paul's opened the scoring through Leighanne Dillon, the winners took a firm grip on proceedings after goals from Marion Heraty and Aisling Hegarty. The game appeared to be drifting from the Clonmellon girls until the impressive Dillon netted to leave them just a single score in arrears, 1-3 to 2-3, at the interval. Dillon reduced the deficit to two points on the resumption before Heraty and Laura McWade replied with points for Shandonagh. The Kilpatrick outfit sealed an historic win when Aisling Hegarty pointed in the closing stages. The Shandonagh team was: Sarah Keegan; Lucy Duffy, Edel Tully, Elaine Heraty; Orla Butterly, Lucy Dempsey, Triona Murray; Sarah Kincaid, Marion Heraty; Angela Moran, Emma Carey, Karen Heraty; Laura McWade, Tabita Moran, Aisling Hegarty. Sub used: Sarah Kelly. Garrycastle coast to under 14 'A' victory Garrycastle were crowned under 14 'A' ladies football champions following an emphatic 4-8 to 0-2 victory over Milltown at Rochfortbridge last September. Stronger, fitter and more determined, Garrycastle dominated from the off and they had victory all but wrapped up by half-time when they led by 3-5 to 0-0. Georgina Fagan scored two of their first half goals, while Sinead Walker accounted for the other. On the restart, Milltown came more into the game, but the scores just wouldn't come. The south county side had tagged on three further points before Milltown eventually opened their account with a Ruth Kearney point. However, Garrycastle underlined their dominance with a fourth goal from substitute Aisling Baker with time almost up. The Garrycastle team was: Karen Irwin; Victoria Shultz, Lorraine Treacy, Marie Martin; Laura Brennan, Karen Elliott, Cara Rehill; Orla Connaughton, Tara Fletcher; Jennifer Maguire; Sinead Walker, Lisa O'Halloran, Stacey Hogan; Georgina Fagan, Aine McCarrick. Subs used: Aisling Baker, Ellen Barrett, Aisling Green and Rebecca Flynn. Clann Gaels lift under 14 'B' title Bunbrosna/Multyfarnham outfit Clann Gaels stormed to a 4-8 to 1-6 victory over Mullingar Shamrocks in the under 14 'B' ladies football final at Rochfortbridge last September. The winners were in sparkling form and were well on their way after early points from Rowena Ledwith, Mairead Parker and Vivienne Kearney. Ruth Seery replied with a point for Shamrocks, but there was to be no let up by Clann Gaels as Maria McGivney and Parker both added points to give them a clear cushion. In the lead-up to half-time, Ledwith and Parker scored goals to leave Clann Gaels perched on a 2-5 to 0-3 interval lead. Further goals by Ledwith and Anne Reynolds after the restart had ended the game as a contest before Joanne Rogers managed a late consolation goal for Shamrocks. The Clann Gaels team was: Selina Butler; Madeline Mallen, Eimear Kearney, Anne Reynolds; Michelle Dolan, Tracey Tighe, Christine O'Neill; Sinead Duffy, Maria McGivney; Elaine Shaw, Rowena Ledwith, Mairead Parker; Laura Conroy, Vivienne Kearney, Sinead Tormey. Subs used: Ciara Lyons, Ann-Marie Dolan, Charlene Newman and Louise-Marie Kelly Tyrrellspass take under 14 crown after replay Tyrrellspass joy was unconfined after they defeated Athlone by 0-10 to 2-3 in the replay of the under 14 ladies football 'C' championship final at Moate last September. The losers got off to a blistering start with points from Jane Rafferty and Emma Kiernan being followed by a goal by the latter after nine minutes. But Tyrrellspass hit back with points from Joanne Carroll (two), Lisa Rigney and Ciara Scally (two) to trail by the minimum late in the half. However, Kiernan then pounced for her second goal to give Athlone a 2-3 to 0-6 advantage at the interval. Amazingly, the Shannonsiders were not to score again as Tyrrellspass stormed back to pip them by a point. Points from Lisa Rigney and Phillipa Maher (two) had restored parity before the impressive Maher grabbed a late winner for the 'Tidy Town' outfit. Tweet

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