Late scores secure final place for Kilmihil

Kilmihil 2-8   Fergus Rovers 1-4

Although Kilmihil wouldn’t have concurred, they entered last Sunday’s Clare ladies senior football semi-final expected to secure a place in the county final.
Eventually they did but not before Fergus Rovers almost caught their neighbours on the hop.

Just two minutes from the end of normal time, Kilmihil led by two points, 1-6 to 1-4.
The Considine sisters, Ailish and Eimear, combined in the closing minutes to shoot 1-2 between them, securing a first ever senior final berth for their club.
The end result flattered the winners, although they might feel that they will have more in the tank for this Saturday’s final against Banner ladies in Kilmihil.
Fergus Rovers led 1-2 to 1-1 at the interval, having played with the wind. Louise Griffin scored the Rovers goal, while Áine Kelly, with a point that could have been a goal and Nollaig Griffin, scored their points.
Kelly could have netted from another goal opportunity, which would have given Rovers real hope, facing into the wind after half time.
Full-forward Mairéad Nugent scored Kilmihil’s crucial first half goal, to keep her side in touch in the opening half.
Fifteen minutes from full-time the teams were level at 1-3 each, with Linda Russell and Ailish Considine scoring for Kilmihil and Nollaig Griffin replying for the Lissycasey-Ballynacally girls.
The Considines established a 1-6 to 1-4 advantage for Kilmihil, with a point each, before hitting that late 1-2 to confirm their final place.
While Kilmihil have a county final to look forward to, Fergus Rovers can reflect on a number of excellent displays, with Clare Hester, Rita Donnelly, Aoife Clohessy and Nollaig Griffin especially impressive.

Kilmihil: Edel McMahon, Miriam Frawley, Yvonne Downes, Siobhán Egan, Linda Russell, Fiona O’Neill, Rosie Currane; Dympna Walsh, Eimear Considine; Sarah Cahill, Joan O’Halloran, Úna Downes (captain), Denise O’Halloran, Maireád Nugent, Ailish Considine.
Subs used: Sharon O’Gorman, Eleanor O’Gorman, Colette Downes.

Fergus Rovers: Jackie Lynch, Clare Hester, Rita Donnelly, Róisín Killeen, Teresa Meaney, Eimear O’Shea, Mairéad Hayes; Aoife Clohessy, Lorraine Kelly; Clodagh McNeilis, Edel Carmody, Christina Hill, Áine Kelly (captain), Nollaig Griffin, Louise Griffin.
Sub: Cliona Cleary for Christina Hill.