NY GAA: Match reports from the weekend

Na Fianna Are League Champs

Na Fianna 5-15 Kerry/Donegal 0-7

In a surprisingly one-sided affair, Na Fianna won the New York Ladies League Championship and a tie with Fermanagh in the semifinal of the Sean Faherty championship. Kerry/Donegal now goes on to meet Cavan in the other semifinal.

With Molly O’Rourke and Yvonne McMonigle a two pronged monster up front, the winners had a 3-10 to 0-2 lead at the break and easily cantered to the finish in an impressive display. They will now be the strong favorite for the Sean Faherty Championship in the weeks ahead.

Na Fianna had the game clinched from the start when they had the first six points before K/D had their first point. A goal from O’Rourke immediately following that score definitely put beyond doubt who was going to be the victor.

They were scoring at will, and at the half it was 3-10 to 0-2 in favor of Na Fianna with O’Rourke getting 2-5 of that total. The O’Dwyer girls in the middle of the park were dominating, with McMonigle on the 40 running at will and supplying very good ball to the inside forwards.

The only attacks that K/D had resulted in Kelly Roche and Aoife O’Sullivan scores, but a sin bin for Sharon Mulligan with 20 minutes gone gave Na Fianna a glorious chance, which they took with open hands to put the result out of reach.

A Mary O’Rourke soccer-style goal within four minutes of the restart put further padding on the scoreboard. Sue Bennett and Aoife Gibson with an excellent running score helped the K/D cause, but 1-1 from McMonigle 10 minutes in extended the already substantial lead.

The side took the foot off the pedal and even had a penalty go wide as the second half casually headed to the finish line.

Outstanding for the winners were Katrina Lynch, Grainne Johnston and Mairead Brennan at the back. Aine Dwyer had a brilliant outing in the center, while up front Yvonne McMonigle, Molly O’Rourke, who was outstanding and Karina Richards were unmarkable on this occasion.

Coaches Fergal O’Neill and Mark Comerford have the side poised for a title run, and on this performance they will be very hard to stop.

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Nster.com